Eligibility Criteria
Linguistics, the science of language focus on the discovery of the universal aspects of languages. Linguistics curriculums involve the description and explanation of language, as well as its origin and evolution. Several under graduate and post graduate degree and diploma programs are conducted in the field of linguistics by various universities/institutes all over India. The minimum requirement for admission to undergraduate program is pass in 10+2 examination. To pursue education at post graduate level, one should possess a graduation in linguistics or degree in any stream. Preference is given to arts scholars or those with linguistic educational background. One can also go for Ph.D and M.Phil in linguistics after masters degree.
Job Prospects
A career as a linguist is an attractive proposition, for those who have a flair for languages. Language skills prove to be an essential attribute in many professions. The demand for those trained in linguistics is increasing with the expanding of overseas trade links. There are several areas in which a linguist can work. He can work as an audiologist, communication disorder specialist, broadcaster/ news reader, copy writer, editor, technical writer, translator, publisher, interpreter, language planner, lexicographer, teacher, psycholinguist, tour operator, researcher etc. They can find employment in both public and private sectors.
Teaching is one of the best options for linguists. They can opt for a career as lecturer in various institutions that impart education in Indian languages. Several government agencies hire linguists to supervise language training programmes. Linguists are also hired to carry out research in various languages, or to work in specialised fields such as the determination of geographical names for mapping and other purposes. Freelancing also offer very good prospects.
Remuneration
Scale of pay varies with the kind and the place of work. A career in teaching can earn anything from Rs. 20,000/-p.m. to Rs. 25,000/-p.m. A lecturer’s pay scale is between Rs. 35,000/-p.m. to Rs. 45,000/-p.m and professors can expect over Rs. 60,000/-p.m. Those working as translators get paid between Rs. 50/- to Rs.100/- per page. An interpreter is paid on hourly basis and the rate varies from Rs. 300/- to Rs. 500/- per hour.
Institutes
* Central University of Kerala : School of Languages and Comparative Literature (SLCL), Kasargode, 0467-2232414
* Deccan College, Post-Graduate and Research Institute : Department of Linguistics, Pune, 020-26513200
* North-Eastern Hill University : The School of Humanities, Shillong, 0364-2723501
* Jawaharlal Nehru University : School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, New Delhi, 91-11-26742676