German and Linguistics, MA (Hons)

More people speak German as their native language than any other in Europe, and it is the third most popular foreign language studied worldwide.This programme offers you the opportunity to study German in its cultural context while exploring how language works.German and Linguistics make an excellent joint honours choice by combining the study of:

• a modern language in its cultural context

• the expression and creation of meaning

Linguistics courses of particular relevance to language students cover:

• the speech sounds of the world's languages

• variation in the languages of the world

• the structure and history of world languages

German Intensive language training, including a year abroad, will give you the chance to gain professional skills in all aspects of German, including writing, speaking, presenting and translating. You will also explore German-language literature, film and theatre, all within the context of historical and political developments from the eighteenth century to contemporary times. Linguistics Linguistics examines how language works, describing how sounds, words, sentences and conversations combine to express and create meaning.You will study:

• the uses of language in everyday life

• the ways in which language works across society and evolves over time

• how language is mastered by children

As you progress through the programme, you will have the opportunity to formulate and test scientific hypotheses about linguistic phenomena using specialist linguistics and phonetics equipment. Why Edinburgh We are unique in Scotland in offering students a full academic year abroad within the four-year honours programme, regardless of whether you spend the year studying or working. Our programmes are extremely flexible. In Years 1 and 2, you will choose option courses from a broad list of disciplines, and specialise as you progress through your honours years.