HERITAGE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OKARA

BRANCHES OF LINGUISTICS
The phenomenon of language is very complex and diverse. Linguistics is a scientific and objective

field. According to Victoria A. Fromkin,

“Linguistics is the scientific study of human language and languages.”

According to Jean Aitchison:

“Linguistics tries to answer two basic questions:

what is language and how does language work.”

As it is clear from the definition, linguistics deals with language as human activity. It involves

different fields of knowledge. As it is a multi dimensional subject, it should be looked at from

different perspectives. Much research has not been done on this subject in previous centuries. In

20th and 21st centuries, latest researches have been done on this subject and the process is still

going on.

For convenience, linguistics has been divided into two categories:

1. Intra Disciplinary Areas 2. Inter Disciplinary Areas

Intra disciplinary areas are purely linguistics. Such areas have nothing to do with other subjects

or branches of knowledge. They deal only with language. Intra disciplinary areas are:

a. Theoretical/General Linguistics b. Descriptive Linguistics

c. Comparative Linguistics d. Comparative Historical Linguistics

e. Applied Linguistics

Inter disciplinary areas of linguistics mean that they have relations with other subjects or

branches of knowledge. They consider that how language interacts with the world. Inter

disciplinary areas are:

a. Sociolinguistics b. Psycholinguistics

c. Neurolinguistics d. Geographical Linguistics

e. Philosophical Linguistics

1. INTER DISCIPLINARY AREAS OF LINGUISTICS

a. Theoretical Linguistics

This branch of linguistics studies language and languages in order to construct a theory of their

structure and functions. It attempts to establish general principles for the study of all languages

Resource Person: MUHAMMAD MUSSAWAR (M.A English; M.A TEFL) 03032461219

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and to determine the characteristics of human languages. Theoretical linguistics is divided into a

number of separate areas.

i. Phonetics ii. Phonology iii. Morphology iv. Syntax v. Semantics

b. Descriptive Linguistics

This branch of linguistics establishes facts about a particular language. In theoretical linguistics,

language is studied in general, but in descriptive linguistics language is described in particular.

Descriptive linguistics provides the data which confirms or refutes the theories put forward in

theoretical linguistics. For example, a general linguist might formulate the theory (hypothesis) that

all languages have verbs. The descriptive linguist might discard or confirm it with reference to

particular language.

c. Comparative Linguistics

It is a branch of linguistics which studies two or more languages in order to compare their

structures and to show whether they are similar or different. It is used in applied linguistics for

establishing differences between the learner’s native language and the target language in the

areas of syntax, vocabulary and sound systems.

d. Comparative Historical Linguistics

It is also called Historical linguistics/Comparative Philology/Philology. This branch of linguistics

studies the history of language change and language relationships. By comparing earlier and later

forms of a language and by comparing different languages, it has been possible to show that

certain languages are related e.g. Greek, Latin, English and French. There are two methods of the

historical study of a language.

A. Diachronic (Historical) B. Synchronic (Non Historical)

Diachronic linguistics means to study the history of language thoroughly from A to Z.

Synchronic linguistics means to study the history of language at some particular time.

d. Applied Linguistics

It is the study of second and foreign language learning and teaching. It also deals with the study of

language in relation to practical problems, such as translation, vocabulary, and grammar. Applied

linguistics develops its own theoretical models of language and uses them in practical areas.

Resource Person: MUHAMMAD MUSSAWAR (M.A English; M.A TEFL) 03032461219

 HERITAGE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OKARA
2. INTER DISCIPLINARY AREAS OF LINGUISTICS

a. Sociolinguistics

Sociolinguistics studies language in relation to society. It studies all the aspects of relationship

between language and society. It tells us about the impact of language on society and impact of

society on language. It includes bilingualism, multilingualism and standard and non standard forms

of language.

b. Psycholinguistics

Psycholinguistics studies language in relation to psychology. It deals with language and the mind

of an individual. It includes the areas like language acquisition of L1 and L2, behaviourism, and

mentalism.

c. Neurolinguistics

It studies the psychological basis of language and language disorder. It has a deep relationship

with Clinical linguistics.

d. Geographical Linguistics

This branch of linguistics studies language in relation to geography. It describes the variation in

language with reference to the geographical changes.

e. Philosophical Linguistics

It studies the relation of language with philosophy.

f. Anthropological Linguistics

This branch of linguistics studies the relationship between language and culture in a community,

e.g. its traditions, beliefs, and family structure.

All these branches of language are equally important because they bring to light the different

aspects of language so that we can understand language comprehensively. Without the study of

these branches, it is impossible for us to have the first hand information about the ins and outs of

language.

Resource Person: MUHAMMAD MUSSAWAR (M.A English; M.A TEFL) 03032461219