Studying Linguistics at Victoria University of Wellington continues to fuel my deep curiosity about all things language.

Part of the School’s ethos that I really value is knowing I am supported and encouraged to conduct independent research in the areas of language which intrigue me the most. I am both challenged and given the confidence to expand my understanding of the complexity and diversity of human language.

Here at the University, you feel like you are part of a community of big thinkers who are pursuing research across a wide range of linguistic areas. This creates freedom and flexibility when deciding what research to do, as well as opportunities to create research projects that cross subject areas.

I’ve had amazing opportunities at university to work with various languages and understand them better. For my Master's, I’ve managed to combine many areas of linguistics that fascinate me.

I’ve also had the chance to tutor on an undergraduate course, and contribute to the exciting research of professors and PhD students within the School as a research assistant.

Researching linguistics has definitely helped my interest in language grow into a lifelong passion.

Reuben says he loves studying linguistics because it is so relevant to every part of his life.

“In my time here, I have learnt how language changes over time, how people use humour to challenge power imbalances, and how small talk is an important part of workplace interaction. Whatever facet of life I am interested in, I have found that language plays a crucial part in it.

“Doing a PhD has been an incredible opportunity. I was supported to choose a research topic that really excites me and fully allows me to pursue my academic interests with supervisors that really guide my learning.”

The staff in the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies fostered Reuben’s passion for linguistics and academia in general.

“I have presented at international conferences, completed research internships, and been encouraged to pursue my passions as an academic.

“I have felt welcomed to the Linguistics programme as a fellow staff member where my ideas and contributions are valued amongst my colleagues. My experience in the field is recognised and has led to a position tutoring a course each trimester.”

Language matters—whether it is understanding the importance of multiple languages and worldviews or challenging the status quo by identifying bias, language is how we make sense of the world around us.

Our Linguistics courses cover the way we produce and interpret sounds, the construction of sentences, the way we use languages to create our social identities, the changes in language over time, the special things about how we use English and Māori in New Zealand, and much, much more.

The programme prepares graduates with critical ways of thinking about how we use language and practical analysis skills that are transferable across many professions. Linguists are behind Google searches, government policy, HR recruitment, speech therapy, as well as saving threatened languages and their communities.

Our students become part of the wider Linguistics community very quickly, including participating in our weekly research seminars on Friday afternoons. We offer opportunities for students to work with us as research assistants and summer scholars. At Master’s level there is also the option of a research internship as part of the qualification.

In my own area, discourse analysis, there is a fortnightly group who workshop data together. Regular members include retired world-class professors, active researchers from across Wellington and further afield, as well as current postgraduate and undergraduate students all working shoulder to shoulder on brand new ideas and brand new thinking.