I've mentioned before that I don't like linguistics, but as my feelings towards the subject are once again enflamed, and there is no other outlet than this blog, I'll continue on the subject.
What is linguistics? In general, it is the study of sounds, signs and signifiers that make up language. It is the study of language (ie vocal communication) in and of itself. Not an actual language per se - not grammar or spelling, but processes that make language possible.
Linguistics is a pretty recent field. Its increased popularity is due to the internationally recognized need to communicate in a global society. English is becoming the 'international language', and many countries, hoping to speed up their English-learning-programs, are focusing on linguistics - studying why and how students make mistakes, for example, in order to help them avoid those mistakes. This may seem like a smart move.
It is not.
Languages have been learned for hundreds of years. There are many ways to learn a language, but sustained immersion is the way to go (repetition, listening, speaking, etc.) It is a natural human faculty to learn languages. Learning linguistics (a field of study about languages) will not improve your ability to learn one specific language.
Because of the exciting trend - linguistics is a popular field, students abroad are studying it instead of English! These are non-native speakers, who rather than study English and improve their own pronunciation, writing or communication, do 'scientific studies' of linguistic phenomena. In Taiwan, for example, students and professors study whether Taiwanese students who study Spanish and then English make certain mistakes because their L2 influenced their L3. This may be interesting. It may be fascinating. But who cares - outside of the linguistics balloon that is self-sustaining.... the research does not make their students learn English better or faster. Awareness and understanding of the influence of L2 on L3 does not allow teachers to teach with enhanced subtlety. Actual teaching remains more or less the same, and is almost never done by the linguistic majors! Instead, linguistic majors get degrees in 'applied linguistics' and teach 'applied linguistics' to others.
Studying education or classroom management - and equally important, polishing your English to the point where you actually can speak it fluently - are so much more important. If Taiwan or Japan wanted to encourage their English, they should have government funded English schools (rather than the cram schools) and send their teachers for training overseas.
Parents who want their kids to learn English should send them to English summer camps. (2 months in a summer would be more effective than a whole year screaming and playing games in cram schools in Taiwan - well...maybe).
I - elitist that I am - am studying classics and philosophy. I will teach literature courses and not be able to apply for the best jobs because I didn't study applied linguistics. And that's sad and wrong.
