LANGUAGES AND LINGUISTICS
A Languages degree will give you a comprehensive understanding of your chosen language as well as the culture and literature of your chosen area. Studying languages not only unlocks global cultures but also transforms you into a versatile communicator, making you a valuable asset for many industries.
Linguistics:
A degree in Linguistics focuses on the scientific study of language and its structure. This involves delving into grammar, syntax and phonetics alongside how our use of language shapes our world and how we interact with each other.
SOME INFORMATION:
Books
- The Stories of English
- Because Internet
- Language Myths
- Algospeak
- Babel: Around the World in Twenty Languages
- The Five Minute Linguist
- The Wonders of Language
- Language Unlimited: The Science Behind Our Most Creative Power
- Living Language: An Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology
- Introducing Sociolinguistics
- The Language Instinct: The New Science of Language and Mind
- Limits of Language
- Cultish: The Language of Fanatacism
- Of Grammatology
- Sociolinguistics: A Very Short Introduction
- Linguistics: A Very Short Introduction
Lectures and talks
- University of Westminister – Introduction to English Language and Linguistics. Looking at Donald Trump’s Linguistics as a case study
- Introduction to Linguistics Lecture – University of California
Lecture series from MIT – Linguistics
Univeristy of Birmingham Taster Lecture – How Language Changes Minds
Podcasts
- BBC Sound
Websites
Competitions
The Minds Underground™ Essay Competition is aimed at students in Year 12 (though we welcome younger applicants). The competition provides students with an opportunity to attempt university-level research, hone their writing & argumentative skills and prepare for university interviews. Entrants must choose 1 question to answer from their category.
The 2025 Minds Underground Essay Competition results are now live — view the full results on our Results Page. 2026 questions will be released in November 2025.
2025 Modern Languages Essay Questions:
How will the rise of AI translation impact the future of language learning? Hint: Discuss the nuances of human language, cultural context, and the limitations of AI in comparison to human understanding.
What is lost when translating literature from one language to another? Hint: Consider how idioms, cultural references, and emotional tone can be altered or lost in translation, using examples from literature in various languages
How does multilingualism shape identity in a globalized world? Hint: Explore how language influences cultural identity and self-perception, drawing on examples from literature, film, or personal experience in Spanish, German, Italian, or other languages.