Department of General Linguistics

The Department of General Linguistics, located in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch University, focuses on the scientific study of human language in all its complexity. We study how language works, how it is acquired, how it varies and changes, and how it shapes – and is shaped by – human cognition, culture and society. We offer a range of undergraduate modules in General Linguistics, Applied English Language Studies and Sign Language Studies, along with postgraduate programmes in General Linguistics, Second Language Studies and Intercultural Communication. Our programmes equip students with analytical and practical skills for careers in academia, education, language technology, publishing, and more.

Research is a cornerstone of our department. Our core rearch areas include multilingualism, child language, and sign language linguistics. We are especially proud of our Multilingualism and Cognition Laboratory (MultiCog Lab), the first of its kind in Africa, which stands as a clear example of our commitment to global linguistic scholarship. We are also host to the national Child Language Development Node of the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources. We value academic excellence and engage in innovative research. We value academic excellence and engage in innovative, socially responsible research. Our department offers a vantage point for studying multilingualism, language development, and linguistic diversity. Join us in exploring the richness of human language – a window into the mind and a mirror of society.

Contact us
+27 21 808 2052
ling​​[email protected]​

Physical address 
Room 507
Arts and Social Sciences Building
Corner of Ryneveld and Andringa streets 
Stellenbosch

“Our department offers a unique vantage point for studying multilingualism, language development, and linguistic diversity. Join us in exploring the richness of human language – a window into the mind and a mirror of society.”

Our Programmes

General Linguistics

Students develop expertise in the core areas of linguistics. This program covers language structure (both spoken and signed), language acquisition, sociolinguistics, and language and cognition  across all undergraduate years.

Applied English Language Studies

This module offers an in-depth exploration of English as a dynamic, global language. Students engage with topics such as the structure of English, language and identity, discourse and narrative analysis, and the mental processes involved in language use.

Sign Language Studies

At first-year level, students are taught basic South African Sign Language, whereas the third-year module focuses on the linguistic aspects of sign languages, such as their structure, development and use.

Postgraduate Programmes

Honours in General Linguistics

Students take advanced courses in  linguistics and complete an independent research project in one of the department's core research areas: multilingualism, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, child language acquisition, or language structure.

MA in General Linguistics, Second Language Studies or Intercultural Communication

At MA level, students conduct extensive research under expert supervision and present the results of their research in a thesis

Postgraduate Diplomas in Second Language Studies or Intercultural Communication

Students with a bachelor’s with linguistics or a language as major take advanced courses in aspects of second language acquisition whereas students from a vast range of academic backgrounds take advanced courses in linguistic aspects of intercultural communication. Successful completion of these diplomas makes one eligible to apply for MA studies in the Department.