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SpecialisationsAs a student in African Linguistics you specialise in linguistic research of one, or a group of, African languages. That means you will choose a combination out of the many language areas and linguistic domains taught within the department.

Berber Languages and Linguistics

Typically this specialisation is of interest to students with a Berber background-but it is, of course, accessible to everyone.

The purpose of this specialisation is to immerse you in the Berber language family over the course of the programme and give you the chance to specialise in a specific Berber language or topic. Selection of this specialisation means that there are a number of special courses you will be required to take:

* A course in Berber Linguistics
* A course introducing you to the wide field of Berber Studies
* Two courses in different Berber languages. You have the choice of two out of three introductory courses on Berber languages (not all of them offered every year): * Tashelhiyt
* Rif Berber
* Tuareg
* (Courses on other variants of Berber may be available)



Some of the courses within this specialisation can be offered in French (if this is not an impediment to other students) and your thesis may be written in French. More specific details are available from the course coordinator or your study tutor.

Language Areas and Linguistic Domains

The MA in African Linguistics allows you to focus on a specific language or a group of languages. You begin by following courses which will give you an understanding into the linguistic typology of African languages, as well as African-centric courses on language, culture and cognition. You will then have the opportunity to concentrate on a specific language or language area through your tutorial classes.

Your specialisation can be selected from a number of languages and linguistic domains-the following are particularly well represented in the research and teaching of the department:

Linguistic domains

* Contact Linguistics
* Historical Linguistics
* Language and Cognition
* Lexicography
* Orthography
* Semantics
* Tone
* Verbal Syntax
* Vowel Harmony

Language areas

* Bantu
* Central Sudanic
* Cushitic
* Omotic
* Songhay
* Languages of West Africa-especially Kwa