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Linguistics

Notes the philosopher, the communications engineer have professional need to know something about
language as opposed to simply being able to use it. For all these people, and for others who apply
linguistics to their field of activity, the knowledge of linguistics is a means, but for a group of
specialists, knowing about language it is an end in itself.

2.3 Types of Linguistics

Linguistics and Other Branches of Knowledge

Keeping in view the interdisciplinary relationship between Linguistics and other branches of
knowledge with which it is associated, David Crystal has explained various types of linguistics,
each type named after the branch of knowledge with which it is connected or on whose method
and concepts it bases its conclusions. These types, as enumerated by Crystal (in his monumental
work The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Language, The Camb. Univ. Press, 1987.) are as follows:
1. Apthropological Linguistics: The study of language variation and use in relation to the
cultural patterns and beliefs of the human race, as investigated using the theories and methods
of anthropology.
2. Applied Linguistics: The application of linguistic theories, methods, and findings to the
elucidation of language problems that have arisen in other domains. The term is especially
used with reference to the field of foreign language learning and teaching, but it applies
equally to several other fields, such as stylistics, lexicography, translation, and language
planning, as well as to the clinical and educational fields below.
3. Biological Linguistics: The study of the biological conditions for language development and
use in human beings, with reference both to the history of language in the human race and to
child development.
4. Clinical Linguistics: The application of linguistic theories and methods to the analysis of
disorders of spoken, written, or signed language.
5. Computational Linguistics: The study of language using the techniques and concepts of
computer science, especially with reference to the problems posed by the fields of machine
translation, information retrieval, and artificial intelligence.
6. Educational Linguistics: The application of linguistic theories and methods to the study of
the teaching and learning of a language (especially a first language) in schools and other
educational settings.
7. Ethnolinguistics: The study of language in relation to ethnic types and behaviours, especially
with reference to the way social interaction proceeds.
8. Geographical Linguistics: The study of the regional distribution of languages and dialects,
seen in relation to geographical factors in the environment.
9. Mathematical Linguistics: The study of the mathematical properties of language, using
concepts from such fields as algebra, computer science, and statistics.
10. Neurolinguistics: The study of the neurological basis of language development and use in
human beings, especially of the brains control over the processes of speech and understanding.
11. Philosophical Linguistics: The study of the role of language in the elucidation of philosophical
concepts, and of the philosophical status of linguistic theories, methods, and observations.
12. Psycholinguistics: The study of the relationship between linguistics behaviour and the
psychological processes, (e.g. memory, attention) thought to underline it.
13. Sociolinguistics: The study of the interaction between language and the structure and
functioning of society.
14. Statistical Linguistics: The study of the statistical or quantitative properties of language.
15. Theolinguistics: The study of the languages used by biblical scholars, theologians, and others
involved in the theory and practice of religious belief.

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