GEN102 - What is Linguistics (not)?

On 1 August 2014, the VLC started two more MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) with almost a thousand participants from all over the world. Some of them might be totally unaware of what linguistics could be. Here is a brief answer: A video about what linguistics is, and, what it is not.

[adiacesuprice]

Sometimes people misunderstand what linguistics really is. Most of them always think that when you're studying linguistics, it's like you will be able to speak many many languages. However, it's completely false. Me I am a freshman in linguistics but before I started studying it, I've never put in my mind that I was going to learn many languages. I bought some time for knowing well the discipline. Congratulations my brother because you've just added up something in my theory. Your explanation is clear. Keep up the good way.

[ToraRicketts]

I love the way he outright says the misconceptions about language and how it isn't just how many languages you know and are fluent in and that language is really more of an art form and the critiques of language vary so vastly. The aspects are so vast and cannot be narrowed down to such finite detail. I hated that when I would tell those around me that I had the desire to be a translator and the biggest thing I would hear would be those stating that it would be so difficult to become one because of how many languages there are out there and I just could not break through to some people that sound structure and meaning and the way the language is portrayed are very important as well and it isn't always just a sound. Having an open mind to work with and an artistic outlook is so important here <3

[khatiachikhladzewoxell]

"Enjoy the fascination of language study and linguistics". Thank you so much for the interesting video and for sharing your fascination with us, who are also fascinated by linguistics!

[gregorymcarthur]

Linguistics is indeed a captivating enrichment of my life. May I note that your introduction on this topic was both immaculate and overwhelming! Indubitably, you put much effort on providing a terrific overview on this fascinating field of work. Thank you for sharing this video!

[kulsumnasir]

Such an informative and interesting video. It's going to be helpful for everyone, for non-linguists to understand the correct meaning of Linguistics, and for many of us in defining our subject properly for others 🙂

[rosaliealbro]

Thanks a million for the video!
I'm just an average person. I'm not a teacher or anything extraordinary like that but I have learned through difficult times that sometimes I am very misunderstood. I'm trying to learn how to more appropriately communicate and use my words wisely. I feel certain this video will have a profound impact on me.

[abderrafimansari]

Good After noon Professor, thanks for your well explanation. I'm a retired professor of Arabic language in Morocco.
I'm now a student in Morocco in Departement of English Studies in the first year.
Welcome to Morocco if possible...

[Sarah-xxfv]

im studying linguistics in my first year in college and this was very helpful ! thank you so much

[khadijaelkhalfi]

You worked hard but you got our hearts. You are just amazing. By the way I study linguistics, but I dont attend I only like your explanations! thank you so much for your efforts.

[PattyR]

Loving this so much, thank you, it is so helpful. These are short bites to help me get a grasp, whilst studying for my MA in Linguistics. I will try and watch all your clips, thank you so much.
No silly explanations. No pictures of cats or dogs.. no distracting music, people acting silly and pulling strange faces. No boring long, winded, unintelligible, not comprehensible, strange dialects.
Just good informative, understandable, easy to follow breakdowns of critical points.

[rerebong]

thanks my prof didnt actually explain anything and just gave us this video's link, it helps a lot, thank you so much

[esrasshi]

I do really love the way how simply and calmly you explain in each video on this channel! Thank you very much dear professor! :)

[archileneyale]

Well done sir 👍, you are the best teacher in linguistics that i have never seen before. Thank you. Many congrat to you🙏

[r.srinivasavaradan]

Excellent explanation. Fascinating and interesting.

[jamalkonif]

I have never seen someone making things much clearer as you do . Big thanks to you :)

[trinandamahdiyahlestari]

Thankyou so much for the explanation. It really helps me well. Im from Indonesia and now i’m studying ELT in the undergraduate program

[infinity]

Sir your style, approach and techniques in teaching is excellent. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[blink]

I study computing science in college and I am about to take an elective course in Linguistics so discovering computational linguistics now has me really considering taking that path in college

[hidgik]

You 7 and odd minutes of introduction will take years to understand. But that is just an indication of the insight yo managed to pack into 7 minutes. Thank you!

[katyobchaka]

You're amazing sir!!! You helped me with Phonetics and Phonology 1& 2, Linguistics 1&2, Phonology and Diction plus Grammar!!! You deserve the world, thank you really🥰