Linguistics

Language is central to our human nature, and linguistics is the systematic study of human language. On the face of it there is huge variation among the world’s languages, and linguists not only describe the diverse characteristics of individual languages but also seek to discover the deeper properties which all languages share. These common properties may give us an insight into the structure of the human mind; developing these insights is at the heart of the study of linguistics.

Linguistics at Pembroke

We warmly welcome applications to read for the Linguistics Tripos. We admit one or two students per year to read Linguistics, to join our active and supportive subject communities in Modern and Medieval Languages, Anglo-Saxon Norse and Celtic, and English. Among Pembroke’s Fellows with particular interests in aspects of linguistics are:

• Dr Torsten Meissner - University Senior Lecturer in Greek Philology
• Dr Renaud Gagne - University Lecturer in Classics
• Professor Chris Young - Professor of Modern and Medieval German Studies
• Dr Mina Gorji - University Lecturer in English

Because Linguistics is interdisciplinary we don’t require specific A level subjects, and welcome applicants whose profile is science-oriented as well as arts-centered. Some formal study of language, either through learning languages or through English Language A level, does however serve as a good preparation.

If you should become an undergraduate in linguistics at Pembroke, you will be guided throughout your three years of study by an experienced Director of Studies, Professor Margaret Deuchar. She will not only orient you to your studies on arrival, but will discuss your progress with you every term, and will be available at short notice should you need any help. She will also be able to support you in your future plans of work or study by writing letters of recommendation, even after you have graduated.

For more information about what the subject at Cambridge involves, including the views of students, please look at the video and further information on the Linguistics course page.  

Pembroke Linguistics Teaching Staff

Professor Margaret Deuchar - Director of Studies:

I am the Director of Studies in Linguistics for all undergraduates studying at Linguistics at Pembroke College, and am also involved in the selection and admission of candidates. 

I began my own career in Linguistics at Cambridge, from where I went on to gain a PhD at Stanford University, California, and then took up posts at four different UK universities including Cambridge. In my previous post at Bangor University I was awarded a grant of five million pounds to set up a Centre for Research in Bilingualism. 

I have teaching experience in many areas of linguistics, and have published research in the areas of British Sign Language (writing the first book on the British sign language of the deaf), bilingual acquisition, and code-switching (using more than one language in conversation). If Pembroke students are interested in my current speciality, code-switching, they have the option of choosing me as their supervisor for their undergraduate dissertation, written in the third year. This led one of my former students to publish a book chapter on how children learn code-switching. 

As Director of Studies in Linguistics at Pembroke I am keen for my students to have all the support they need in fulfilling their potential. I support their applications for book grants from the College, and vacation grants to allow them to stay extra time in college for special reasons. In addition I frequently write references to help them get a place on a postgraduate course or get their first job. They are welcome to contact me for support long after graduation, and many do.