Do you love languages and are you interested in the dynamics of it all? Linguistics might just be a course you should consider. It uncovers all aspects of languages from the patterns of sounds, meanings, languages in context, the structure of words, etc.
And if you’re multilingual, even better. You’ll be able to compare language systems and understand how people acquire language as well as how the environment around them influences the way they speak.
Useful for translators or teachers, linguistics is an underrated, but exciting career. Gustav Mbeha, who will be graduating cum laude for his Master’s in the field at the University of Cape Town, shared his experience in linguistics and how it will benefit the youth of Namibia.
“For me, maths and science were not my favourite subjects, but I enjoyed reading books and languages in school. Coming to university, I was attracted by the BA English degree because it gave me an opportunity to read and learn about language,” he said.
“So far my journey has been interesting and very eye-opening. I will not lie though, like every journey, it has had its challenges. I am thankful to friends, family, colleagues and mentors who are always in support and are keen to lend a helping hand. Linguistics is amazing and the more I learn about it, the more I fall in love with it. Hands down one of the best life decisions I have made.”
Although this course is interesting, it’s not easy at all, but Mbeha is about to pursue his PhD this year. On why he chose to do so, he said: “Namibia can do with an extra linguist!”
“I decided on a PhD in Linguistics because I firmly believe that language is holds the key to identity. Many people can best express themselves or understand the world in their own language. Unfortunately, many of our African languages are being taken over by English, which comes with its own customs. While they may have their benefits, I am still convinced in the power of one’s own language.”
And being a multilingual nation, Namibia deserves more linguistics students. “To be honest, as long as there is language and people who speak them, there is space for linguists,” Mbeha clarified.
“Universities, research institutions, media, government and private sectors are all examples of places where linguists are needed. It all depends on the what sort of linguistics you focus on.”
To the youth who are considering a linguistics career, Mbeha had the following advice to give: “You know Siri (on iPhones) and Google Translate? (Computational) Linguists created those platforms. Linguistics being the study of language is a a very powerful tool for nation and capacity building. In a country that is vastly multilingual, Namibia as well as the entire continent of Africa provide a great opportunity for innovation in language-based technology and educational materials.”
As for Mbeha, after he’s done with his PhD, he would like to do more language research “especially focusing on how we can efficiently use our own indigenous African languages in crucial sectors such as education and technology for increased access for the masses”.
Other than that, he’s also looking to help out the youth. “I would also love to help train and inspire other linguists as well as other students from the humanities. Students from the humanities such as linguists, political scientists, anthropologists, psychologists and sociologists all play an important role in the building of a nation.”
