30 hour Introduction to Linguistics

This course covers some of the key areas in the study of linguistics, including sociolinguistics and areas of applied linguistics, with practical ideas to help you think about how the English language can best be learned and taught.

You’ll consider language acquisition and development from various viewpoints, as well as investigate how technology is aiding teaching in this field. Includes links to video clips outlining some of the key concepts in this area, along with audio and written materials so you can study and learn at your own pace. Targeted questions help you develop your own understanding of the different schools of thought on linguistics. Comes with full tutorial support throughout.

Within the field of sociolinguistics, we look specifically at multilingual speech communities and language variation. Under the heading of applied linguistics, we consider pragmatics, how languages can best be learned and taught, as well as how we use technology to assist us. Further specific sections cover a brief history of linguistics, the structural aspects of English, alongside language development and acquisition.

Written by EFL professionals with a wealth of experience in linguistics, this course makes creative use of video, podcasts, images and text, with links to websites where you can find great supporting materials for your own classroom. 

Interactive or offline? Choose your mode of study

Interactive: if you’ve got a good broadband connection and are comfortable working entirely online via a tablet/PC/Mac, this is ideal. Enjoy the benefits of our interactive platform. See sample interactive screenshots by clicking on the green interactive button above.

Offline: prefer to work in Word/PDF? Don’t have a reliable internet connection? Offline is for you. Download your course – even print out the study books if you wish, only going online to upload/download your work and access the online components such as video and podcasts. (Not compatible with tablets.) View sample pages on the certification tab above.

Both methods come with access to a personal student area where you can meet your tutor, get advice, support and full feedback on your work and view the latest TESOL jobs worldwide via our jobs feed.  

Course content for both modes of study is broadly the same but the modules are organised differently. Compare course content and organisation at the Course Content tab above.

Eligibility

This course is for existing EFL teachers who wish to enhance their career and learn more about the field of linguistics. Applicants should already hold a TEFL certificate and have some experience in teaching EFL.

Our courses are open to all native and non-native English speakers with good written and spoken English. If you are a non-native English speaker, please see the course eligibility requirements on our FAQ page. Remember you can always ask us if you are not sure about your level of English. 

We also welcome application from schools wishing to provide their teachers with courses of study for continuing professional development. 

Duration

This course is approx. 30 study hours and typically take between 3-4 weeks to complete, but you can go faster or slower than that if you wish. Because many of our trainees are balancing work/life commitments, we go at your speed and allow up to 6 months for course completion. You can check out what’s covered in this specialist module on your course on the course content tab above.

Everything you need to complete your course and gain your certificate is included in the one fee above. However, check out these optional extras:

• Additional time course extensions available if you need to go beyond 180 days 
• Global English printed and embossed certificate posted to you (£20 UK / £25 outside)

This course blends perfectly with the Global English Introduction to Phonetics course or the Global English Total Grammar course for an additional 10% discount.

It's also included in our 250 hour TESOL Professional course.