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linguist

noun

/ˈlɪŋ gwɪst/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of linguist

An individual who is skilled in the study and analysis of languages.
"The linguist studied ancient texts to understand the evolution of languages."

Detailed meaning of linguist

A linguist possesses a deep understanding of the structure, grammar, phonetics, and semantics of one or more languages, as well as the broader principles and theories that underlie language systems. Linguists investigate various aspects of language, such as its historical development, sociolinguistic variations, dialects, syntax, and phonology. They may specialize in specific areas, such as computational linguistics, psycholinguistics, or sociolinguistics. Linguists apply their expertise to research, teaching, translation, interpretation, language documentation, and preservation efforts. They play a vital role in unraveling the complexity of human communication, deciphering ancient texts, documenting endangered languages, and developing language-related technologies. With their analytical and problem-solving skills, linguists contribute significantly to fields like education, translation and interpretation, computational analysis, and cross-cultural communication.

Example sentences containing linguist

1. As a skilled linguist, she could speak five languages fluently.
2. The conference on endangered languages attracted linguists from all over the world.
3. The linguist developed a new method for teaching language to children.
4. He reached out to a linguist for help in deciphering the old manuscript.
5. The linguist's research shed light on how languages are affected by cultural exchange.
6. Being a linguist, she often helped translate documents for the local community.

History and etymology of linguist

The noun 'linguist' has a well-defined etymology rooted in the Latin language. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'lingua,' which means 'tongue' or 'language.' From 'lingua,' Latin formed the word 'linguista,' referring to a person skilled in languages or a speaker of many languages. Over time, this term evolved into 'linguist' in English, maintaining its essence as an individual who is proficient in the study and analysis of languages. The etymology of 'linguist' emphasizes the connection between language and the person who possesses expertise in understanding and interpreting the intricacies of various languages, highlighting the central role of linguistic knowledge in this profession.

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Further usage examples of linguist

1. The linguist specialized in phonetics and often discussed the intricate details of speech sounds.
2. Her dream was to travel the world as a linguist, studying different dialects and their origins.
3. As a forensic linguist, he was often called to analyze threatening letters in legal cases.
4. The young linguist was excited to present her findings on language acquisition at the symposium.
5. The linguist’s book on the evolution of slang became an unexpected bestseller.
6. The linguist deciphered the ancient script with expertise.
7. She's a renowned linguist specializing in African languages.
8. Linguists study the evolution of languages over time.
9. The linguist's research sheds light on linguistic diversity.
10. The conference featured a panel of leading linguists.
11. The linguist's fluency in multiple languages is impressive.
12. As a linguist, he enjoys exploring the nuances of dialects.
13. The linguist is known for documenting endangered languages.
14. Linguists play a vital role in preserving linguistic heritage.
15. She consulted a linguist to analyze the mysterious text.
16. The linguist's book on phonetics is widely acclaimed.
17. The linguist provided insights into the origins of words.
18. Linguists use various methods to analyze language structures.
19. The linguist's expertise was sought for the translation project.
20. The linguist's passion for syntax is evident in their work.
21. Linguists help bridge communication gaps between cultures.
22. The linguist's research contributes to language revitalization.
23. The linguist's linguistic atlas maps regional dialects.
24. The linguist's work is essential for machine translation.
25. The linguist's seminars attract language enthusiasts.