Why Language Studies?

Curious about language and how it shapes our experiences? As a Language Studies student at UTM, you join a vibrant community of interdisciplinary educators, researchers and students who continually re-invent our understanding of language.

Language is fundamental to our understanding and experience of identity, culture, and the world. This guiding principle informs our academic programs along with our award-winning research. Situated at the core of our cultural, social, political, and economic systems, language also fosters essential communication amongst those who make up the multicultural tapestry of our local and global communities.

On this page:

• What makes the Language Studies programs distinctive?
• Language Studies, global: the worldwide impact of this discipline
• Skills you'll develop 
• Career opportunities
• Experiential learning
• Additional resources

What makes the Language Studies programs distinctive?

Multidisciplinary programs which feature a unique combination of courses.

These courses include international language education along with key academic programs in the areas of Chinese Language and Culture (Minor), Education Studies (Minor), English Linguistics (Minor), French Studies (Minor, Major and Specialist), Italian Studies (Minor, Major and Specialist), Language Teaching and Learning (Specialist and Combined Specialist) and Linguistic Studies (Minor and Major). These programs are supported by the outstanding research of our faculty, and they connect well with studies in anthropology, commerce, communication, computer science, international affairs, management, philosophy, professional writing, political science, psychology, teacher education and sociology.

Community engagement is a priority. 

Our initiatives focus on global fluency, global leadership, and cultural understanding to promote equity, diversity and inclusion. Our Learning Academy programs offer language training in both French and English to domestic and international high school students, as well as to local partners through our Community Outreach Program in Language Education (COuPLE). We are engaged with local communities to strengthen our social impact, and we remain in touch with our alumni, partners, friends, supporters and donors. Together, we pledge to promote cultural diversity, global fluency and cultural understanding for a more open, mindful, inclusive, harmonious and successful society.

An extraordinary campus experience.

In addition to the program and department, as a Language Studies student at UTM, you'll be immersed in a truly extraordinary campus experience. You'll be attending informative lectures, tutorials and labs taught by the world-class educators that you'd expect from Canada's largest and most acclaimed university. At the same time, you'll also enjoy the down-to-earth sense of community that a campus – situated on 225 acres of lush, protected greenbelt – can provide.

Other unique aspects of the Language Studies programs include:

• Students may study abroad to gain a more intimate understanding of the language and culture.
• As a senior student, you'll be able to assist professors in developing resources, research and producing newsletters.
• Small class sizes allow you to interact closely with professors and graduate students and get ample opportunity to practice your language skills.
• Language courses are tailored to students with different levels of language proficiency (e.g. French courses designed for students with no previous experience versus courses designed for students with increased proficiency in French).
• Language teaching courses allow you to apply teaching techniques in a supportive environment.
• The Research Opportunity Program allows you the chance to assist a professor in original research.

Language Studies, global: the worldwide impact of this discipline

From improved communication and competitiveness in the global job market, to a stronger understanding of cultures and enhanced cognitive functions such as memory and critical thinking — the benefits of Language Studies are numerous.

Studying language ultimately opens up new worlds of possibilities, allowing you to become a more active global citizen. To learn more, and to network with future peers, supervisors and colleagues, visit the Canadian Language Industry Association.

Skills you'll develop 

• Communication: work cooperatively with others; understand group dynamics; presenting information in an effective manner; write clearly; negotiate with others; and mediate conflict.
• Technical: knowledge of language structure and function; knowledge of teaching methodology; understanding of how people learn languages; and understanding of historical language change.
• Analytical thinking: link specific issues to broad concepts; identify key issues in decision-making or problem solving; weigh alternatives and identify solutions; formulate questions relevant to clarifying a particular problem, topic, or issue; and research topics and present findings to groups.
• Research: read materials accurately and analytically; and understand, organize and integrate information.
• Interpersonal and leadership: interact with people from various backgrounds; awareness of cultural diversity; and motivate, empathize, and provide constructive criticism.
• Critical thinking: understand historical language change; actively listen and question; analyze and interpret information; and formulate and defend positions.

For a full list of skills, visit the Careers by Major - Education Studies, Languages and Linguistics pages.

Career opportunities

While not exhaustive, here's a list of career options that are available to you as a graduate of a Language Studies program (some require further education and experience):

Translating/Interpreting 

• Interpreter
• Certified Translator
• Certified Terminologist
• Certified Court Interpreter
• Sign Language Interpreter 

For a full list of career opportunities, visit the Careers by Major - Education Studies, Languages and Linguistics pages.

Experiential learning 

Research has consistently found that the most successful students are those who take an active role in their own learning, both within and outside the traditional classroom setting. We offer experiential learning opportunities (internships, facilitated study groups, peer mentoring, tutoring, study abroad, research assistantships, etc.) that support and enhance students’ academic development. The supportive attitude of our faculty and staff provides students with effective learning opportunities and a positive university experience that in turn instills confidence, responsibility and personal growth.

Visit the Experiential Learning page to discover the full range of opportunities available to students.

Additional resources

• Undergraduate programs:
  • Chinese
  • Education Studies
  • French
  • Global Leadership
  • Italian
  • Language Teaching and Learning
  • Linguistics
• Information for future UTM students
• Language Studies student academic societies & clubs
• After graduation