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The Chinese University of Hong Kong

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JS4070

Linguistics 語言學

LINGUISTICS

Short Description

The Linguistics programme offers basic training in contemporary theories of language, and addresses such issues as the universal properties of natural language and the human mind, language acquisition in different modes and modalities, and language in different contexts of use. Students are encouraged to apply linguistic theories to the investigation of a wide variety of languages, including endangered languages, minority languages and sign languages. They will gain an appreciation of linguistics as an interdisciplinary field which crosses the traditional boundary between the arts and the humanities, drawing ideas and tools from various disciplines of cognitive science. At the practical level, linguistics training raises students’ bilingual and multilingual awareness and sharpens their sensitivity towards the complexity of human language. Such training builds the linguistic resources necessary for students’ careers and postgraduate study, and enables them to make informed judgments about the language issues of their own speech community. Students are offered an option to participate in a dual degree programme with Peking University, studying for two years in each campus. Upon successful completion of graduation requirements at both universities, students will be awarded the Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics by CUHK and the Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language by Peking University. Students will not only benefit from the strengths of the two programmes, enriching their training in linguistics, but also widen their horizons through immersing in a different learning environment, enhancing their competitive edge for their further studies and career development. Students are also provided with possibilities to double major in Linguistics and Translation or Linguistics and Psychology.

The Linguistics programme at CUHK includes the following areas of study.

  1. Foundation and language awareness training:
    • Invitation to Linguistics, Phonetics I, Phonology I, Syntax I, Semantics, Exploring Grammar (Mandarin, Cantonese and English), and Modern Languages.

  2. Core, applied and interdisciplinary electives:
    • Core Linguistics: Morphology, Phonetics II, Phonology II, Syntax II, Comparative Grammar, Language Survey in the Field, Sign Linguistics I: Phonetics and Phonology, and Sign Linguistics II: Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, and Special Topics in Linguistics.
    • Language and Mind: First Language Acquisition, Second Language Acquisition, Language Acquisition of Deaf Children, Bilingualism, Bilingual Acquisition,  Psycholinguistics, Neurolinguistics and Special Topics in Language and Mind.
    • Language and Culture, and Linguistic Applications: Sociolinguistics, Language Disorders, Linguistics and Information Technology, Introduction to Sign Language and Bimodal Bilingualism, Sign Language in Education, Introduction to Sign Language Interpreting, and Special Topics in Applied Linguistics.

  3. Research capability development:
    • Linguistic Argumentation I and II, Quantitative Methods for Linguistics, Research Practicum I and II, and Research Project I and II.

Upon completing the programme, students will have:

  1. attained a body of knowledge about theories of language and language acquisition as well as the associated methods of analysis;
  2. attained a body of knowledge about the relationship between theoretical linguistics and linguistics applied to other disciplinary studies;
  3. attained a sharpened awareness of the languages used in the local community through their abilities in analysing, primarily but not exclusively, English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, in particular how these languages are structured and acquired as a linguistic system, and how they function socio-linguistically in the local community, the region and the world;
  4. attained analytical and critical thinking capabilities and a sufficient set of research skills for work and postgraduate study;
  5. attained high proficiency in English, Cantonese and written Chinese for the purpose of effective communication in academic discourse and the professional workplace, and at least functional proficiency in Putonghua;
  6. developed an appreciation and knowledge of Modern Languages for intercultural communication; and
  7. gained regional and/or international experience, nurturing their personal, intellectual and professional acumen.

Remarks:
For details of the undergraduate curriculum, please click here.

Requirements

  • Programme Entrance Requirements
  • General Entrance Requirements
Core Subjects Minimum Level
CHINESE LANGUAGE 3
CITIZENSHIP AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Attained
ENGLISH LANGUAGE 3
MATHEMATICS COMPULSORY PART 2
Elective Subject(s) Minimum Level
ANY 2 SUBJECTSNOTE 3
NOTE: The two subjects may include:
(i) 2 elective subjects; or
(ii) 1 elective subject and Mathematics (Extended Part) Module I or Module II.
Core Subjects Minimum Level
CHINESE LANGUAGENote1 3
CITIZENSHIP AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTNote2 Attained
ENGLISH LANGUAGE 3
MATHEMATICS COMPULSORY PART 2
Elective Subject(s) Minimum Level
ANY 2 SUBJECTSNote3 3
Note 1
Applicants with very special circumstances may be granted waivers of this requirement on a case-by-case basis. For details, please click here.

Note 2:
For Liberal Studies (LS) subject taken in 2023 or before, a Level 2 or above will be considered as “Attained” in Citizenship and Social Development. The LS level will not be considered in the calculation of admission scores.

Note 3:
The two subjects may include:
(i) 2 elective subjects; or
(ii) 1 elective subject and Mathematics (Extended Part) Module I or Module II or Other Language subjects (Grade E or above).
(iii) For Integrated Science or Combined Science subject(s) taken in 2023 or before, a Level 3 or above will be considered as an unspecified elective subject where applicable.

Note 4:
"Attained with Distinction I/II" in Applied Learning subjects will be accepted by some programmes as an extra subject for awarding bonus points. For details, please click here.     

Calculation of scores for applicants with more than 1 sitting in HKDSE Examination

Most programmes offered by CUHK consider the best results in the same subject taken by a candidate in more than one sitting of HKDSE.  Some programmes may have specific arrangements and the admission scores of candidates seeking admission on the strength of results from more than one sitting of HKDSE may be adjusted.  Details of calculation of scores in more than one sitting of HKDSE for the 2024-25 entry will be finalised and posted at the admissions website (admission.cuhk.edu.hk).

First Year Tuition Fee

HK$ 42,100

Contacts

Enquiries:

Email: lin@cuhk.edu.hk

Tel: 852 3943 7911

Statistics

Application Statistics (after Modification of Programme Choices)

Year Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Total
2023 212 213 366 504 483 1778
2022 178 233 362 561 462 1796
2021 135 222 389 559 463 1768
2020 141 167 339 472 384 1503
2019 147 220 350 496 484 1697
2018 199 226 416 567 512 1920
2017 105 146 289 425 392 1357
2016 84 119 248 380 372 1203
2015 147 145 311 490 499 1592
2014 138 168 334 500 605 1745
2013 243 234 413 610 712 2212
2012 165 216 444 731 735 2291

Offer Statistics (as at the Announcement of the Main Round Offer Results)

Year Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Total
2023 25 0 0 0 0 25
2022 25 0 0 0 0 25
2021 20 0 0 0 0 20
2020 19 0 0 0 0 19
2019 20 0 0 0 0 20
2018 20 0 0 0 0 20
2017 21 0 0 0 0 21
2016 22 0 0 0 0 22
2015 19 0 0 0 0 19
2014 20 0 0 0 0 20
2013 19 0 0 0 0 19
2012 18 2 0 0 0 20