Overview

In their linguistics courses, students explore the formal structures of language (sound system, internal structure of words, syntactic organization, and representations of meaning) as well as language universals, variability across languages, social dimensions of language use, and historical language change. At the same time, students achieve proficiency in Japanese (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) and gain an appreciation and critical understanding of Japanese cultural and literary traditions, practices, genres, and great works. Integrating the two components of the joint major, coursework in Japanese linguistics focuses on the historical development of the Japanese language or on its distinguishing characteristics in relation to other languages.

Class projects and interactions with faculty provide frequent opportunities for making connections between the major’s two primary areas of study. Students in the joint major regularly spend a semester or academic year abroad in Kyoto at the Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies or in Tokyo at Keio University.

The Japanese and Linguistics major offered by Boston University equips students for work in or related to Japan, and provides excellent background for a range of careers including language education, testing and assessment, translation and interpretation, international business, speech therapy, voice coaching, information technology, law, nursing and medicine, child development, and social work. It also prepares students for graduate study in the areas of language, literature, linguistics, and related areas such as Asian regional studies and cognitive science.

Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a joint major in Japanese & Linguistics are expected to attain:

An understanding of the fundamental questions that drive modern linguistic research concerning formal structure, universals, acquisition, historical change, variation, and social dimensions of use, along with foundational knowledge in the core areas of linguistic theory.

The ability to identify and describe with precision the empirical patterns found in sets of language data, and to construct well-reasoned linguistic analyses by formulating, testing, and refining hypotheses about these patterns.

Linguistic mastery of some aspect of modern-day Japanese (phonetics, phonology, or syntax, e.g.) or of the historical development of the language.

A high level of proficiency in the Japanese language, with respect to reading, writing, speaking, and understanding of spoken Japanese, including oral proficiency at a minimum of Intermediate High and knowledge of at least 800 kanji characters.

An understanding and appreciation of Japanese cultural and literary traditions, practices, genres, and great works.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Masterpieces of Japanese Literature (in English translation)

Modern Japanese Literature (in English translation)

Gateway to Asian Cultures

Modern Japanese Culture in Cinema (in English translation)

Third-Year Modern Japanese
Japanese Language

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-06 00:00:00

Language

English, Partially taught in Japanese

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Credits

128 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

Linguistics Asian studies View 506 other Bachelors in Asian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

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Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

National

Common Application or Coalition Application

High School Transcript

Senior Year Grades

Counselor Recommendation and School Report Form

Teacher Evaluation

Standardized Tests

International

Secondary School Records

Documentation of Financial Support

Copy of Data Page of Passport

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

69870 USD / year

≈ 69870 USD / year
Out-of-State

69870 USD / year

≈ 69870 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

69870 USD / year

≈ 69870 USD / year

Living costs

Boston

United States

1560 - 3239 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Japanese and Linguistics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Learning Outcomes

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Boston

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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