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Linguist Job Description

What does a Linguist do?

A linguist is an expert in language, who studies the nature of language, its structure, and its use. Linguists analyze language patterns, sound systems, grammar, and meanings of different languages, and their research can lead to the development of new languages or language technology. A linguist may work in academia, contributing to language research and teaching, or in industry, developing artificial intelligence for speech recognition or working as a language consultant for companies dealing with international clients. They may also work in social sciences or government, studying and analyzing linguistic diversity among different cultures or providing language translation services in legal or diplomatic contexts.

Our Linguist job description includes the Linguist responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Linguist Example


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If you need an example job description for a Linguist download the one below, alternatively we have many other Science job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Linguist do?

A Linguist is a professional who studies language and its structure, including the analysis of grammar, syntax and semantics. They can work in a variety of fields, including academic research, speech-language pathology, translation and software development. Linguists are often employed by government agencies, universities and private businesses. They analyse language data, providing insights into language evolution, dialects, cultural connections and more. They may also develop language-teaching materials, conduct research projects and provide language consulting services.

Linguist Role Purpose

The purpose of a Linguist in the UK is to study language, its structure and its development. This includes the analysis of grammar, syntax and meaning. Linguists also investigate the history and origin of language and the relationship between language and culture. They may work in a variety of fields, such as translation and interpretation, teaching, language policy and planning, or computational linguistics.

Linguist Role

A Linguist is a professional who studies language and linguistics, and may work in areas such as speech and language therapy, language education and research, language analysis and translation.

Linguist Duties

  • Research language structures, meanings and contexts
  • Analyse language data and identify patterns
  • Develop and test linguistic theories
  • Create and maintain databases of linguistic data
  • Develop language teaching materials
  • Conduct fieldwork to observe and document local language use
  • Write articles and reports on linguistic topics

Linguist Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in linguistics or related field
  • Proficiency in a variety of languages
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to analyse, interpret and present data
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Linguist Skills

  • Ability to analyse language structures
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to research and interpret cultural nuances in language
  • Knowledge of lexicography and language trends
  • Proficiency in multiple languages

Linguist Personal Traits

  • Excellent analytical skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Proficiency in multiple languages

How to write a Linguist Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Linguist Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Linguist Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Linguist Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Linguist

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

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