Comparative Linguistics

Linguistics is the scientific study of language. Comparative Linguistics is the study of human language as a species-specific phenomenon in all facets of its occurrences. Why are languages the way they are? How come there are both remarkable similarities and extreme differences in the languages of the world? How do languages change?  Comparative Linguistics is chiefly interested in general patterns that shape each and every language, both in their current structure (synchrony) and in their historical developments (diachrony). In other words, Comparative Linguistics is a discipline that seeks to formulate general principles of language. As such it differs from language-specific programs like German Studies, Slavic Studies, etc. (in German: Germanistik, Slawistik, etc.), which seek to understand an individual language in itself.

This program offers a broad comparative approach to languages and language. Its particular strength lies in the combination of General Linguistics/Typology, Anthropological Linguistics, Indo-European Studies and Neuro-/Psycholinguistics.

A masters degree in Comparative Linguistics will equip you with the specialist linguistic knowledge required to analyze language from a historical, typological, documentary, psycholinguistic, and neurolinguistic perspective. You will have gained advanced knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analytical methods, and experience in the interdisciplinary presentation of research and its findings. You will learn how to design and conduct an independent research project in comparative language research.

The Master program Comparative Linguistics is currently offered as a Minor program (30 ECTS). A corresponding Major program (90 ECTS) will open in Fall 2025.

The language of instruction is English.