French Language and Linguistics

Specialisation of: Linguistics
Degree: Master of Arts in Linguistics
Mode of Study: Full-time and part-time
Duration: 1 year (full-time); 1,5 years (part-time)
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: French
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60815
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The MA specialisation in French Language and Linguistics offers you in-depth courses in a wide array of linguistic topics on theoretical and applied linguistics, including language acquisition, syntax, and semantics. Apart from applying the French language on an academic level – as all courses, papers and presentations are in French – the programme offers language courses for special purposes, such as economic and legal French. You will discuss matters of interest such as, how do language and people influence each other? What is the real function of language? Courses are tailored to your individual needs and interests.

Five reasons to choose French Language and Linguistics in Leiden:

  • French Language and Linguistics offers an array of specialised courses and research topics tailored to your individual needs.
  • You can combine French linguistics with another Romance language, or one of the more than eighty different languages from all over the world that are studied in Leiden.
  • The courses taught by a small but dedicated staff of active researchers, who have received prestigious prizes and research grants.
  • The programme’s courses are tied into the actual linguistic research carried out at the Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL).
  • We value intensive and informal communication with our students.

Prof. Johan Rooryck

Johan Rooryck

“Our lecturers have available a broad network which covers universities in France, the United States and Canada.”

“The strength of the Leiden MA in French Language and Culture lies in the unique expertise of our lecturers, who enjoy an eminent international reputation and who publish extensively. Students can participate in sub-areas of their research via essays and other assignments. They are also free to ask the lecturers for specific tutorials.

Our lecturers have available a broad network which covers universities in France, the United States and Canada. Students benefit greatly from this network: some are now studying at Bryn Mawr and Indiana University.

The Leiden master’s attracts students from all parts of the Netherlands. Agreements have been reached with the University of Amsterdam, the Free University and the University of Utrecht whereby students can make use of the full range of programmes offered by these three universities. We also welcome students from abroad. We already have master’s students from Algeria and Poland, for example.

All periods of French literature are covered in the literature lectures. The linguistic lectures focus on the syntax and semantics of the French language, sometimes in a comparative perspective with other Romance languages. What fascinates me about French is how the specifics of this language teach us about the universal linguistic capabilities which are unique to the human species.”