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Humanities Faculty

General Linguistics

  1.  University of bamberg
  2. Faculties
  3. Humanities
  4. Institutes
  5. Oriental Studies
  6. General Linguistics

Welcome to the Chair of General Linguistics

Due to the retirement of Prof. Dr. Haig on 1st October 2024, our degree programs of General Linguistics will expire. New enrolements are no longer possible. Enrolled students will be able to graduate in accordance with the study regulations.

[Translate to 1 - english:] Personen vor einer Brücke Geoffrey Haig


What is General linguistics?

General linguistics is the science of language. It is not restricted to any particular language but explores language as a universal characteristic of human beings worldwide. Among many other things, linguistics is concerned with the cognitive basis of language production and perception, the social functions of language within a speech community, its acquisition by the individual and the processes that lead to the changes in languages throughout their histories.

Research focus

General linguistics at Bamberg provides a grounding in the foundations of linguistics; the research focus of the department is on the minority languages and speech communities of the Near and Middle East.

A particular speciality of the department is Kurdish, the largest minority language in the world, spoken by many millions of people in several states in the Middle East and by a large diaspora communitiy in Europe.

Degree programs

The department was established in 2010. Between winter term 2011/12 and 2023/24, we offered a minor BA degree in General Linguistics with either 30 or 45 ECTS.

A Master program "General Linguistics" was available between winter term 2013/14 and 2023/24. Currently, no new enrolements are possible.

Teaching at the department is in English.

Where are we?

Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg
Schillerplatz 17
96047 Bamberg
Site Plan.