Explore the evolution of human language and speech while learning a language spoken over 5,000 years by one-fifth of the population. You will develop a broad understanding of rich Chinese culture and study how we acquire languages and how they change over time. Language is the very essence of what makes us human, setting us apart from all other species. Linguistics helps us analyse, discuss and model this fascinating human attribute so that we understand ourselves and human societies more fully. You will explore how languages evolve over time, how the brain processes speech and language, social factors and different dialects of English, how we learn second languages, and much more. The University of Aberdeen draws on both ancient heritage and globally-recognised excellence in research and teaching to challenge students academically and to connect them with the world of practice. Students will have the opportunity to include the study of a language throughout the programme, whether or not they have any prior knowledge of the language.