The Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages educates students in the scientific study of language, and exposes them to the rich diversity of human language. Through rigorous instruction in the methods of linguistic analysis, and intensive skills training in a variety of languages other than Chinese and English, students develop an in-depth understanding of the forms and functions of language, an ability to analyze linguistic data in a systematic way, and a basic proficiency in a third language.

We nurture bilingualism in Chinese and English through linguistic analysis. We promote multilingual and intercultural awareness by engaging our students in third language training and overseas summer programmes. It is our conviction that graduates from our undergraduate programmes should have a global and international outlook, prepared to face the challenges of the ever-demanding work world. Most of our students spend a term or a year abroad with our partner universities through exchange programmes.