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Guide to Linguistics: The Science of Language

Danica Tomber,, Madeline VanArsdale, The Observatory

We use language every day—from spoken and signed words to written communication and body gestures—but how often do we pause to consider what drives it beneath the surface? Linguistics, the scientific study of language, seeks to answer this question by examining how language is acquired, how it functions, how it changes over time, and how it connects to both human evolution and society. Its insights reach far beyond the classroom, shaping our understanding of education, politics, technology, identity, and culture.

This Guide to Linguistics: The Science of Language explores how language both shapes and is shaped by our experiences, values, and identities. Through a diverse collection of essays, it invites readers to rethink the language they use and the assumptions they make about others based on how they speak. It also examines the power dynamics embedded in language—how words can reflect, reinforce, or challenge social hierarchies.

As you move through the guide, consider the contexts in which language is used. Ask: Who is speaking? Where, when, and why? These questions open the door to a more nuanced understanding of what language is, how it functions, and how it continues to evolve. Whether you are a student, a lifelong learner, or simply curious about the forces shaping everyday communication, this guide offers a deeper look at the many dimensions of language.
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Brian Garrett
Brian Jonathan Garrett is an instructor of philosophy at Kwantlen Polytechnic University whose research explores the history of biology and its connections to metaphysics.
Danica Tomber
Danica Tomber is an applied linguist.
Ed Simon
Ed Simon is the Public Humanities Special Faculty at Carnegie Mellon University and editor-in-chief of Belt Magazine.
Carmel Raz
Carmel Raz is an assistant professor of music at Cornell University whose research explores the history of music, cognition, aesthetics, and theories of mind from the 17th through the 19th centuries.
Claire Hall
Claire Hall is a historian of ancient Greek science and religion.
George Prochnik
George Prochnik is an award-winning author and essayist whose work explores psychology, intellectual history, biography, and culture.
Marcelo Gleiser
Marcelo Gleiser is a theoretical physicist. He is a professor of physics and astronomy at Dartmouth College, where he also serves as the Appleton Professor of Natural Philosophy and the director of the Institute for Cross-Disciplinary Engagement.
Ellen Bliss Talbot
Ellen Bliss Talbot (1867–1968) “was an American philosopher and professor of philosophy at Mount Holyoke College, chairing the department of philosophy and psychology for 32 years. She is considered one of the first professional academic women philosophers.” (Source: [[wikipedia:Ellen_Bliss_Talbot
Emilia Leese
Emilia A. Leese is an author, re-wilder, podcast host, public speaker, and magazine editor.
Carter Dillard
Carter Dillard is the policy adviser for the Fair Start Movement.
Patricia Fara
Patricia Fara is a historian of science at the University of Cambridge and the author of several books on science, empire, and the history of scientific ideas.
Noam Chomsky
Noam Chomsky is a legendary linguist, philosopher, and political activist. He is a laureate professor of linguistics at the University of Arizona and an institute professor emeritus at the Massachussets Institute of Technology.
Marc Bekoff
Marc Bekoff is an ethologist, behavioral ecologist, compassionate conservationist, and author. He is professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Sarah Parker Ward
Sarah Parker Ward is an end-of-life strategist and death tech futurist.
Evan Thompson
Evan Thompson is a writer and professor of philosophy at the University of British Columbia.
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