The subject matter of linguistics is language, and the goal of linguists to understand more about language, in particular the nature of human language. NYU's Department of Linguistics trains its students to conduct linguistic research and to carry out linguistic argumentation. The Department keeps classes small so that students can work more directly with their professors. Beyond receiving a strong foundation in linguistics generally, students carry out research in a wide range of fields within linguistics, including syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics, cognitive science, phonology, historical linguistics, computational linguistics, and creole studies. Two particular areas of interest to the Department are cognitive science and urban sociolinguistics.
Cognitive science focuses on the relationship of language and the mind.
Its foundation within linguistics lies in formal theories of languages, particularly syntax, semantics, and phonology. Linguists in the Department work with psychologists and philosophers, investigating topics in this growing area. Imminent and recent appointments alike point to NYU's growth in this area. Besides the appointments in Linguistics, there have also been appointments in cognitive science in other departments in recent years, including Gary Marcus in Psychology and Ned Block in Psychology and Philosophy. New York City is the natural place for the study of urban sociolinguistics.