African Languages and Linguistics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the rich linguistic diversity of the African continent through a rigorous academic study of its native languages and language systems. This program delves into the structural, historical, and cultural dimensions of African languages, equipping students with advanced analytical and interpretive skills.
- Bantu languages: Investigate the expansive group of languages spoken across sub-Saharan Africa, examining their grammar, historical development, and sociolinguistic roles in diverse communities.
- Nilo-Saharan languages: Study the linguistic family found primarily in Central and Eastern Africa, focusing on phonology, syntax, and language contact phenomena.
- Niger-Congo languages: Analyze one of the world’s largest language families, with an emphasis on tonal systems, morphological complexity, and regional variation.
- Khoisan languages: Explore the unique click-consonant systems and endangered language dynamics of southern Africa’s indigenous speech communities.
- Chadic languages: Examine the Afro-Asiatic language branch spoken in West Africa, with attention to historical linguistics and language preservation efforts.
- Ethiopic languages: Study the Semitic languages of the Horn of Africa, including Ge'ez and Amharic, focusing on their script, literary traditions, and religious significance.
- Philology: Engage in the historical and textual analysis of African languages, tracing linguistic evolution and the development of written traditions.
- Dialectology: Assess regional variations within languages, analyzing how geography, migration, and social identity shape linguistic diversity.
- Oral and written literatures: Explore narrative forms, poetry, and storytelling traditions across African cultures, examining their linguistic and cultural functions.
African Languages and Linguistics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
African Languages and Linguistics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with African Languages and Linguistics degrees, including Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary and Interpreters and Translators. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 74,530 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1124 | $77,010 | $47,090 - $134,960 | 21,170 | N/A |
| Interpreters and Translators 27-3091 | $59,440 | $35,630 - $99,830 | 53,360 | $28.58 |
African Languages and Linguistics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $45,060 in Louisiana to $89,920 in California—a 100% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 74,530 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for African Languages and Linguistics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering African Languages and Linguistics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in African Languages and Linguistics is found at University of Wisconsin-Madison (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 7 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about African Languages and Linguistics programs
How much can I earn with a African Languages and Linguistics degree?
Salaries for African Languages and Linguistics graduates vary by role and location. Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $77,010 annually, while Interpreters and Translators earn around $59,440. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $89,920 compared to $45,060 in Louisiana. Approximately 74,530 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest African Languages and Linguistics programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer African Languages and Linguistics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Wisconsin-Madison (7 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in African Languages and Linguistics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 16 in 2010 to 7 in 2023-24. This represents a 56% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a African Languages and Linguistics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, Interpreters and Translators, . Related occupations employ approximately 74,530 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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