Writing a dissertation on linguistics means that your work may fall under one of the subfields of linguistics. Some of these subfields include phonetics/phonology, syntax, semantics, morphology, psycholinguistics, and sociolinguistics. Essentially, there are more linguistic subfields you can direct your dissertation with depending on the focus of the study you want to pursue.
As you go along with your graduate studies, choosing to write a dissertation means that you’ll be prioritizing independent linguistic professional and academic growth. Your experience in writing your thesis way back in your undergraduate studies will impact your approach to writing your dissertation. A dissertation requires persistent engagement with a topic, and unless you are interested in a linguistic subfield, your time and effort might not be fully rewarding. As such, if you feel positively drawn to writing a dissertation, then this intrinsic motivation will guide you in pursuing a dissertation.
Before The Dissertation Begins
Choosing To Write A Dissertation
Choosing to write a dissertation should not be taken lightly. A dissertation represents consistent professional growth and commitment. If your choice to write a dissertation is highly motivated by external factors, you should reconsider writing one in the first place. But if you are intrinsically drawn to further expand your understanding of linguistics, choosing to write a dissertation is a great educational experience you can pursue.
This will test your skills and capabilities as an independent researcher and importantly, make sure that you are deeply invested in the entire dissertation writing process. If you like writing the key aspects of your dissertation, you will eventually enjoy writing your master’s dissertation. But if you don’t have any desire to do it we can recommend to buy dissertation online.
Planning The Dissertation
Selecting Your Topic
Good research topics in linguistics can be pursued and achieved in many ways. For example, consider the courses you have taken in your undergraduate studies – or currently, in your graduate studies. What stood out to you? Why are you particularly interested in that subfield of linguistics? It’s always a good idea to allow your interests to be your guide in selecting a topic you want to pursue in writing a dissertation.
Selecting A Dissertation Adviser
When you write a dissertation, you will be guided by a dissertation adviser. Essentially, the adviser plays a pivotal role in the dissertation process. Generally, an adviser has the “final say” on your dissertation when it comes to approving your topic, methods, literature review, and the final product of your study. Selecting an adviser means that you need to choose a professor who shares the same research interests as you are. This means that both of your interests are aligned and lead to the effective fruition of your dissertation.
Using A Methodology
Once you have decided on your research question/s, you’ll need to choose a methodology with which to answer these questions. In the field of linguistics, linguists utilize varied methods in data gathering and collection. Some of these methods include surveys, interviews, recordings, and video analysis. Make sure that when you use a methodology, its practical feasibility can be executed in a few months.
Preparing Your Literature Review
A literature review is important in forming the research questions that you want to investigate in your dissertation. Researching for your literature review demonstrates familiarity with your topic and the complexity of the linguistic field you pursue. As such, you need to read widely on your topic. Ask your adviser for some recommendations of books, papers, and journals you can read for your literature review.
Structure Of The Dissertation
A linguistic dissertation consists of the following parts:
- Title page (cover page)
- Acknowledgments
- Table of contents
- Abstract (1 page)
- Introduction
- Literature review
- Research methodology
- Results
- Discussion & Analysis
- Conclusion
- References
- Appendices
Each section of the dissertation plays a key factor in all of the chapters involved in writing a dissertation. Clarity should be your main goal and this should be reflected in the outline of our dissertation paper.
Finishing Your Dissertation
Finishing your dissertation means working with rewriting and editing a number of pieces involved in each chapter of the study. Your adviser’s main role is to run through your dissertation and give feedback to improve your argument and ensure that quality work is shown in your data gathering methodology and argumentation. Consequently, you’ll come up with an impressive dissertation as you are consistently editing and revising your paper.