We tend to take our ability to produce and understand speech for granted until we try to learn another language, watch how a child learns a first language, or witness the effects of language handicap. Linguistics is the study of language abilities, how they are acquired, how they are used, and how they may be impaired. Because speech is so central to our very existence it is a fascinating and rewarding subject to study. This course is an ideal background for many careers, especially those in the teaching and caring professions, but also in more 'high-tech' fields like computing and telecommunications.