A professional who studies components, structure, and relationships within specified language to provide comprehension of its social functioning. Responsibilities include:

• Prepares description of sounds, forms, and vocabulary of language.
• Contributes to development of linguistic theory.
• Applies linguistic theory to any of following areas.
• Responsibilities include:
• development of improved methods in translation, including computerization; teaching of language to other than native speakers; preparation of language-teaching materials, dictionaries, and handbooks; reducing previously unwritten languages to standardized written form; preparation of literacy materials; preparation of tests for language-learning aptitudes and language proficiency; consultation with government agencies regarding language programs; or preparation of descriptions of comparative languages to facilitate improvement of teaching and translation.