The discipline also covers old and new languages, speech in ordinary conversation, the workplace and the classroom. Child acquisition of languages and adult acquisition of a second language are important topics. Linguists also study language in relation to gender, the brain and computers, and the interrelationship of languages and dialects.

Linguists analyze and contribute to mass communication, they testify about language meaning and use in the courtroom, and they analyze natural language processing. Their expertise helps all people communicate more effectively: patients and doctors, spouses and partners, students and teachers. Linguists also teach non-native speakers to speak, read, write and comprehend English and other languages.