University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme combines rigorous linguistic theory and methods with deep area expertise in one or more East Asian languages and literatures. Core components include advanced coursework in linguistic subfields (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics, historical and comparative linguistics), methods courses (field methods, phonetics/experimental techniques, corpus and computational approaches), and seminars in literature and cultural history relevant to the student’s chosen language area.

• Advanced seminars on the structure and history of East Asian languages (for example, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or relevant regional languages)
• Research methods: fieldwork techniques, experimental phonetics, corpus linguistics, and quantitative methods
• Topics in language acquisition, language contact and change, dialectology, and sociolinguistics of East Asia
• Directed readings and seminars in East Asian literatures, cultural contexts, and translation studies to support interdisciplinary research
• Teaching practicum and supervised teaching experience at undergraduate level
• Qualifying examinations and a supervised dissertation that contributes original research to the fields of linguistics, literary studies, or both

Students normally tailor coursework to their research focus and are expected to demonstrate proficiency in relevant East Asian languages and, where applicable, additional modern or classical languages for their dissertation work.

Entry requirements

• A master’s degree in linguistics, East Asian languages, literature, or a closely related field is preferred; exceptional applicants with a strong bachelor’s degree and substantial research experience may also be considered.
• A strong academic record demonstrating readiness for doctoral-level research; applicants should submit official transcripts showing relevant coursework.
• Research statement outlining proposed areas of interest and potential faculty supervisors.
• Writing sample (for example, a chapter, thesis excerpt, or published article) that demonstrates research and analytical skills.
• Two to three letters of recommendation from academic referees familiar with the applicant’s scholarly potential.
• Proof of English proficiency for applicants whose native language is not English, typically via recognised tests or equivalent institutional evidence.
• Prior training in linguistics or demonstrated coursework in language structure is highly recommended; demonstrated competence in one East Asian language is normally expected and additional language competency may be required depending on research focus.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme pursue a range of careers where deep expertise in language and East Asian studies is valued. Common pathways include:

• Academic careers as university faculty or postdoctoral researchers in linguistics, East Asian languages, or comparative literature
• Research positions in language documentation, language technology, corpus development, or computational linguistics
• Language policy, language education leadership, curriculum development, and teacher training for K–12 and higher education
• Translation, interpretation, publishing, and cultural institutions that require specialist knowledge of East Asian languages and literatures
• Roles in government, diplomacy, think tanks, and international NGOs focused on Asia‑Pacific issues, language preservation, and intercultural communication

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a distinctive Asia‑Pacific focus with strong institutional resources for East Asian research. The campus provides extensive regionally focused library collections and language resources, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across area studies, and proximity to a diverse Pacific and Asian community that supports fieldwork and applied projects.

Students benefit from a department experienced in both linguistic theory and literary/cultural scholarship, hands‑on training in field and experimental methods, and opportunities to teach and mentor undergraduate language learners. The university’s location and institutional partnerships also facilitate research exchanges, archival access, and collaborative projects throughout East Asia and the Pacific region.