The role and significance of the courses “Introduction to Linguistics” and “General Linguistics” in the training of future philologists at leading universities worldwide

Abstract

The article presents a comparative analysis of the role and significance of the courses Introduction to Linguistics and General Linguistics in the training of future philologists at twelve leading universities worldwide, as identified by the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2024. The study examines the availability of these courses, their core thematic components, recommended textbooks and teaching materials, while also identifying commonalities and key differences across the selected programmes. It was found that Introduction to Linguistics and General Linguistics constitute fundamental educational components of philological training, encompassing essential areas such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, historical linguistics, and sociolinguistics. The leading universities included in the sample demonstrate a variety of pedagogical approaches, ranging from highly theoretical frameworks to practically oriented models, frequently integrating diverse aspects of language study, including empirical data, corpus-based analysis, and multidisciplinary perspectives that draw on cognitive and social dimensions of language. The findings provide a solid basis for developing recommendations aimed at improving the training of philologists — particularly in Ukraine — with the goal of aligning with contemporary global standards and challenges. The comparative format highlights variations in course structures, curricular sequencing, and resource selection across institutions, emphasising both best practices and areas for enhancement. Notably, the integration of interactive learning modules, digital platforms, and student-centred activities emerged as an innovative trend among several top-rated programmes. The article concludes that maintaining a balance between rigorous theoretical instruction and experiential learning is vital for producing well-rounded philologists capable of meeting evolving scholarly demands and fostering international academic collaboration.