Introduction | Language Learners | Linguist/Translator | Survey Specialist | Degree | Scripture Use Worker
The Summer@CanIL program is designed
to accommodate every student's individual training needs. Many CanIL
students are preparing for, or are already committed to careers in
field linguistics and translation with SIL International or other
similar organizations. Therefore we have suggested a set of "Training
Tracks" that allow students various options for fulfilling their SIL
International training requirements. These tracks are not
"set in stone." Courses can be taken individually, and custom programs
are certainly possible. However, the course schedule is designed with
these tracks in mind, so some variations may result in schedule
conflicts. Of course, CanIL courses are open to everyone, and these
training tracks may be useful guides to individuals with a variety of
long-term interests.
Students wishing to pursue general careers in language or cross-cultural communication, or those still exploring their options, are encouraged to take the basic courses, which are listed under “Initial Courses for the Cross-cultural worker” (see below). These cover all the "must know" material, and provide a good foundation for any course of study in linguistics. The basic courses are also ideal for anyone who plans to learn a second language in a cross-cultural situation where books and formal language courses are not available. If, after taking this first set of courses you determine that you have a deeper interest and aptitude for linguistics, you will already be "on track" for further studies.
Each SIL training venue around the world offers specially-tailored training packages. All of them provide basic and advanced training in field linguistics, language and culture learning, literacy and translation. Courses are transferable among SIL schools, but if you are planning to take part of your training at one school and part at another school, it is important to plan carefully, to be sure all requirements can be met within your time constraints.
Summer CanIL 1 — Initial core courses for cross-cultural workers: These courses provide the basis for future courses in linguistics, whether at CanIL or elsewhere. These courses also provide a good background in language learning, and are suitable for those planning careers in Teaching English as a Second Language or for those planning to work in a cross-cultural or multi-lingual situation anywhere in the world. Students who already have taken linguistics classes may wish to substitute other classes for certain of these courses, after consultation with the Academic Coordinator.
This course set represents basic SIL training. Most students who are taking linguistics courses for the first time opt for this set of courses, often with some variation. These courses are the foundation for the Linguist-Translator career tracks described on the next training tracks page. Click on each course title for a fuller description.
| Initial Course Set |
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| And one of the following courses: Note: If you are planning to attend additional future summers or to enter one of our degree programs, it is strongly recommended that you take Phonological Analysis. Click on one of the track links above for more information. |
Training Tracks for the Linguist-Translator: These are the tracks recommended for individuals planning to do linguistic fieldwork with SIL International. There are two options suggested, both of which allow students to complete the basic requirements for SIL International in three summers at CanIL if they select either of these tracks. Please note that some field assignments may require more courses, or certain courses from the list of electives; other assignments may require fewer courses. Some assignments allow you to take one or two summers of classes before a two-year field term, after which you would return to finish your training. In any of these cases, it is also expected that learning will be lifelong, and that after a term of service with SIL International, students will return to CanIL or to another SIL training program to continue their education.
These tracks represent "classic" SIL academic training for linguist-translators. Both of these tracks build on the same intial course set. Click on each course title for a fuller description.
| Linguist-Translator Training Track | ||||
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| First Summer | Second Summer | Third Summer | Fourth Summer | |
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| Field Term |
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| Alternate course sequence below | ||||
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Elective courses may include (subject to availability): Scripture in Use | Language Program Design & Management Principles of Language Survey | Historical/Comparative Linguistics | Principles of Literacy | Literacy Materials | Advanced Phonology
Training Track for the Language Surveyor: This track is recommended for those students planning to do linguistic survey, either with SIL International or with another agency. Surveyors working with SIL International will also participate in a six-month internship on the field before beginning independent survey work as part of a survey team. The option to go to a field term after only one summer of training is for those individuals who are pre-approved to do short-term language survey work with Wycliffe Bible Translators or SIL International. Career language workers will need to take additional courses, as listed under Training Tracks for the Linguist-Translator.
| Language Survey Track |
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Language and Society Articulatory Phonetics Language & Culture Acquisition Ethnography Principles of Sociolinguistic Survey |
Degree Tracks for the Linguist-Translator: CanIL offers the following degrees: B.A. Linguistics, M.A. Linguistics, Masters in Linguistics and Exegesis. Starting in the summer is highly recommended for students entering a degree program or for students wanting to finish pre-field training requirements in less than a year. Click on each course title for a fuller description.
| Degree Track | ||||
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Recommended course sequencing for degree track students (other options are available - ask your program advisor) |
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| First Summer | Fall Term | Spring Term | Field term Summer courses |
Year two of degree program |
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Plus one of:
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Scripture Use workers are involved in a very hands-on manner in language communities or clusters of language communities for the purpose of encouraging Scripture use. They work with the local church or community leaders, carry out research to assess Scripture use in the community, listen to the community's needs and aspirations, help develop and implement strategies and develop audio/visual/literacy materials to promote Scripture use.
| Scripture Use Worker | |
| Recommended course sequencing for Scripture Use students | |
| Summer | Fall Term |
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* This course introduces basic concepts in missiology. Foundational notions from Old Testament and New Testament theology of missions are explored. As well, this course considers the rise and development of the missionary movement from apostolic times to the present. Issues arising from applied anthropology as it relates to cross-cultural communication are also developed. Special emphasis is given to discussion of important trends and select strategies in contemporary world mission.