TRAIN > CERTIFICATES
Train for the role you’ll actually do.
Nine focused certificates, each built around a real job in language development — and each awarded by Trinity Western University. Take one on its own, or stack it into a degree.
A certificate is the shortest line between training and the field. Each one bundles the courses that prepare you for a specific role — analyzing/documenting a language, running a literacy program, translating Scripture — into a credential you can carry straight into the work. Because the courses also count toward degrees with one of our partners, nothing you take is a dead end.
Linguistic analysis & documentation
The groundwork: understanding a language's sounds and grammar, and capturing it in durable form.
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Collects, organizes, and analyzes language data with a local community — grammar and phonology sketches, basic discourse, a starter dictionary, text collection — usually alongside a more experienced linguist. The foundation most other language work is built on.
LING 210 Language & Society
LING 230 Articulatory Phonetics
LING 330 Phonological Analysis
LING 360 Morphosyntax I
LING 381 Anthropological Linguistics: Ethnography
LING 470 Language and Culture Acquisition
LING 480 Field Methods: Data Management & Analysis
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Plans and leads linguistic research in a community, drawing team and community members into the work. Prepares reports, archives data, and helps produce grammars, dictionaries, and collections of local texts.
LING 210 Language & Society
LING 230 Articulatory Phonetics
LING 330 Phonological Analysis
LING 360 Morphosyntax I
LING 381 Anthropological Linguistics: Ethnography
LING 460 Morphosyntax II
LING 470 Language and Culture Acquisition
LING 480 Field Methods: Data Management & Analysis
LING 486 Advanced Phonological Analysis
LING 491 Discourse Analysis
LING 493 Semantics & Pragmatics
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Gathers and compares data across languages and dialects to map where language development is most needed. Travels and interviews communities, usually on a small team under an experienced language-assessment specialist.
LING 210 Language & Society
LING 230 Articulatory Phonetics
LING 330 Phonological Analysis
LING 381 Anthropological Linguistics: Ethnography
LING 466 Principles of Sociolinguistic Survey
LING 470 Language and Culture Acquisition
LING 483 Language Programs Design & Management
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Builds dictionaries by discovering word meanings through community word lists, stories, and texts, then shaping them with software into print or digital reference works. Typically works as part of a lexicography team.
LING 210 Language & Society
LING 230 Articulatory Phonetics
LING 330 Phonological Analysis
LING 360 Morphosyntax I
LING 381 Anthropological Linguistics: Ethnography
LING 460 Morphosyntax II
LING 470 Language and Culture Acquisition
LING 480 Field Methods: Data Management & Analysis
LING 487 Lexicography
LING 493 Semantics & Pragmatics
Literacy
Turning a written language into the ability to read, write, and teach it.
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Helps a community build literacy so children, youth, and adults can read and write in their own language — developing materials and training teachers and authors. Works as part of a team or under a specialist.
LING 210 Language & Society
LING 230 Articulatory Phonetics
LING 470 Language and Culture Acquisition
LING 483 Language Programs Design & Management
LING 484 Principles of Literacy
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Leads literacy and multilingual-education programs end to end — designing writing systems, training teachers, running writers' workshops, and producing materials. Provides the planning and management behind a community's literacy goals.
LING 210 Language & Society
LING 230 Articulatory Phonetics
LING 330 Phonological Analysis
LING 381 Anthropological Linguistics: Ethnography
LING 470 Language and Culture Acquisition
LING 472 Orthography Development
LING 482 Issues in Community Literacy
LING 483 Language Programs Design & Management
LING 484 Principles of Literacy
Bible Translation
From the source text into the local language—accurate, clear, natural, and acceptable. Helping a community thrive with Scripture in its own language and forms.
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Oversees translation of Scripture and other materials from exegesis of the source through drafting to publication, working closely with the community to test naturalness, accuracy, clarity, and acceptability. The most comprehensive of the tracks.
LING 210 Language & Society
LING 230 Articulatory Phonetics
LING 330 Phonological Analysis
LING 360 Morphosyntax I
LING 371 Training Across Cultures
LING 381 Anthropological Linguistics: Ethnography
LING 460 Morphosyntax II
LING 470 Language and Culture Acquisition
LING 480 Field Methods: Data Management & Analysis
LING 483 Language Programs Design & Management
LING 491 Discourse Analysis
LING 493 Semantics & Pragmatics
LING 494 Communication & Translation
LING 497 Bible Translation
Plus Bible and Theology coursework.
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Helps a community weave Scripture into its language, arts, and daily life — partnering with local churches and leaders on Scripture-use strategies through ethnomusicology, Bible storying, audio, and more. Focused on use, not just access.
LING 210 Language & Society
LING 230 Articulatory Phonetics
LING 381 Anthropological Linguistics: Ethnography
LING 470 Language and Culture Acquisition
LING 475 Scripture Engagement
LING 483 Language Programs Design & Management
RELS 285 Global Christianity
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The Graduate Certificate in Christian Leadership – Bible Translation is offered jointly by Trinity Evangelical Graduate School at TWU and CanIL. It draws on courses offered in the MA – Christian Leadership and MA in Linguistics and Translation degree programs. It is designed to equip people who are or will be involved in cross-cultural ministry, including Bible translation (BT), in local languages to contribute to contextually appropriate planning and implementation strategies.
Not sure which one fits?
Most students choose a certificate with an advisor — often alongside a degree — and map the courses to where they're headed. Tell us your goal and we'll build the path with you.