The limitations of a PhD in linguistics

The podcast episode also emphasizes that earning a PhD in linguistics does not mean the individual knows everything about the field. The speaker acknowledges that there are still gaps in their knowledge and the degree represents a narrow focus on a particular topic. They encourage listeners to understand that even with a doctorate, they may still make errors or have limited expertise in certain areas. As advice, they suggest that if someone desires to pursue academic linguistics as a career, such as documentation fieldwork, historical reconstructions, or experimental studies, graduate school can be rewarding but challenging. However, for those primarily interested in the linguistics aspects of conlanging as a hobby, graduate school may not be necessary, and self-study or involvement in online communities can be valuable alternatives.