In the most general terms, linguistics is the scientific study of language and its structure. Linguistics can be broken down into many branches including sociolinguistics, dialectology, psycholinguistics, computational linguistics, historical linguistics, applied linguistics, semiotics, syntax, and others. This guide provides an overview on how to search for materials on any linguistic topic at the Library of Congress. Most of the print resources found in this guide can be requested online and delivered to the Main Reading Room. The reading room wherein a reader must consult or request a particular item is indicated in that specific item's catalog record. The materials listed here are hyperlinked to their respective catalog records. You can search for items directly in the Library of Congress Online Catalog.