<p>umass and santa cruz may be as good as MIT in theoretical linguistics, or better. if you break it down into syntax, phonology and semantics, MIT is usually regarded as tops in syntax, but perhaps less good than these others in phonology. i would rank umass as best in phonology and semantics, but that’s my department, so i’m sure i’m biased.</p>
<p>oh - and UBC could give berkeley a run for its money on indigenous languages.</p>