Personal Statement:French and Spanish 6

French and Spanish Personal Statement

Languages have always captivated me. From the subjunctive in French to learning about the Spanish civil war through film, my thirst for languages never runs dry. I believe I have the enthusiasm, determination and capacity to learn, as well as a passion about my chosen subjects be an asset to any languages faculty.

My numerous visits to France, Spain and Tunisia have fuelled my enthusiasm to learn and understand French and Spanish through real life situations. The cultures of France, Spain and the Maghreb countries have all stimulated me to further my language knowledge. I have had a profound interest in cultural festivals and diverse places such as la Corrida and the Tunisian souk. In addition, my work experience at a local comprehensive school's Modern Foreign Languages department inspired me to further develop my passion for languages as I was impressed by the teacher's subject knowledge and deep rooted passion for French and Spanish.

All of Spanish history interests me, but I am particularly fascinated by the era of Franco which continues to be a truly unique time in modern Spanish history. The lack of mutual respect and compassion for others throughout Franco's rule really emphasise for me personally, how important it is that Spain is now a democratic and liberal country. Through my love of Spanish cinema, I have been inspired to study the dictatorship of El Caudillo. The films graphically portray the senseless waste of life and hardship endured by the Spanish during the years prior to the restoration of the monarchy.

I recently began reading the literary works of Gabriel García Marquez, Jean Jacques Prévert and Albert Camus during my free time. I am particularly fond of Camus' "L'Étranger". His style of writing really accentuates Meursault's bewilderment and the ambiguity surrounding his statements effectively conveys Meursault's thoughts, evoking empathy in the reader. Reading foreign literature has enriched and enhanced my experience of learning languages as I believe it allows me to be more easily immersed in the language, as well as encouraging me to be able to think in each language without ponderously translating each word.

I use the internet to advantage in furthering my language education. I watch French and Spanish programmes through catch-up services and check the daily news of both Spain and France. I find that the use of the internet allows me to improve my languages skills dramatically, but particularly my reading and listening skills in a more individual and personal manner.

The Francophonie and Hispanoamérica excite me. I find the differences in dialect and vocabulary to be a very fascinating and insightful aspect of the languages, especially those which differ dramatically to the standardised version of the language; for example, the word "Bonswa" in Louisiana Creole French, compared with the standard "Bonsoir". One can see immediately the influence of phonetics but also notice the difference in orthography.

I am a diligent and active member of the sixth form and perform regular duties, as well as tutoring younger students to succeed in their language studies. I enjoy meeting new people and adapting to new situations, and relish the opportunities that university life will afford me. I believe that a language degree is the suitable degree for me and that, as a student, I would be a proactive, studious, hardworking member of your department. I have a strong work ethic and an ardent determination to succeed in order to achieve my chosen future goal.

Universities Applied to:

  • Southampton University (French and Spanish) - Offer (AAB) Declined
  • Edinburgh University (French and Spanish) - Offer (BBB) Insurance
  • Aberysrwyth (French and Spanish) - Offer (280 points) Declined
  • King's College London (French and Spanish) - Offer (AAB) Declined
  • University College London (Modern languages- French and Spanish) - Offer (AAA) Firm

Grades Achieved:

  • Spanish (A2) - A*
  • French (A2) - A
  • Geography (A2) - A

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