Personal Statement:Linguistics 2

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Linguistics Personal Statement

The decision to continue my study of the English language at a higher level was not one which I found difficult. A language is something which, by its nature, links all human beings together, but the way in which an individual chooses to use their language can be their defining characteristic. Studying a Linguistics course would offer me an opportunity to analyse a variety of language use in depth and help to further my knowledge of a subject about which I am so enthusiastic. Since I began to study English Language in the Sixth Form, I found that I was particularly interested in the development of and changes in the English language over time as a result of influences from a variety of foreign languages. I plan to conduct my A2 investigation on the way in which teachers use language whilst addressing pupils, and will base it upon three things: the pupil's sex, age, and whether the interaction is pastoral or academic. Whilst researching the relationship between power and language, as part of my AS English Language course I developed an interest in Sociolinguistics which prompted me to begin reading Dick Leith's 'A Social History of English'. What particularly captured my attention was how some languages, for example Arabic, are diglossic speech communities and have a 'High' variety, which is more prestigious and used in education, and a 'Low' variety, with no official status and is used in everyday conversation. My A level subjects were chosen to complement each other well and have helped me to develop my ability to analyse texts of varying registers and genres. My confidence, communication and presentation skills were further enhanced as part of my Psychology assessment when I researched Geographic Profiling and presented via PowerPoint the key information to my peers. At school, I have participated actively in a paired reading scheme with year seven pupils who were struggling with their literacy skills, listening to them, helping them improve their difficulties with phonetics and pronunciation, and building their confidence as readers. I found this to be hugely satisfying, as I was able to watch their ability to read improve gradually, knowing at the same time that this would enable them to perform better in other subjects. It also provided me with a better understanding of the reasons why students were making their mistakes and what was needed to correct them.

In addition to studying, I currently work as a waitress in a local restaurant a few nights a week. Subsequently, I have greatly enhanced my own communication, problem solving and time management skills, having to deal with members of the public in a number of situations requiring tact, patience and diplomacy at times, as well as good humour and professionalism. I have successfully balanced my commitments to work and my studies, and on a few occasions during the holidays filled in for an absent colleague when asked to, which demonstrates my ability to work as part of and to support a successful team. The job has given me a financial awareness and an independence I would not otherwise have had and which will be necessary when embarking on a university education. Working has greatly boosted my confidence, enabled me to use my initiative and hone a host of invaluable life skills.

University is an exciting prospect for me, and one which I thoroughly look forward to. As well as being an invaluable opportunity to expand my knowledge on the subject, I envisage that this course would be an unmitigated platform to pursue a career in speech therapy. I plan to undertake a master's degree concerning speech and language therapy, in hope to one day make a distinct, positive difference to young people's lives.

Universities Applied to:

• Northumbria University (English Language Studies) - Offer (300 points including B or higher in English Language) Insurance
• Newcastle University (Linguistics) - Offer (ABB) Firm
• Nottingham Trent University (English and Linguistics) - Offer (260 points) Declined
• University of Leeds (English and Linguistics) - Offer (ABB - A in English) Declined
• University of Central Lancashire (English Language Studies) - Offer (260 points) Declined

Grades Achieved:

• English Language - B
• Psychology - A
• History - B
• General Studies - B
• Biology (AS) - D

Comments

Note- at the time I applied, my AS results were as follows: Eng Lang - B; Psychology - B; History - C & Biology - D.

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