Personal Statement:Modern Languages 4

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Modern Languages Personal Statement

Languages represent the most astonishing aspect of culture; the ability to cross a border and experience such pronounced differences invites me into a new world. I experienced this 'new world' travelling in France and Germany and was amazed: from Le Touquet's Louis Quetelart architecture to das Landesmuseum in Mannheim, from tonal differences of speakers to beer! I am curious about what makes people living just miles apart so different, and over the past seven years I have skimmed the surface through their literature, philosophies, film, politics, family life and their histories. For this reason I feel learning modern languages would grant me a passport to the world that unilinguists could never have.

My current and extra-curricular studies have prepared me for my degree. I explored the trial of Sophie Scholl where 'Die Letzten Tage', paired with 'Der Untergang', illuminates the skill of German directors. Films such as 'Sonnenallee', 'Goodbye Lenin' and 'Das Leben der Anderen' interested me deeply and raised my awareness of the polarisation and importance of post-war Germany in modern history. For two years I have enjoyed 'les actualites' and reading about politics through a subscription to French weekly Pelerin, notably during the 2007 election; whilst relaxing with German comics since a visit to Weinheim, e.g. 'Die Simpsons', has left me addicted. Extra reading took me beyond the syllabus and extended my knowledge of the media and social issues in France today. 'Le Petit Prince' inspired me to read more French yet I come back to the book every year, whilst 'Contes Francais' allows me to read on a similar level to Kafka's claustrophobic short 'Die Verwandlung' and Goethe's 'Die Leiden des jungen Werthers'.

Before I spent time in France to improve my French I taught it to pupils at a local school, having enjoyed teaching Science at another school. During both I gained communication skills and confidence only available through instruction that helped me develop linguistically, whilst my 2008 school French prize shows my commitment to language learning. I often apply my writing skills corresponding with close friends from Weinheim and Geneva and find our dual language online conversations extremely entertaining!

I believe the highlight of the course is the year abroad and cannot wait to immerse myself fully in German and French life. This is something exchanges and visits cannot match, yet they have given me invaluable independence and confidence which will be beneficial during the year abroad.

I am greatly interested in the modern animal rights movement and admire the work of Peter Singer who is involved internationally, particularly in Switzerland and Germany. I look forward to taking a leading role in the university's Vegetarian Society, whilst my membership of a major political party is proof of my interest and willingness to take part in discussions. I am also a keen musician who relaxes with guitars, a piano and a set of drums; I especially love the group atmosphere of performance. I also hope to translate my fundraising for Fairtrade and a genetic disease charity into successful campaigns at university.

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