english books in english personal statement???

Hi everyone, sorry if this is a really stupid question but I'm writing the first draft of my english lit personal statement and was just wondering if the books we use need to be originally written in english? I've seen people talking about people like Kafka in theirs and was wondering if this is okay?

Thank you!!

Reply 1

penguingirl18

22

Yes, you can use books in translation. This may be more applicable if the program you are applying for offers readings in translation rather than only texts written in English. You may also want to talk about translation if you have any interest in that or speak multiple languages.

Reply 2

ByronicHero

20

Original post by issyb_123

Hi everyone, sorry if this is a really stupid question but I'm writing the first draft of my english lit personal statement and was just wondering if the books we use need to be originally written in english? I've seen people talking about people like Kafka in theirs and was wondering if this is okay?
Thank you!!

Completely fine.

Reply 3

emily260311

1

Original post by issyb_123

Hi everyone, sorry if this is a really stupid question but I'm writing the first draft of my english lit personal statement and was just wondering if the books we use need to be originally written in english? I've seen people talking about people like Kafka in theirs and was wondering if this is okay?
Thank you!!

Hi! I attended a virtual talk with Cauis College Cambridge English department this week. Someone asked that same question and they said yes you can include translated fiction but you should also include English Literature as part of your statement. I’d been thinking the same- hope that helps! :smile:

Reply 4

purplepengu1n

6

Original post by issyb_123

Hi everyone, sorry if this is a really stupid question but I'm writing the first draft of my english lit personal statement and was just wondering if the books we use need to be originally written in english? I've seen people talking about people like Kafka in theirs and was wondering if this is okay?
Thank you!!

I think it would be fine - if you have read them in translation, then certainly. Even if you haven't, it can still be evidence of broader interest and deep thinking about language, plot, character, poetic devices etc. The important thing is not which book you put into your PS, but what you *do* with it - what did you think about it?

english books in english personal statement???

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you