English Language Personal Statement
Language is a part of our nature as humans, it is something that links us together and yet defines us as unique, both separating us from other cultures such as some African tribes whom communicate through dance, and personally through more subtle differences that may be passed down through generations and be unique to one's own family. Language is a very powerful and influential tool to have in one's arsenal. Everything we write or discuss has a structure to it that we are taught from a very early age, depending of course on the environment we are brought up in and when, we may have been taught the skills of using language to succeed academically, professionally or socially.
Since high school when it becomes compulsory to study a second language I have found the structure of languages fascinating. The differences that are evident through different cultures and methods of communication are hugely complex and are something that I find engrossing. For example when studying Russian, one is taught that the actual structure and word order of the sentence is not necessarily important, providing the essentials are present. This is completely different to the English language, in which sentence structure and word order are the foundations of basic communication. Through my decision to study English language at university I hope to develop a better understanding of the importance of something that we take for granted every day. Studying modules in topics such as sociolinguistics will also give me the opportunity to study the many varying social groups that we live in and the effects that these different societies can have on a language, while providing me with the knowledge to analyse language in a more precise and scientific manner.
On my current Access to Higher Education course and throughout my academic career to date, I have rarely been given the opportunity to study English language in any real depth, briefly touching on the subject during GCSEs and currently, while studying some of the different uses of language in poetry. Thus a more intensive study of the subject will not only be challenging and one that will obviously engage the mind, but will also be refreshing and exciting. Having previously attended university for two years I understand the pressure that the work load can put on a person, however I believe that my previous experience has not only prepared me for this but has also opened my eyes and given me a clear idea of the exact academic and professional paths I wish to follow.
Over the previous years I have held a three different jobs, from customer services assistant to bar staff. Each of these jobs have benefited me in a number of ways, increasing confidence and my ability to work under pressure. My experiences outside of work have also improved my character. Having travelled to various parts of the World I have seen many thing that we in this country will never see or possibly even hear about. From the emotion of working with children in New York whom live in poverty, to swimming in the Great Barrier Reef. I have learnt to embrace every opportunity I am given. This, like many other students applying to university this year, is something I plan on doing with my university career. However, I feel I now have the necessary qualities and experience to successfully carry out these intentions and complete my degree to the best of my ability.
Universities Applied to:
- University of Manchester (English Language)
- Manchester Metropolitan University (English)
- Manchester Metropolitan University (English and Merican Studies)
