chinese linguistics personal statement

/ ✓ % width

Posts:

"My major is to Teach Chinese as a Foreign Language" - Personal Statement

EricJ - / 48 May 20, 2011 #2 Editor comment: The story about movies in Hong Kong is interesting but does not really move the essay toward your goal of getting in. The wandering in the street listening to dialects may be a hobby of yours, but we hope that is really isn't the most fascinating thing you do. If it is, you need to make some more friends and get out a little more. ;-) The part about academic interests should tell what you intend to study, which you do at the end, but not too specifically. I am not sure of the conventions of applying for school in Hong Kong, so I may be wrong, but I would advise a simple and direct approach. Also, I'm not sure I would tell them that their program is a stepping stone to another one that you are applying for. It might be better to talk about the good things that you want to get from being in their program. Telling them that they are just a path to somewhere else is like telling a girl that you are dating her so that you can be close to her sister. It does not win you any points.

/ /

A "Personal Statement" is an important vehicle through which you introduce yourself to a third party for a specific purpose - enrolling in a graduate school, applying for a scholarship, seeking an internship opportunity, or applying for a job. To write a good Personal Statement, the skills required are as delicate as creating Coffee Art - and practice makes perfect! The following sections will introduce key qualities of good Personal Statements. The recommended links provide both practical and user-friendly tips, samples/templates, and textbook resources on writing Personal Statements (i) for Academic Purposes; and (ii) for Career Purposes.

Essentials for Personal Statements

Effective Personal Statements can open the door to an interview, selection for admission to graduate schools, or even help you to secure a scholarship – but just remember "COFFEE ART"

Contributions	To demonstrate your worth through how you can contribute to the academic institution or organization,
Objectives and Plan	To outline your objectives and plan in pursuing the immediate future goal -further studies, or entry positions into specific industry,
Fresh and Distinctive	To stand out, you must be unique amongst thousands of candidates so that you will impress readers of your compelling Personal Statement. Focus on your features and core competitive advantage with concrete information,
Focused, Structured with Style	To be well-organized, make your Personal Statement enjoyable and interesting to read,
Expressions	To make sure your expressions and tone are used appropriately. You can also demonstrate your personality via your writing style,
Easy to Read	To ensure that the content is concise and easily understandable,

Achievements	To show your achievements, dedication, setbacks, and capabilities to overcoming hardships,
Reasons for Choosing Each Other	To demonstrate specific reasons why you have selected the particular academic programme or organization; and convince them skillfully why they should choose you,
Theme	To set out the theme or include headings for the content that you would like to communicate with the reviewer which fit with the specific purposes of your Personal Statement.

Samples For Academic Use - By Discipline

By Subject / By University / Mature Students / Postgraduate Study - Samples
Accountancy - Samples
Anthropology - Samples
Architecture - Samples
Art & Design - Samples
Bioengineering - Samples
Biomedical - Samples
Biotechnology - Samples
Business – A sample for a master degree application
Business and Management - Samples
Criminology - Samples
Computer and IT - Samples
Computer Science - Samples
Dentistry - Samples
Economics - Samples
Education - Samples
Electronic and Engineering - "Which Types of Skills are Expected to be Demonstrated?" (See Entry Profile Item in English on the left of the boxes) – Resources from University of Nottingham
Engineering - Samples
English - Samples
English Literature - Samples
English and Psychology - Samples
Environmental Science - Samples
Film - Samples
Finance - Samples
History - Samples
International Relations - Samples
Languages - Samples
Law - Samples
Linguistics - Samples
Marketing - Samples
Mathematics - Samples
Media - Samples
Medicine - Samples
Music - Samples
Neuroscience - Samples
Pharmacy - Samples
Philosophy - Samples
Photography - Samples
Physics - Samples
Politics - Samples
Psychology - Samples
Radiography - Samples
Social Work - Samples
Sociology - Samples
Sports Science - Samples
Theology - Samples
Travel and Tourism - Samples
Veterinary Science - Samples

Recommended Print Resources

	)
	)
	)

Inspirations

“Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned.”

“I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught.”

Winston Churchill

“The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live.”

Mortimer Adler

“Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will.”

Vernon Howard

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Benjamin Franklin

“Be observing constantly. Stay open minded. Be eager to learn and improve.”

John Wooden

“Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.”

Abigail Adams

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.”

Ask a question Ask
go advanced Search
Please enter a title
Please enter a message
Your discussion will live here... (Start typing, we will pick a forum for you) Please select a forum Change forum View more forums... View less forums... GCSEs A-levels Applications, Clearing and UCAS University Life Student Finance England Part-time and temporary employment Chat Everyday issues Friends, family and work Relationships Health News Student Surveys and Research
post anonymously
All study help
Uni applications
University and HE colleges
University help and courses
University student life

Postgraduate

Careers and jobs
Teacher training
Finance and accountancy
Relationships
Sexual health
Give feedback or report a problem
University and university courses
Universities and HE colleges
Life and style
Entertainment
Debate and current affairs
Careers and Jobs
Scottish qualifications
Foreign languages
GCSE articles
A-level articles
Exam and revision articles
What to do after GCSEs
What to do after A-levels
When is A-level results day 2024?
When is GCSE results day 2024?
Studying, revision and exam support
Grow your Grades

Exam results articles and chat

Exam results homepage
A guide to GCSE and A-level grade boundaries
Year 13 chat
Year 12 chat
Year 11 chat

A-level results

Guide to A-level results day
Get help preparing for results day
A-level retakes and resits
Exam reviews and remarks
Here’s what to expect on A-level results day
Six ways to help results day nerves
Understanding your A-level results slip

GCSE results

Guide to GCSE results day
How GCSE combined science grades work
Stressed about GCSE results day?
Understanding your GCSE results slip

Finding a uni in Clearing

Clearing articles and chat
UK university contact details
Guide to Clearing
Seven things people get wrong about Clearing
How to make a great Clearing call
Finding accommodation after Clearing
How Clearing can help you prepare for results day
All universities
Applying through Ucas
Student finance
Personal statement
Postgraduate study
Uni accommodation
University life
All uni courses
Apprenticeships
Arts and humanities courses
Stem courses
Social science courses

Universities by region

North of England
South of England
Greater London
Distance learning
International study

University guides and articles

All university articles
Applying to uni articles
Personal statements
Personal statement examples
University open days
Studying law at university
Student life at university
Careers and jobs discussion
Apprenticeships discussion
Part-time and temp jobs
Career forums by sector
Armed forces careers
Consultancy careers
Finance careers
Legal careers
Marketing careers
Medicine and healthcare careers
Public sector careers
Stem careers
Teaching careers
General chat
Relationships chat
Friends, family and colleagues
Advice on everyday issues
General health
Mental health
UK and world politics
Educational debate

Undergraduate

Postgraduate Master’s Loan
Postgraduate Doctoral Loan
Disabled Students’ Allowances
Taking a break or withdrawing from your course

Further information

Parents and partners
Advanced Learner Loan
Oriental studies

Chinese and cultural studies degree personal statement example (1a)

This is a real personal statement written by a student for their university application. It might help you decide what to include in your own. There are lots more examples in our .

Usually it's easy to spark conversation with people when you mention China or Japan leading to topics such as communism or sushi, but my interest also lies in Korean society. When I studied French in year 7-9, it sparked my interest in language and foreign culture; I began to research more about different languages in the world and it also gave me a great perspective as to how my own languages (Norwegian and Ewe)were important. I am able to comprehend Ewe and speak basic Norwegian. In college I study Communication Studies; it broadens my knowledge about myself and my peers but also help me in the future for my goals of being able to take grasp in learning a new language by understanding the social and cultural dfiferences in speech. In picking English A level, and Japanese and Spanish enrichment courses, I am able to discipline myself further in not only essay writing but I gained a new alphabet system in Japanese which also brought further enjoyment in self-studying. When picking Sociology, I wanted to find out more about the society I lived in hoping I would be able to apply these teachings to my interest in East Asia when reading Korea Times and Asahi news. It greatly helped me as I am able to bring in theories about contemporary society in Korea, China and Japan. One of my hobbies, poetry, let me express myself about life and also let me question the societal conditions I lived in. Poetry was the first candle to be lit in my interest in social culture. Although I have yet to extensively look at Korean Poetry, one poem by Prince Inp'Young named 'Don't mock a gnarled pine' really brought out the thoughts of how people mock one who is not grand or beautiful. However, when trouble arises those who only try to show beauty are weak against struggle whilst the unflattering at first look, are strong and ready. This is how I feel about choosing to study about East Asia: people in general believe that it is a narrow choice; however, it will be a great advantage for growth and openings in my life from cultures I greatly enjoy.

For many years I have been interested in East Asian culture and entertainment. It started with Japanese 'Anime'. My interest sailed across from Chinese to Taiwanese media until I finally came across South Korean entertainment. Although I had already been acquainted with the film 'Shiri' in 2003, I became fully interested when I came across a Korean variety show and I swiftly converted into the world of 'K-pop'. At first I was just entertained by the games played but when the 'Of Course' game came, it sparked my interest in the language. Although it was just one word - 'Of Course' - in Korean, I found the word so interesting and uplifting. It felt this way due to the "d/t" sound combination in the beginning which could be compared to a stronger 't' in "tangy". Currently my interest still lies in South Korean entertainment but this has led me to find more traditional forms of their music such as the 'Gayageum' which I find is a very beautiful instrument, the crisp and lingering sound pushed my interest in not only just modern 'idol' music but also their traditional form too. It has been over 10 years since I immersed myself in East Asian entertainment but now I would like to go further and study the culture and the workings of their current and past society. I have read some books on Chinese war history and also seek out popular literature such as the satire Japanese novel, 'I am a cat'. I also follow blogs from foreigners lodging in Japan and Korea which brings further insight on the economic and social welfare.

I believe that with this qualification and experience, I will be able to move on not only to teaching English as a foreign language but also interpreting and doing translation work. Taking this course will enable me to maintain the passion I have but also add a better insight into the origins and development of the language and the culture of East Asia.

Universities Applied to:

Newcastle University (Chinese and Cultural Studies BA) - Offer (ABB) Firm
University of Sheffield (Korean BA) - Offer (BBC) Insurance
School of Oriental and African Studies: SOAS (Korean BA) - Offer (ABB)
University of Leeds (Asia Pacific Studies and Chinese BA) - Offer (ABB)

Grades Achieved:

Communication Studies (Communications and Culture) (A2) - A*
Sociology (A2) - A
General Studies (A2) - A
English Language and Literature (A2) - B
Media Studies (AS) - A
Other beginner level language enrichments which provide certificates

Applicant's Comments

I chose Newcastle ultimately because it's modules were more appealing to me (culture, anthropology ect) than Leeds (more politics based) and in the end, I didn't want to be in London for SOAS... I had low self esteem so I decided not to take any subjects higher than ABB requirement but I am glad with my choice.

I also applied for Westminster University to do Chinese and Linguistics however, after my offer, I was recommended to swap to Chinese and Journalism. As I had all my offers already, I just withdrew from Wetminster as I had no strong desire to go there anyway.

I have a few typos inthere even though I proof read it like 5 gazillion times... I highly recommend using hte PS helpers on TSR. The person who helped me, I'm eternally greatful. ^^

Because my PS was very Korea-centric, I was emailed by most of the university's I applied for to elaborate on how I came across Chinese and my interest. It was quite simple, through my dad and his love for matrial arts films and then the internet. Because only two universitys in the UK do Korean, I felt being more Korea centric but still keeping broad remarks on my interest in East Asia as a whole was ok but risky.

General Comments:

Comments on the statement:.

Share this story :
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Google+
Share on Pinterest
Latest Latest
Trending Trending
create my feed
Edit my feed
0 new posts
Started by: elareare
Forum: Advice on everyday issues
Last post: 1 minute ago
Started by: Talkative Toad
Forum: Forum games
Replies: 1107
Started by: sdfj
Replies: 2430
Started by: Rockyslom
Forum: Laptops, netbooks and tablets
Started by: Bluelilies
Forum: University of Oxford
Replies: 10
Started by: Anonymous
Forum: Relationships
Last post: 2 minutes ago
Started by: Lawkiddd
Forum: University of Manchester
Started by: harley.h256
Forum: University life
Started by: GANFYD
Forum: Medicine
Replies: 6453
Started by: WendelWeaver
Forum: Chat
Last post: 3 minutes ago
Started by: KamranAkhtar114
Forum: University of Surrey
Forum: Engineering
Started by: quirky-modulatio
Forum: A-levels
Last post: 4 minutes ago
Started by: 04MR17
Replies: 318
Started by: saraalegria
Forum: Applications, Clearing and UCAS
Last post: 7 minutes ago
Started by: alvinagiala
Forum: Secondary school, sixth form and FE college
Replies: 24
Started by: tan0401
Forum: London School of Economics and Political Science
Started by: badbxo
Forum: University of Birmingham
Started by: Saracen's Fez
Forum: UK and World Politics
Replies: 722
Last post: 35 minutes ago
Started by: KA_P
Replies: 1125
Last post: 3 hours ago
Started by: Scotland Yard
Replies: 452
Last post: 4 hours ago
Started by: MOZSH
Forum: Medical Schools
Replies: 496
Last post: 7 hours ago
Started by: Oatmilklattepls
Forum: Performing arts and music
Replies: 2888
Started by: Miss.fcxxx
Forum: Civil service, public sector and public services
Replies: 297
Last post: 8 hours ago
Started by: Sandtrooper
Forum: Cambridge Postgraduate
Replies: 8225
Last post: 10 hours ago
Started by: maiarhysdavies
Forum: King's College London
Replies: 791
Last post: 1 day ago
Started by: Lazlay
Replies: 816
Started by: reubenn05
Replies: 988
Started by: jambarnzi
Replies: 73
Last post: 2 days ago
Started by: aishaslm
Forum: Legal careers and training
Replies: 176
Started by: asdfjkmel
Forum: Graduate Schemes
Replies: 2706
Replies: 187
Started by: shooks
Started by: Lc627183
Replies: 277
Last post: 3 days ago
Started by: Adam Woodbridge
Forum: Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Replies: 800
Started by: Chi chi5
Replies: 928
Last post: 4 days ago
Started by: Fiyero
Replies: 184
Last post: 6 days ago
Started by: crimsonrose3205
Forum: Mature Students
Replies: 119
Great! I exceeded my expectations
Good, I got what I expected
Not so good, I didn't get everything I expected
Terrible, I didn't get any of the grades I wanted
Tell us more about your answer in the thread

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are both part of The Student Room Group.

Main topics
GCSE and A-level
Exam results
Life and relationships

Get Started

Today's posts
Unanswered posts
Community guidelines
TSR help centre
Cookies & online safety
Terms & conditions
Privacy notice

Connect with TSR

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd.

Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

A Guide for Chinese ESL Students Personal Statements for College Applications

Personal Statements as a Genre

Most higher education institutes require a personal statement from their applicants. Most students like you have some experience in writing something that expresses your thoughts and experiences. However, a personal statement can be very different from a typical essay or paper you turn in to your teachers and professors.

First, we should talk about why colleges and universities want to see your personal statement. Even though Chinese students are known for their high grades and test scores, these numbers cannot really tell the administrator about who you really are. Yes, you are interested in Medicine. Okay, you’ve had a great internship. Oh, you also took a hundred AP classes. But, so what? There are also millions of other students who have similar numbers. All these numbers are simply a way to classify students into different score levels, but they do not highlight how you are different from others. Bekins, Huckin, and Kijak (yeah, I don’t know too much about them neither) are three scholars who studied administration processes for students applying for medical school said in their research paper: “We’re pretty certain from grade and test scores of an applicant’s abilities to succeed in med school. What we can’t tell from grades and scores, though, is whether the applicant will thrive in a medical career. That’s where the [personal statement] comes in.” (p. 58) Ideally, you should participate in an interview, where you can really showcase yourself, as a unique individual.

But, wait! Don’t forget you are very likely to be in China, attending those AP classes and laughing at math skills of American students. So, forcing the admissions staff to hear your story in person is a big no no. But what if you are in luck, and just happen to be in the States? Well, administrators would probably see your essays and personal statements before they ever meet you. So now, we have established why we should care about personal statements. They are the foundations from which others can learn about you and your values.

Hopefully, by now, I have sold you the idea that “personal statements are important”. But even if I have failed you, you may want to read a bit further until the mailman comes and picks up this book for return. Next, we are going to talk about what a personal statement is.

Technically, a personal statement “is classified as a type of ‘occluded’ promotional genre”, (p. 137), as defined by Yuan-li Tiffany Chiu. In layman’s, or normal people’s, terms, it basically means you are writing something to sell yourself as a desirable talent. Chiu also claims there is a relationship between the students and administrators, where students are outsiders of the academic community, while academics are the insiders. Under this premise, administrators will hold some expectations in evaluating students. However, students, being the outsiders, can be completely unaware of such expectations. The difficulties raised by this unawareness is even more significant for forting students.

One opinion presented by Lucie Shuker is the view that:

The personal statement, while not ‘untrue’, is nevertheless a fabricated account of the self – selected from many possible identity projections. The constant recording and evidencing of productivity therefore result in the individual producing behaviours for the very purpose of being recorded and judged (p. 227).

Put it in an easier sentence, personal statements are not lies, but truth told in a decorated way, in order to make oneself more marketable. In the next four sections, I will take you step by step in exploring your most marketable stories and how to tell them properly.

Common Problems Experienced by Chinese Students

Since most Chinese students, like you, have studied English from an early age, mostly from first or third grade in elementary school, I do not need to explain basic grammar rules or lead you step-by-step in writing correct sentences. In fact, you may have a bigger vocabulary base than I do (considering all the words you were forced to remember for the TOEFL and the SAT). However, there are three main problems involving accuracy that I need to cover for you to write better papers and essays in general as a Chinese ESL student.

Word Choice

Even though China is possibly the largest English-learning nation in the world, only 7% of Chinese report “that they ‘often’ use the language” (Bolton & Graddol, 2012, p. 7). Most students have never had the chance to use the language in a natural setting. So while Chinese students, aiming to study abroad in an English-speaking country, generally have a large word base, they misuse many words in the wrong setting.

One common mistake is that Chinese students tend to use unnecessarily complicated words, if they can. For example, if one looks up “词汇量“ in the most popular electronic Chinese-English dictionary, Youdao Dictionary , one would typically find a list of three words: vocabulary, word base , and lexical resources . Yes, it is nice to use words that no one understands, and idioms in your writing when you are writing in Chinese, because they simply look fancier. However, if you are trying to tell a very casual story, or even use it in a conversation you are recreating in a paper, no one, and I mean it, uses “lexical resources” in their daily conversations. Moreover, “lexical resources” is a very different term from vocabulary and word base, as it normally entails such database created in combination of multiple dictionaries.

Another mistake regarding word choice is somewhat mentioned above, trying to translate Chinese idioms into English. One of more extreme examples is: “人山人海”, which describes the large amount of people, being translated into people mountain people sea . Although many would be able to understand what it means, in formal writing, this type of misuse of language is not encouraged.

Grammar Mistakes

Conjunctions are difficult for Chinese students because they entail a relationship between two ideas or objects. Due to the difference between two cultures, it can be incredibly difficult for students to use the correct conjunction. Some most notable mistakes are: “because” and “so”, and “although” and “but”. In the Chinese mindset, in order to transition from one idea to another, one would need logical connection words between the two. For example, “Because I wanted to apply for American colleges, so I studied English”. However, because conjunctions function not as mere transitions but also limited by its part of speech, there cannot be conjunctions in front of all independent clauses in a sentence.

The biggest mistake that Chinese students make with verbs is not changing the case according to its declension, especially in third-person present tense. It is extremely common to see an error in writing, such as:

*He become the new leader for his group .

It is important for Chinese students to understand that, even though there is no tense-related declension in Chinese, it is extremely important to never forget that -s and -es when using third-person present tense.

Structural Mistakes

Chinese students tend to use such structure in wiring where they would always start with something extremely broad that tends to scheme through the entire history of the human race. For example:

People have been trying to discover the true meaning of life since the beginning of humanities. Aristotle once said…

This is a typical opening of a piece of writing from a Chinese student. The cause might be their former education, as teachers instruct them to write and present the issue discussed more important and significant than they are. Or, it might just be students trying to follow whatever templet they have learned from language test training. After-all, I have remembered numerous quotes from famous philosophers, writers and scientists, just so I can use them when I’m writing in language tests.

A personal statement is a very unique style of writing as it is trying to sell you as a unique individual to the school and program that you desire. With that said, the best way to structure one’s writing is to choose the one that best reflects one’s personality, as well as to stand out from over thousands of personal statements. If you don’t feel as confident in writing in a free form, I would recommend you write in a similar style of lab reports. You should:

Provide background information on your topic.
Provide a description of what you did.
Showcase your accomplishment.
Discuss your takeaway and conclude.

Brainstorming

Coming up with initial ideas is the most significant step in the process of writing a personal statement. There are mainly two types of writers when writing personal statements, the ones who think they have nothing to write about, and the ones who think they have too much to write about. In this section, I instruct you on how to choose the right experience to write about and how to write about that experience.

Types of Experiences

In writing a personal statement, the best way to tell administrator who you are is to discuss it in terms of your own experience and use that story to entail your personality.

There are three main categories of stories one can tell:

Personal Experiences: This type of experience involves anything that you have experienced in your daily life. Significant changes, sudden realization, hard times, good times, family issues and so on.
Academic Experiences: This type of experience involves anything that you have experienced in your academic life. Deciding on your intended field of study, attending conferences, getting through a tough class, dealing with busy student life and such.
Professional Experiences: This type of experience involves anything that you have experienced in your professional life. Discovering your career goal, starting your business, internship experience, volunteer experience and so on.

What Is a Good Story to Tell?

After you choose an experience that you think is worthy of telling following the framework above, you can then evaluate if it will benefit you in terms of marketing yourself.

The number one thing that you should consider is to try to focus on one key value or personality that you are trying to give impression to your school. Sometimes, students try to show schools with their full capacities in what is normally a 500-word essay. It is definitely not the most ideal way of writing a personal statement. With only about 500 words, one can barely talk about one event in detail, let alone covering others. You should try to only find one thing you can most reflect on from your story and that would most show your capacity as a student and a good fit for the program.

In her paper, Chiu showcased two criteria that administrators look for in a personal statement. One is “match” (p.141), meaning if you have shown your ability and capacity as a student to successfully engage and be part of the program. The other one is “fit” (p.142), which entails if the student is suitable for the program and that his or her values align with that of the program and school. For example, if you are trying to apply for Wake Forest University’s undergraduate degree, it might give you some extra boost if you write about your volunteer experience, since the school believes in the concept of “pro-humanitate”.

To be more specific, I want to introduce you to some of the suggestions made by Shuker in her research paper. In the article, she presents us with four types of orientations: “Engagement, Focus, Time, and Classification”. (Shuker, 2014) And she also introduces two takes on each orientation. Passive and active engagements, meaning if a person is taking an active role in the story, if one is following the crowd then he/she is categorized as passive. An internal focus paper reflects on self-reflection, while external gains comments from others. Retrospective vs Prospective just means if a person is actively marketing him/herself. In other words, if the outcome of your story is expected and planned, you are telling it in a prospective sense. Lastly, segregated and integrated classifications classify how dedicated a student is in turning his/her life in favor of future career or academic goals.

Here is a table I’ve made for you to look at in case if you find Shuker’s suggestions valuable and which orientations she seemed to like the most:

Table 1. Shuker’s Preference of Orientations

	Engagement	Focus	Time	Classification
Okay	Passive	Internal	Retrospective	Segregated
Better	Active	External	Prospective	Integrated

You should use her suggestions of how and what to include in a personal statement as a guideline of how you should tell your story and how to shape your story in such a way that will help you market yourself as a desirable student for institutions.

The most important exercise for preparation for writing a personal statement is to write short stories. These short stories should serve as experiments to find your own way of telling stories and engaging with the audience. You should take your time and write several different versions of one story, then compare which way fits best with your designated value that you want to show to administrators.

In this exercise, you should write at least one story from all three categories I have introduced to you above. From these three stories, you should try to write at least 3 versions of each in under 200 words.

Portfolio and Finalization of Your Personal Statement

You should be able to construct your own portfolio of three essays, each around or under 500 words. Choose from the best story from each of the three categories. Use these three essays in your future personal statement writing, and, if you are confident enough, use them as your personal statements. Here is a final checklist you should look at before you submit your personal statements to your dream school:

Grammar Check
Structure Check
Story Check
Orientation Check
Proofreading
Reading the statement out loud

Now, you are fully prepared for submitting your personal statement to your dream school and go get that offer!

Bolton, K., & Graddol, D. (2012). English in China today. English Today , 28 (3), 3–9.

Chiu, Y. T. (2019) ‘It’s a match, but is it a good fit?’: admissions tutors’ evaluation of personal statements for PhD study. Oxford Review of Education, 45(1), 136-150.

Ding, H. (2007). Genre analysis of personal statements: Analysis of moves in application essays to medical and dental schools. English for Specific Purposes , 26 (3), 368–392.

Jones, S. (2013). “Ensure That You Stand Out from the Crowd”: A Corpus-Based Analysis of Personal Statements according to Applicants’ School Type. Comparative Education Review , 57 (3), 397–423.

Khan, Q. (2019, April 18). China’s Education Industry On The Rise, And This Is Just The

Beginning. Retrieved December 5, 2019, from ttps://equalocean.com/education/20190418-chinas-education-industry-on-the-rise-and-this-is-just-the-beginning.

Li, Y., & Deng, L. (2019). I am what I have written: A case study of identity construction in and through personal statement writing. Journal of English for Academic Purposes , 37 , 70–87.

Shuker, L. (2014) ‘It’ll look good on your personal statement’: self-marketing amongst university applicants in the United Kingdom. British Journal of Sociology of Education , 35:2, 224-243.

Trends in the Chinese Education Industry: Deloitte China: Global Chinese Services Group. (2016, May 5). Retrieved December 5, 2019, from https://www2.deloitte.com/cn/en/pages/international-business-support/articles/trends-in-the-chinese-education-industry.html

Share This Book

Telephone Tel: +44 (0) 20 7499 2394
Email Email: [email protected]

Strategic Guidance

Private Oxbridge Consultation
International Oxbridge Consultation
Postgraduate Applications Guidance
Book a Complimentary Call

Comprehensive Support

The Premier Service
Oxford and Cambridge Interview Preparation Weekend

Targeted Support

Oxbridge Personal Statement Support
Oxbridge Admissions Test Support
Oxbridge Interview Preparation Support
Admissions Test Preparation Day 2024

Application Guidance

‘Aspiring to Oxbridge’ School Talk
Teacher Training Workshop
Individual Guidance Consultations

Personal Statement Support

Personal Statement Group Workshop
Personal Statement Consultations

Admissions Test Preparation

Admissions Test Day
Admissions Test Course

Interview Preparation

Interview Preparation Day
Interview Preparation Course

Free Library

Oxbridge Interview Resources
Admissions Tests Resources
Student Library
Teacher Library
Keeping You Current
Webinar Library

Our Publications

Course reports, oxbridge applications.

Become A Tutor
Our Offices
Dukes Education

News & Press

Widening Access
Publications
Sign In Register
Sign In Register

Linguistics Personal Statement Guide

A personal statement forms a necessary part of your application to institutions of higher education and is one of the most important bases on which admissions decisions are made.

The personal statement represents a unique opportunity to tell universities about your passion for linguistics and why you’d like to spend at least the next three years studying this challenging and rewarding subject. Moreover, it allows you to convey an idea of who you are as a person to someone you’ve never met.

Of course, this isn’t a straightforward task. It’s likely you’ve been interested in language and how it works for a while, and people usually find self-reflection difficult at the best of times, so writing a good personal statement takes considerable effort.

That’s where this guide comes in. It will take you through the writing process step-by-step from beginning to end, and provide you some helpful tips along the way, including:

Why are Personal Statements Important?
What Should I Include in a Linguistics Personal Statement?
What Should I Avoid in a Linguistics Personal Statement?

Advice on How to Start a Linguistics Personal Statement

Advice on how to finish a linguistics personal statement .

What Should I Avoid in a Linguistics Personal Statement ?

No personal statement should be tailored to any one university , unless you’re only applying to one. That means you need to keep it general enough but also relevant enough for universities to accept it as valid for their degree course. You shouldn’t , therefore, talk about how you’ve always dreamed of studying at one institution – even if you have!

Personal statements should also be direct and written in simple language to communicate your point as clearly as possible; this shouldn’t be a problem for you if you want to study linguistics.

Avoid clichés and pretentious language as these not only don’t impress, they also detract from the quality of your statement and distract the reader. Your statement should contain only what is relevant to you and to linguistics , so every time you think of mentioning something, ask yourself if this is the case; if it isn’t, don’t include it.

Beginning any piece of writing is difficult, but this is especially the case for personal statements as they form such an integral part of your university application. As such , don’t be scared to begin somewhere in the middle; writing about your interests and your research can help slowly shape the introduction in your mind.

When you’re ready to start the beginning, make it direct and attention-grabbing , but not clichéd . It should convey your desire to study linguistics and/or your general interest in how language works , and leave the reader in no doubt what it is you’re proposing to study and why.

It can also sometimes help to make notes around the points you wish to include and keep a list of these, even if you don’t yet know where to put them, just so you don’t forget any. Remember: you only have 4000 characters (including spaces) to work with, so you won’t be able to include everything .

When you finish reading something, your lasting impression is often formed by the ending. For this reason, it pays to conclude your statement well . You want to leave the reader in no doubt of your passion for linguistics , your motivation to study it to a higher level, and how capable a student you will be.

An effective way to do this is link the ending back to the start so you recapitulate (without repeating!) points in your introduction. This will reinforce to the reader why you’d be a good student to have on the course and one who will derive the maximum benefit from it.

Remember that your intention is to receive an offer of an interview or a place on the course, so your final words should be convincing and make the reader want to meet you to find out more.

What are some Tips for Writing a Strong Linguistics Personal Statement?
How Long Should my Linguistics Personal Statement Be?
What Kind of Extracurricular Activities Should I Include in my Linguistics Personal Statement?
How Can I Tailor my Linguistics Personal Statement to the Oxford/Cambridge Course?

Linguistics admissions tutors are likely the ones who will end up teaching you the subject, so they want to know you’ve thought deeply about it. Whatever your personal thoughts and insights, you should incorporate these into your statement; a good place is in the section on motivation and interest. After all, language is a fundamental part of being human, so you are already in a great position to reflect on it already.

As linguistics isn’t taught at school, the only way you could have delved into it is by yourself, in your own time. That already shows a pro-active and self-directed approach to learning, which should come out in your statement.

Needless to say, your wider reading should feature, but be selective; don’t list all books you’ve read on language and don’t turn it into a book review. Chances are, the person reading the statement has also read what you have.

The personal statement has a low character-limit (4000 including spaces or 47 lines of the form, whichever is reached first), so you should aim to use all that you’re given. Obviously don’t keep writing for the sake of it, as fewer words of quality will always be better than more of nonsense, but to do justice to yourself it’s advisable to make use of as much of the character-limit as possible.

When considering including activities, ask yourself how they relate to linguistics or advanced academic study. If you struggle to answer, then it’s likely not worth including as you have so few words at your disposal. It goes without saying that your relevant reading should be mentioned, but other activities like volunteering or work experience could be relevant if you want to make a point about time-management or a pro-active attitude.

Whilst you cannot make your statement to specific to any one university, there are certain things you can do to ensure Oxbridge tutors know you are thinking of them.

Linguistics at Oxford and Cambridge is interdisciplinary, so you’d have the chance to study everything from syntax and dialect to psycholinguistics and phonetics. With so much on offer, it’s a good idea to see what you’d like to study in particular, and to mention one or two areas, but make sure other universities offer them too.

Moreover, as Oxford and Cambridge have very strong historical linguistics departments looking at how languages have changed over time, so this may be an area to delve into further, if that’s your thing.

Book your Linguistics Personal Statement Package

You can contact our Oxbridge-graduate Consultants on +44 (0) 20 7499 2394 or email [email protected] to discuss our personal statement packages.

If you’d like to know more about Linguistics, we have admissions test guidance and interview preparation readily available.

Our Oxbridge-graduate consultants are available between 9.00 am – 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday, with additional evening availability when requested.

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7499 2394
Email: [email protected]

Oxbridge Applications, 58 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AJ

Private Oxbridge Application Consultation
Oxbridge Personal Statement Support Package
Oxbridge Mock Interview Preparation and Support
Personal Statement Workshop and Checks
Schools Mock Interviews – Online and In-School
Teacher Training Workshops – Online and In-School
Oxbridge Preparation Days – Online and In-School
Frequently Asked Questions
Terms and Conditions
Privacy Policy
Safeguarding & Child Protection
Company Registration Number: 3757054

International Journal of Language & Linguistics

Aims & Scope
Editorial Board
Subscription

Call for Papers

International Journal of Language & Linguistics (IJLL) is a quarterly peer reviewed journal

Recruitment of Reviewers

Reviewer's name and affiliation will be listed in the printed journal and on the journal's webpage.

Personal Statements written by Chinese and English-speaking applicants: a Study on Move-Step Arrangements and Word Distribution Zhanni Luo Abstract Personal statement (PS), an academic promotional document, plays an important role in undergraduate and postgraduate admission application in most English-speaking countries. However, applicants suffer from unfamiliarity with this particular type of writing because few samples and little guidance are available. Applicants of non-native speakers, for example, Chinese, are more disadvantaged due to language barriers and cultural differences. In the current study, this author collected 15PSs written by Chinese applicants and 15 by English-speaking applicants for the application of Master’s study in English-speaking countries. Based on the 30 PSs, this author summarized a move-and-step framework which reveals the writing differences of Chinese and English-speaking applicants. Since the personal statements by Chinese applicants are reported being too long, this author investigated participants’ word allocation in each move and gave suggestions accordingly. This study can be helpful for the instruction of academic writing of this genre; it can also develop our understanding of the cultural differences between China and English-speaking countries. Full Text: PDF

Latest News

Best Paper Award Declared
Recruitment of Editor
jll is now indexed with DRJI

Visitors Counter

	862
	1138
	41509
	48538

	31

World wide visitor's

Meiqing Sun

[email protected]

Ph.D., Senior Lecturer of Chinese Studies, Chinese Program Coordinator

Ph.D., Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, China

Curriculum Vitae

Research/ Teaching Interests

Second language acquisition
Language teaching and pedagogy
Language contact and language development
Syntactic theory
Cognitive linguistics
Corpus linguistics

Personal Statement

Meiqing Sun holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics from the Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, China. Her dissertation was a comprehensive study of possible syntactic influence from Mongolian language to Chinese language through language contact. She joined UNCG in 2012. Before coming to UNCG, she had worked at University of Pennsylvania, Flagship Chinese program at University of Mississippi and Duke University. Her research interests include second language acquisition, language teaching and pedagogy, language contact and language development, syntactic theory, cognitive linguistics and corpus linguistics. She served as Interim Director of Chinese Studies from August 2016 to December 2017, in addition to teaching Chinese culture, literature and language and organizing extracurricular activities for students. She is also the founder and coordinator of Mandarin Corner and Chinese oral tutorial program and the Faculty Advisor of Chinese Student Association at UNCG.

Selected Publications

Speak and Act: Beginning Chinese (Volume 2) Textbook and Workbook . MD: Phoenix Tree Publishing INC .
Liu-Shu-Based Approach of Teaching Chinese Character in Teaching Chinese as A Second Language, Southeast Review of Asian Studies(SERAS) , volume 36: 37-57, 2014 (Peer-viewed)
The Historical Change of “he”. Language Studies , Wuhan, China, 2:53-58. 2006
“Syntactic Change in Chinese: On Grammaticalization”, by Alain Peyraube. In Fuxiang Wu, ed., Research on Chinese Grammar , Beijing: Commercial Press, 44-72. 2005 (Translation)
On wei1, wei2, wei3 in Mashi Wentong. Oriental Forum , Qingdao, China, 2:62-67. 2002

Oxbridge Law 24/25 Entry
Non-Oxbridge Law 24/25 Entry
Oxford PPE 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Economics 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Modern Languages 24/25 Entry
Cambridge Land Economy 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Psychology 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge English 24/25 Entry
Oxford Human Sciences 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge History 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Geography 24/25 Entry
Cambridge Philosophy 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Classics 24/25 Entry
Cambridge Architecture 24/25 Entry
Cambridge HSPS Programme 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Medicine 24/25 Entry
Oxford Biomedical Sciences 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Engineering 24/25 Entry
Cambridge Natural Science 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Maths 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Computer Science 24/25 Entry
Oxford Physics 24/25 Entry
Oxford PPL 24/25 Entry
Cambridge Veterinary Science 24/25 Entry
Oxford Chemistry 24/25 Entry
Oxford Biology 24/25 Entry
Oxford Biochemistry 24/25 Entry
Non-Oxbridge Medicine 24/25 Entry
Non-Oxbridge Dentistry 24/25 Entry
IMAT Medicine 24/25 Entry
Can’t Find Your Subject?
Law Interview Programme
PPE Interview Programme
Economics Interview Programme
Oxbridge Medicine Interview Programme
Natural Science Interview Programme
Engineering Interview Programme
Maths Interview Programme
Dentistry Interview Programme
Medicine MMI Interview Programme
Our Guarantee

Our Students

Student Success Stories

University Access Scheme
New Tutor Application Form
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does It Work?

Enrol on an Oxbridge Programme before 31st July & benefit from a complimentary session with an Oxford University lecturer. Schedule your consultation here today.

Enrol on an Oxbridge Programme before 31st July & benefit from a complimentary session with our study psychologist (an Oxford University lecturer). Schedule your consultation here today.

+44 (0) 208 068 0438
[email protected]

SCIENCE PROGRAMMES (25/26 ENTRY)

HUMANITIES PROGRAMMES (25/26 ENTRY)

GET STARTED

Can't find your subject?

OXFORD TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

CAMBRIDGE TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

MEDICINE TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

View Our Free admissions guides & resources

How UniAdmissions Cracked The Oxbridge Formula

Applying for Oxbridge is an opportunity seldom approached correctly. So how do you enter the top 16% of a strong cohort of applicants that get an offer? Discover how UniAdmissions get 2/3 of our students in.

2024 UCAT Exam Structure: Sections & Timings

The UCAT is divided into five sections, each containing a set of questions that need to be answered within a specific time limit. Discover what these sections entail and what to anticipate during the test.

Inside The UniAdmissions Portal: The UA Advantage

UniAdmissions students have access to the world's first dedicated Oxbridge admissions preparation platform, and this guide will help you discover exactly how the Portal will help you get your offer.

Discover all guides

ABOUT UNIADMISSIONS

Learn about who the world's first Oxbridge prep school are.

Learn about the Portal; the heart of our Programmes.

UniAdmissions' Foundation

The Foundation is our charitable arm to support disadvantaged students.

Students & Tutors

Discover who a UniAdmissions student is and our admissions criteria.

Learn about our high-performing Oxbridge tutors.

We're proud of our alumni. Read about their journey with UniAdmissions here.

Admissions Resources

Free Admissions Guides

Visit our Learning Centre and read our in-depth free guides.

We are the world's biggest Oxbridge application publisher. Learn more here.

Teachers Learning Hub

Learn about how to help your students get their place at Oxbridge.

Get Started

Access Student Portal
Oxbridge Programmes
Open Day Webinar
Tutor Application Form
Common Questions
Download Our Prospectus

Successful Personal Statement For Modern Languages At Oxford

Last Updated: 10th August 2020

Author: Adi Sen

Modern Languages

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it.

Today, we are looking through a Modern Languages applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The Modern Languages Course at Oxford aims to teach spoken fluency in colloquial and more formal situations, as well as the ability to write essays in the foreign language, and the ability to translate into and out of the foreign language with accuracy and sensitivity to a range of vocabulary, styles and registers.

Read on to see how the candidate approached this Personal Statement.

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

Enrolling on our Oxbridge Modern Languages comprehensive Programme will give you access to Personal Statement redrafts.

Your tutor will give you actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve and make your Personal Statement Oxbridge quality for the best chances of success.

Modern Languages Personal Statement

France has developed a literature of unequalled richness and variety. Europeans in any age have had few thoughts, desires, or fantasies that a French writer somewhere has not expressed-it has given the Western mind an image of itself. In this sense, French literature serves as a pool in which many cultures meet. Therefore, in particular, it is French literature’s universality which interests me.

Nevertheless, I enjoy how literature provides a window into an author’s contemporary society. For example, ‘Madame Bovary’ draws us into Flaubert’s disgust for the bourgeois existence of the 19thcentury; Zola’s ‘Thérèse Raquin’ invites us into the leprous lower-depths of Paris. I am interested in how both these writers, unparalleled in their psychological clarity and narrative muscle, provide such a brutal and relentless account of their chosen subject matter: for Flaubert, the indulgent decadence of the bourgeoisie, exemplified by Emma Bovary; for Zola, the moral dankness of the murderous lovers. In addition, I have watched Kassovitz’s ‘La Haine’ and Truffaut’s ‘Les quatre cents coups’, both similar to Zola and Flaubert in their rigorous exploration of character. Focusing on social outcasts, these films act as an exposition of societal problems. ‘La Haine’ sheds light on the all-encompassing violence and cultural exclusion of the suburbs of Paris, while ‘Les quatre cent coups’ reveals the shocking injustices in the treatment of juvenile offenders. Thus, such French cinema serves to illuminate the neglected–I relish this narrative potential in the discovery of truth.

Besides these more realistic works, both my English and French A Levels have introduced me toAbsurdism.I have appreciated the works of Beckett (‘Fin de partie’, ‘En attendant Godot’) and Ionesco (‘La Cantatrice Chauve’, ‘Rhinocéros’). These tragicomedies simultaneously entertain and provoke–the reason why I found them so enjoyable and yet so powerful. To pursue this interest in Absurdism, I read Voltaire’s absurd ‘contes philosophiques’, ‘Candide’ and ‘Micromegas’. Fiction, I found, proved to be the perfect medium of expression for Voltaire’s empiricism and scepticism. Therefore, like the tragicomedies of the 20th century, I thought Voltaire’s work succeeded both as entertainment and as an accessible manifesto of his philosophical beliefs. Furthermore, I decided to follow up this interest in such ‘contes philosophiques’ by undertaking an Edexcel Extended Project, entitled ‘Ancient Influence on French Existentialist Literature’, for which I was awarded an A*. Here, I focused on why Camus, in ‘Le Mythe de Sisyphe’, Sartre, in ‘Les Mouches’, and Anouilh, in ‘Antigone’, chose to use classical themes and motifs to communicate their own particular perception of Existentialism. Despite its challenges, the more I worked at this project, the more certain I was that this is what and how I would like to study.

Moreover, I have taken an interest in symbolist French poetry. Having studied some poetry by Baudelaire (‘Les Fleurs du Mal’) and Verlaine (‘Romances sans paroles’), I have become fascinated by the crippling and contrasting emotions communicated in these poems. I now admire how the very sound of the French language can control the register of a poem and, thus, highlight its true meaning even amongst the most abstract, intangible imagery, employed by Baudelaire and Verlaine. I am intrigued by the French language in part due to this precision.

Finally, I contributed regularly to my school’s Modern Languages magazine, ‘Babel’, and have competed in ‘Les Joutes Oratoires’, a national French debating competition in which I reached the final. Through these experiences, I have begun to thoroughly enjoy communicating in French. I believe an extra language extends one’s range. It releases you from the inertia of one cultural gear–achange of perspective that I find truly enlightening and enjoyable. I will be working in Paris from January to March.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

Successful Personal Statement For Law At Cambridge

Successful personal statement for economics & management at oxford, successful personal statement for natural science (physical) at cambridge, successful personal statement for economics at cambridge, successful personal statement for land economy at cambridge, successful personal statement for chemistry at oxford, successful personal statement for geography at oxford, successful personal statement for classics at oxford, successful personal statement for law at oxford, successful personal statement for classics at cambridge, successful personal statement for engineering at cambridge, successful personal statement for philosophy at cambridge, successful personal statement for veterinary medicine at cambridge, successful personal statement for psychological and behavioural sciences at cambridge, successful personal statement for psychology at oxford, successful personal statement for history at oxford, successful personal statement for physics at oxford, successful personal statement for cambridge mathematics and physics, successful personal statement example for computer science at oxford, successful personal statement for english at cambridge, successful personal statement for oxford english language and literature, successful personal statement for engineering at oxford, successful personal statement for natural sciences (biological) at cambridge, successful personal statement for ppe at oxford, successful personal statement for dentistry at king’s college london, successful personal statement for medicine at cambridge.

Download our Free Personal Statement Starter Guide

Good Points Of The Personal Statement

Throughout this statement, the applicant engages consistently with a range of French texts at a very advanced level.

The applicant is able to demonstrate not only an awareness of a huge tranche of French literature but also how specific works intersect. This comparative criticism is carried out by the applicant across several different forms in a manner that is lucid and impressive.

The applicant has mentioned their personal research and is able to indicate why it is interesting and relevant. They are also able to indicate how their personal pursuits are reciprocally and beneficially related to their academic studies.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

At particular moments, this applicant veers from an academic register into an overtly formal one; a stylistic turn which, while remaining clear in meaning, is a little jarring.

More personal information would have been a welcome addition to this statement, especially since its academic calibre is so relentlessly clear throughout; the statement has the potential to be slightly breathless in its rapid consideration of big swathes of literature.

The statement could, therefore, have happily absorbed more personal information without diluting its clear academic potential.

In addition, the candidate could have taken slightly more care over their phrasing, which occasionally takes a tone bordering on reductive or patronising; a risk which is perhaps not worth taking in this context.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

The candidate effectively and efficiently communicates a level of cultural awareness which goes far above and beyond the demands of their curriculum.

They are able to demonstrate how they practically carry forward their interests in extra-curricular and academic activities. Throughout the statement, the applicant engages a muscular, academically-considered tone which is clear and authoritative.

There was room in the statement for greater personal depth and warmth, and for greater justification for some of the strong academic arguments being posed.

And there we have it – an Oxford Modern Languages Personal Statement with feedback from our expert tutors.

Remember, at Oxford, the Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

Check out our Free Personal Statement Resources page for even more successful personal statements and expert guides.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Oxford Modern Languages application.

With our Oxbridge Oxford Modern Languages Premium Programme we help you craft the perfect Personal Statement , achieve a highly competitive MLAT score and teach you how to Interview effectively.

Discover our Oxbridge Oxford Modern Languages Premium Programme by clicking the button below to enrol and triple your chances of success.

UniAdmissions students placed at Oxford And Cambridge

Continue learning about Oxbridge...

Successful personal statement for medicine at oxford university.

Writing a Medicine Personal Statement for Oxford? If so, you’re in the right place! In this post, we go through…

Writing a Law Personal Statement for Cambridge? If so, you’re in the right place! In this post, we go through…

Oxford and Cambridge Written Work: Your Definitive Guide

If you're applying to Oxford or Cambridge, you may be preparing yourself for an admissions test. However, many Oxbridge courses…

Oxford Announces Partnership With Pearson VUE For 2024 Admissions Tests

After a number of changes within the Oxbridge admissions test space, the University of Oxford has announced its partnership with…

The Best Oxbridge Colleges For International Applicants

Applying to Oxford or Cambridge from outside the UK is a tough process, especially when considering how competitive it is.…

What Is The Oxford BMSAT And How You Can Prepare

Oxford is actioning various changes to its admissions testing process, including the introduction of a new admissions test for Biomedical…

The Secrets to Oxbridge Admission.

We cracked the Oxbridge formula . Find out what we discovered here.
Looking for application support? Don't work with a random tutor. This is what you need to know first.
Get up-to-date Oxbridge advice with our webinars. Follow our Open Days led by our experts and stay updated.
Begin your Oxbridge journey with UniAdmissions through our programmes of support by clicking here.

Personal Statement Starter Guide

We have developed an 80-page E-Book filled with expert Personal Statement Advice. Inside, you’ll find guides on planning and writing your personal statement, as well as our full collection of 25+ Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements.

Get it directly to your inbox by registering your email.

How would you like to speak to an Admissions Consultant?

Undergraduate
High School
Architecture
American History
Asian History
Antique Literature
American Literature
Asian Literature
Classic English Literature
World Literature
Creative Writing
Linguistics
Criminal Justice
Legal Issues
Anthropology
Archaeology
Political Science
World Affairs
African-American Studies
East European Studies
Latin-American Studies
Native-American Studies
West European Studies
Family and Consumer Science
Social Issues
Women and Gender Studies
Social Work
Natural Sciences
Pharmacology
Earth science
Agriculture
Agricultural Studies
Computer Science
IT Management
Mathematics
Investments
Engineering and Technology
Engineering
Aeronautics
Medicine and Health
Alternative Medicine
Communications and Media
Advertising
Communication Strategies
Public Relations
Educational Theories
Teacher's Career
Chicago/Turabian
Company Analysis
Education Theories
Shakespeare
Canadian Studies
Food Safety
Relation of Global Warming and Extreme Weather Condition
Movie Review
Admission Essay
Annotated Bibliography
Application Essay
Article Critique
Article Review
Article Writing
Book Review
Business Plan
Business Proposal
Capstone Project
Cover Letter
Creative Essay
Dissertation
Dissertation - Abstract
Dissertation - Conclusion
Dissertation - Discussion
Dissertation - Hypothesis
Dissertation - Introduction
Dissertation - Literature
Dissertation - Methodology
Dissertation - Results
GCSE Coursework
Grant Proposal
Marketing Plan
Multiple Choice Quiz

Personal Statement

Power Point Presentation
Power Point Presentation With Speaker Notes
Questionnaire
Reaction Paper
Research Paper
Research Proposal
SWOT analysis
Thesis Paper
Online Quiz
Literature Review
Movie Analysis
Statistics problem
Math Problem
All papers examples
How It Works
Money Back Policy
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
We Are Hiring

Linguistics, Personal Statement Example

Pages: 4

Words: 992

Hire a Writer for Custom Personal Statement

Use 10% Off Discount: "custom10" in 1 Click 👇

You are free to use it as an inspiration or a source for your own work.

My parents did not have higher education, thus, as a high school student in Hong Kong, I used to help my parents read and translate business letters. My family is in the electronics business and the growth of Hong Kong’s manufacturing industry has inspired them to seek growth in international markets for the first time. The success of international ventures doesn’t only depend upon business skills but also soft skills such as cross-cultural knowledge and language. Language is the window into a culture and acquiring foreign language skills gives one a competitive edge in the international markets.

My interest in linguistics has also been shaped by extensive international travels. I noticed that foreign language skills do not only help one expand his thinking horizon and improve understanding of the world but also help one secure goodwill and cooperation from the locals. I am also fortunate to experience a foreign culture as a local resident when I spent last year of high school in New Zealand. My goal in enrolling at Logan Park High School (LPHS) in New Zealand was to become more proficient in British English but I also ended up learning Latin and French. My linguistics education also helped me learn about the roots of English and French languages in Latin. For example, “amicus” in Latin is “ami” in French and “friend” in English. The realization that even languages who could not have been more different in sound and grammar, share roots only further sparked my interest in linguistics.

LPHS hosts “International Student Festival” every year in which I represented China and introduced participants to Chinese culture and basic linguistic rules. One of the things I realized during the festival was the difficulty of translating foreign words into Chinese language because either substitute words do not exist in Chinese language or any attempt to translate foreign words into Chinese results in quite unexpected meanings. Similarly, when translation attempts may be possible, Chinese terms are usually longer than foreign terms. For instance, “Pizza Hut” is “Bi Sheng Ke,” in Chinese which translates to “most certainly win in the house.” But the word “pizza” alone translates to “pi-sa” in Chinese. This realization also helped me understand why international marketers frequently make marketing mistakes in China and sometimes even have to change their original brand names in favor of a local version. This also demonstrates the close relationship between language and a culture. This is why I am determined to expand my linguistics skills because certain elements of culture can only be understood through local language.

My linguistic skills also helped me secure a position as a student helper at Diablo Valley College’s International Student Admissions and Services facility (ISAS) in Spring 2013. My responsibilities included providing information to students about visa and immigration issues. Students from countries as varied as France, Korea, and Indonesia would specifically seek my assistance because they claimed I could anticipate their concerns even without asking. I also used the experience to further advance my linguistic skills.

My experiences in the U.S. have also helped me better understand the role of language within a particular culture. I studied British English in New Zealand which is quite similar to American English but the differences are significant enough to create communication hurdles. In addition, the accents also vary across cultures and Middle East is a great example. Students from Saudi Arabia spoke Arabic in an accent and style that was quite different from Arabic language speakers from Morocco. Languages do not only serve as means of communication but also provide hidden meanings that are lost in translation. This is why my goal is to learn as many languages as possible and I hope University of California will provide me with education that helps me bridge gaps between cultures.

One of the traits I am particularly proud of is my willingness to embrace new experiences. As a child, I was shy and reserve and mostly kept to myself. I didn’t trust others to really understand me and the idea of being judged also prevented me from opening myself to others. My father understood the importance of social interaction and skills, thus, he started bringing me to business events to acquire social and communication skills. It was not easy at first but I started realizing it is difficult to exist in isolation because we need others in life sometimes whether in personal or professional matters. But as I became better at communication and social skills, my hesitation started disappearing.

The biggest influence on me in my journey towards embracing the outside world was a high school teacher who referred to Forrest Gump, “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” She helped me realize life is full of tests which are meant to measure our true potential and successfully passing each test gives us a renewed sense of pride and self-confidence. She taught me that even failures carry valuable lessons and education takes place everywhere, even in the seemingly ordinary events in life. She encouraged me to embrace new experiences even if they may not appeal to me because only by stepping outside our comfort zones do we expand our perspectives and thinking horizon.

Another trait I am proud of is my willingness to embrace challenges and try to overcome them. My experiences in life have taught me we put in our best efforts and push ourselves to the limit only when faced with difficult challenges. Challenges may scare us but there are also essential for our personal growth. Learning new languages is not an easy task but I am determined in order to make the most out of my future international travels. I have no doubt it will open numerous career paths for me because national boundaries are becoming insignificant and interaction among cultures will continue to grow. My personality traits have helped me achieve high degree of self-confidence which is why I do not only embrace challenges but actually seek them out.

Stuck with your Personal Statement?

Get in touch with one of our experts for instant help!

Morals and Ethics, Essay Example

Mock Trial, Assessment Example

Time is precious

don’t waste it!

Plagiarism-free guarantee

Privacy guarantee

Secure checkout

Money back guarantee

Related Personal Statement Samples & Examples

Depression during old age, personal statement example.

Pages: 1

Words: 314

Health Policy Statement on Structured Reporting for the Cardiac Catheterization, Personal Statement Example

Words: 1164

MSN Personal Statement Example

Pages: 2

Words: 562

How I Became a Nurse, Personal Statement Example

Words: 511

The University of Balamand, Personal Statement Example

Words: 317

Professional Nursing Career, Personal Statement Example

Words: 1065

History of the Department
Mission, Objectives and Strategic Areas of Development
Linguistics Faculty
Modern Languages Faculty
Centre for Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies
Childhood Bilingualism Research Centre
Laboratory for Language, Learning and the Brain
Language Acquisition Laboratory
Joint Centre for Language, Mind and Brain
Other Research Staff
Research Students
Teaching Assistants
Administrative Staff
News & Events
Departmental Seminars
Modern Languages Events
Conferences and Workshops

LINGUISTICS

Undergraduate Programme
Postgraduate Programme

MODERN LANGUAGES

Modern Languages Programmes

MINOR PROGRAMMES

Hong Kong Sign Language
Chinese Language (Cantonese) as a Second Language
Chinese Language (Putonghua) as a Second Language
How to Minor

ELECTIVE PROGRAMMES

Research Centres
Research Laboratories
Research Projects
Research Theses
What is Linguistics
What are Modern Languages
Undergraduate Programmes
Postgraduate Programmes
Change of major and declaration of minor
FAQ about Language and Linguistics

Master of Arts (MA) programme in Linguistics

Master of Arts (MA) Programme in Linguistics

Linguistics

Professional Recognition
Reading List for newly admitted students
MA Research Papers (since 2004)
MA Leaflets ( English ) ( 简体中文 ) ( 繁體中文 )
MA Brochures ( English ) ( 简体中文 ) ( 繁體中文 )

Introduction

The Master of Arts Programme in Linguistics features an interdisciplinary approach to language study. It is designed to introduce students to current theories in linguistics and their various applications to language typology, language acquisition, language and modality, language teaching as well as culture and society, which are presented in a comparative framework. The programme consists of three streams, namely, (i) the General Linguistics Stream, (ii) the Language Acquisition and Bilingualism Stream, and (iii) the Sign Linguistics Stream.

The programme aims to:

Help students develop sensitivity towards the complexities of language structure and use;
Develop students’ understanding of the characteristic properties of languages that use the vocal-auditory channel (i.e. typical human language) and languages that use the manual-visual channel (i.e. sign language);
Enhance students’ linguistic awareness regarding language development, language acquisition, and bilingualism.
Equip students with methodological tools for the analysis of language structure, and for the empirical study on the dynamics of the teaching and learning process.

Learning Outcomes

Students will achieve a theory-based and informed understanding of the richness of language structure, and of the major findings related to theoretical linguistics, the acquisition of the spoken and/or sign language, and bilingualism.
Students will be able to conduct research with selected methodological tools used in the analysis of language form, language acquisition, and language performance, such as computerized corpora, naturalistic and experimental methods of data collection, data processing, and frameworks for analysis.
Students will be able to approach a linguistic problem with a deep appreciation of the complex array of variables underlying language form, function, and meaning.

Programme Mode

The programme is offered in both full-time and part-time study modes. The full-time mode covers a normal period of one academic year while the part-time mode covers a normal period of two academic years. Students are required to complete a total of 27 units of courses. The numbers of required courses and elective courses differ from stream to stream.

1. Coursework requirements

A. Applicable to students admitted in 2022-23 and thereafter.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 27 units of courses for graduation.

1. General Linguistics Stream

		Units
(i)	Required courses: LING5101 and 5102	6
(ii)	Elective courses: Any 21 units of courses to be chosen from the following: LING5103, 5104, 5201, 5202, 5301, 5302, 5602, 5604, 5606, 5607, 5608, 5701, 5702 and 5802. Subject to prior approval from the Graduate Division, students are allowed to take a 3-unit course at 4000-level or above listed in the undergraduate BA programme in Linguistics to fulfill the elective requirements. Students must obtain a grade of not lower than B- for the course in order to fulfill the graduation requirement.	21
		27

2. Language Acquisition and Bilingualism Stream

		Units
(i)	Required courses: (a) LING5101, 5102 and 5103 (b) Choose any two courses from LING5201, 5202 and 5503	9 6
(ii)	Elective courses: Any 12 units of courses to be chosen from the following: LING5104, 5301, 5302, 5403, 5404, 5602, 5604, 5606, 5607, 5608, 5701, 5702 and 5802. Subject to prior approval from the Graduate Division, students are allowed to take a 3-unit course at 4000-level or above listed in the undergraduate BA programme in Linguistics to fulfill the elective requirements. Students must obtain a grade of not lower than B- for the course in order to fulfill the graduration requirements.	12
		27

1 Students may also choose to take all three courses in (i)(b), in which case one of them will be counted towards fulfillment of the elective requirements.

3. Sign Linguistics Stream

		Units
(i)	Required courses: LING5101, 5102, 5104, 5403 and 5404	15
(ii)	Elective courses: Any 12 units of courses to be chosen from the following: LING5103, 5201, 5202, 5301, 5302, 5602, 5604, 5606, 5607, 5608, 5701, 5702 and 5802. Subject to prior approval from the Graduate Division, students are allowed to take a 3-unit course at 4000-level or above listed in the undergraduate BA programme in Linguistics to fulfill the elective requirements. Students must obtain a grade of not lower than B- for the course in order to fulfill the graduation requirements.	12
		27

2. Other requirements

(a) Student must fulfill the Term Assessment Requirement of the Graduate School. For details, please refer the section 13.0 “Unsatisfactory Performance and Discontinuation of Studies” of the General Regulations Governing Postgraduate Studies. ( http://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/ )

(b) Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

A. Applicable to students admitted in 2018-19 and thereafter. I. General Linguistics Stream

Code	Course Title	Unit

LING5101	Foundations I: Phonetics and Phonology	3
LING5102	Foundations II: Syntax and Semantics	3

LING5103	Foundations in Language Acquisition	3
LING5104	Foundations in Sign Language Research	3
LING5201	Topics in Second Language Acquisition	3
LING5202	Topics in Bilingualism	3
LING5301	Linguistics and Language Teaching	3
LING5302	Approaches to English Grammar	3
LING5602	Special Topics in Linguistics	3
LING5604	Topics in Sociolinguistics	3
LING5606	Special Topics in Applied Linguistics	3
LING5607	Topics in Psycholinguistics	3
LING5608	Language Disorders	3
LING5701	Linguistics Research	3
LING5702	Research Project	6
LING5802	Research Practicum	1

II. Language Acquisition and Bilingualism Stream

Code	Course Title	Unit

LING5101	Foundations I: Phonetics and Phonology	3
LING5102	Foundations II: Syntax and Semantics	3
LING5103	Foundations in Language Acquisition	3

LING5201	Topics in Second Language Acquisition	3
LING5202	Topics in Bilingualism	3
LING5503	Topics in Chinese Language Acquisition	3

LING5104	Foundations in Sign Language Research	3
LING5301	Linguistics and Language Teaching	3
LING5302	Approaches to English Grammar	3
LING5403	Topics in Language Acquisition of Deaf Children	3
LING5404	Sign Linguistics	3
LING5602	Special Topics in Linguistics	3
LING5604	Topics in Sociolinguistics	3
LING5606	Special Topics in Applied Linguistics	3
LING5607	Topics in Psycholinguistics	3
LING5608	Language Disorders	3
LING5701	Linguistics Research	3
LING5702	Research Project	6
LING5802	Research Practicum	1

III. Sign Linguistics Stream

Code	Course Title	Unit

LING5101	Foundations I: Phonetics and Phonology	3
LING5102	Foundations II: Syntax and Semantics	3
LING5104	Foundations in Sign Language Research	3
LING5403	Topics in Language Acquisition of Deaf Children	3
LING5404	Sign Linguistics	3

LING5103	Foundations in Language Acquisition	3
LING5201	Topics in Second Language Acquisition	3
LING5202	Topics in Bilingualism	3
LING5301	Linguistics and Language Teaching	3
LING5302	Approaches to English Grammar	3
LING5602	Special Topics in Linguistics	3
LING5604	Topics in Sociolinguistics	3
LING5606	Special Topics in Applied Linguistics	3
LING5607	Topics in Psycholinguistics	3
LING5608	Language Disorders	3
LING5701	Linguistics Research	3
LING5702	Research Project	6
LING5802	Research Practicum	1

Remarks : * Not all semi-required courses or elective courses are offered every academic year

* Not all courses listed below are offered every academic year.

Applicable to students admitted in 2018-19 and thereafter.

LING5101 Foundations I: Phonetics and Phonology ( A -Course Outline 1 st Term, 2023-24 ) ( B – Course Outline 1 st Term, 2023-24 )

This course introduces students to a unified approach to language as a complex structure represented in the minds of its speakers. Empirical linguistic data will be drawn across languages to enable students to understand the intimate relation between language and the human mind. On the basis of this understanding, students are led to explore the core areas of linguistics. The exploration starts with natural language sound systems and phonological components of grammar. These will be explained with basic concepts and recent theoretical advances in linguistic studies alongside new findings in language acquisition. Students will learn to apply these concepts and ideas to tackle linguistic problems.

LING5102 Foundations II: Syntax and Semantics ( A – Course Outline 1 st Term, 2023-24 ) ( B – Course Outline 1 st Term, 2023-24 )

This course is taught concurrently with LING5101 Foundations I: Phonetics and Phonology, aiming at introducing students to the core areas of linguistics. Taking a modular approach to the language system, this course examines the morphological, semantic and syntactic components of the grammar, as well as the interaction among them. The lectures are intended to provide students with a solid grounding in basic linguistic concepts, which will enable them to tackle linguistic problems, and formulate their own analyses to prepare them for further studies in the discipline. A wide range of data will be discussed to develop students’ sensitivity toward linguistic phenomena with systematic properties in form, meaning and structure.

LING5103 Foundations in Language Acquisition ( A -Course Outline 1 st Term, 2023-24 ) ( B – Course Outline 1 st Term, 2023-24 )

The acquisition of first language by children has been considered a remarkable feat. How do children accomplish this feat so rapidly and effortlessly? What are the stages they go through in mastering the different aspects of language? What does the development of language in children tell us about the human language faculty? These questions will be examined in light of modern linguistic theory, and nativist and interactionist accounts will be compared. Topics in second language acquisition will also be covered. Questions such as how interlanguage grammars develop in adults and the role of the mother tongue in the construction of interlanguage grammar will be addressed.

LING5104 Foundations in Sign Language Research ( Course Outline 1 st Term, 2023-24 )

This course provides an introduction to a relatively new area of linguistic exploration: sign language as a natural language system. We will lead students into a variety of disciplinary studies that adopt sign language as a focus of research. Examples of these disciplines are linguistics, language in education, language and the brain, language and cognition, language development, language and society, and language and culture. The course aims to tackle these issues in light of the current developments in sign language research and see how they shed light on our understanding of deaf issues.

LING5201 Topics in Second Language Acquisition ( Course Outline 2 nd Term, 2023-2 4)

The course introduces major issues in the field of second language acquisition: how is a second language acquired by children and adults? In what ways is acquiring a second language different from acquiring a first language? Different theoretical perspectives on second language acquisition will be reviewed and methodologies will be surveyed. Data will be drawn mainly from English and Chinese as target languages.

LING5202 Topics in Bilingualism ( Course Outline 2 nd Term, 2023-2 4)

This course discusses general issues in the study of bilingualism from the linguistic perspective. Basic questions such as how to define and measure bilingualism, degrees of bilingualism, and types of bilinguals will be examined. Psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic aspects of bilingualism at the individual and societal levels will be covered within the larger context of language contact. Issues in bilingualism such as code-mixing, medium of instruction, bilingual education and language policy for bilingual society will be treated with special relevance to the Hong Kong context.

LING5301 Linguistics and Language Teaching ( Course Outline )

The course aims to highlight the relevance of linguistic studies to language teaching. Various pedagogical issues such as curriculum development, teaching methodology, language assessment, language development and professional teacher training will be discussed in light of theories of general and applied linguistics. Students are encouraged to reflect upon their language teaching experience and problems and seek an explanation from the perspective of theories and issues in general and applied linguistics.

LING5302 Approaches to English Grammar (For students of MA in Linguistics only) ( Course Outline 2 nd Term, 2023-2 4)

This course introduces students to various approaches to the study of English grammatical constructions. The approaches adopted may include formal, functional or cognitive perspectives. Students are encouraged to analyze grammatical constructions in terms of form-function relationships, cognitive processing and information flow. This course is designed to enhance students’ sensitivity to the interactive aspects of grammatical analysis.

LING5403 Topics in Language Acquisition of Deaf Children (Not for students of the General Linguistics Stream of MA in Linguistics) ( Course Outline 2 nd Term, 2023-2 4)

This course focuses on the language acquisition of deaf children, involving both sign language and spoken language. It starts with a general introduction on the acquisition of sign language as a first language by deaf children, covering the developmental milestones in phonology, morphology and syntax. The second part of the course will explore how deaf children acquire spoken language in the context of bilingual acquisition and spoken language literacy development. No prior knowledge of a sign language is required.

LING5404 Sign Linguistics (Not for students of the General Linguistics Stream of MA in Linguistics) ( Course Outline 2 nd Term, 2023-2 4)

This course provides a general introduction to the linguistic analysis of phonology, morphology and syntax in sign languages. It aims to demonstrate that the system of organization in sign language grammar reflects natural language properties and that sign language grammar is as complex and rule-governed as spoken languages. Focus will be placed on how the visual modality, availability of paired manual articulators, non-manual features as well as the use of signing space affect the organization of grammar at various linguistic levels. No prior knowledge of a sign language is required.

LING5501 Topics in Chinese Phonetics and Phonology ( Course Outline 2 nd Term, 2023-2 4) (For students of MA in Chinese Linguistics & Language Acquistion only)

This course introduces general aspects of modern Chinese phonetics and phonology, including both segmental and prosodic characteristics. Students will be trained to compare and analyze sound patterns of standard Chinese and other Chinese dialects from different theoretical approaches. The final goal of the course is to provide students with a solid foundation for further phonological research.

LING5502 Topics in Chinese Syntax and Semantics ( Course Outline 2 nd Term, 2023-2 4) (For students of MA in Chinese Linguistics & Language Acquistion only)

This course aims to acquaint students with fundamental issues in the syntax and semantics of the Chinese language and the related theoretical implications. Through an investigation of a rich array of data, students will have the opportunity to appreciate the inner workings of the Chinese language with regard to its structural and semantic properties, to enrich and broaden their understanding of linguistic theories and methodologies, to develop skills in analyzing Chinese phrases and sentences, and to defend their analysis systematically.

LING5503 Topics in Chinese Language Acquisition (For students of MA in Chinese Linguistics & Language Acquistion & Biligualism Stream of MA in Linguistics only) ( Course Outline 2 nd Term, 2023-2 4)

This course aims to introduce the major tenets of generative and usage-based approaches to language acquisition, with a focus on the characteristics of the learner and the learning situation in first and second language. The course familiarizes students with the basic methodology and tools for analyzing acquisition data. It critically surveys the major findings on the acquisition of Chinese as a first language and as a second language.

LING5602 Special Topics in Linguistics ( Course Outline Summer Session 2021-22 )

From time to time, a course focusing on a specific area of linguistics that is not covered in the regular linguistic programme may be offered. Students are allowed to take this course more than once, and gain the units each time they pass the course. However, students cannot take the course under the same topic twice.

LING5604 Topics in Sociolinguistics ( Course Outline 2 nd Term, 2021-22 ) ( Course Outline 2 nd Term, 2023-2 4)

This course explores human language in the broader context of culture and society. How does language relate to culture and world-view? How does language interact with social structure, gender and individual identity? To what extent do men and women talk differently? How does language reflect relations of power and status between the speakers? The use of pronouns, politeness markers and other linguistic features will be examined. Exploration of these topics aims to enhance students’ awareness of language as a cultural phenomenon and sharpen their sensitivity toward the nuances of language use in relation to cultural complexities, with special reference to Hong Kong culture.

LING5606 Special Topics in Applied Linguistics ( Course Outline )

This course introduces applied linguistics from interdisciplinary perspectives, including theoretical linguistics, psychology, sociology, and pedagogy. Issues discussed in this course focus on the interface between theory and practice, including translating theory into practice and using practice to build theory. Students are allowed to take this course more than once, and gain the units each time they pass the course. However, students cannot take the course under the same topic twice.

LING5607 Topics in Psycholinguistics ( Course Outline 2 nd Term, 2023-2 4)

This course studies language as a cognitive system which interfaces with other subsystems of mind. Emphasis will be placed on linguistic properties rather than psychological mechanisms or various techniques in psycholinguistic studies. The principles and mechanisms that underlie speech perception, sentence processing and discourse comprehension, as well as structural factors in language production form the focus of this course. This course first examines the unique features of human languages and the biological foundations of language. It then explores the perception of various linguistic aspects (speech sounds, words, sentences and discourse) before touching on issues in language production. Major models of language production and perception will be introduced. After examining different aspects of our language competence, this course concludes with a discussion of language and culture. However, issues related to the origin of language and language acquisition will not be covered in this course. Students are expected to be familiar with the basic concepts in phonetics, phonology, morphology and syntax.

LING5608 Language Disorders ( Course Outline 2 nd Term, 2022-23 )

This survey course introduces non-clinical students to fundamental concepts of language disorders in pediatric and adult populations. Characteristics of primary language impairment, aphasia, dysarthria, and hearing impairments, as well as articulation, fluency, and voice and other related disorders affecting language are among the topics to be discussed. Diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies are also introduced. Research studies in language disorders will be reviewed.

LING5701 Linguistics Research ( A -Course Outline 1 st Term, 2023-24 ) ( B – Course Outline 1 st Term, 2023-24 )

The course aims to train students in conducting linguistic research. General research methodology will be introduced, with a focus on methods commonly used in linguistic research and analysis. Students may be required to take part in field trips and expeditions.

LING5702 Research Project

This is an independent, individual investigation on a topic of linguistic interest guided by a supervisor, the findings of which must be presented in a standard report format. Consent of the teacher on the topic is required. Students who wish to take the course should obtain prior approval from the Graduate Division for their research proposals. Prerequisite: LING5701 Linguistics Research.

LING 5802 Research Practicum The course provides students with an experiential learning opportunity through participating in faculty’s research projects, as a way to prepare themselves for postgraduate study in Linguistics. Specific learning activities may include review of literature, preparation of experimental stimuli, data collection, data analysis and presentation of research findings

G17, Leung Kau Kui Building, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
(852) 3943-1516
(852) 2603-7755
[email protected]
NEWS AND EVENTS
LINGUISTICS PROGRAMMES
MODERN LANGUAGES PROGRAMMES

All categories

Modern Languages (MA)

Chinese Languages and Linguistics

Chinese Linguistics at Leiden University offers you an excellent opportunity to benefit from our long-standing expertise in Chinese linguistics

Focus on different Chinese languages

During the Chinese Linguistics programme you will gain knowledge in language variation: in all courses we look beyond Mandarin, both diachronically and synchronically. You will learn to understand the different languages of China from their phonetic-phonology aspects as well as their syntactic aspects, to learn about Chinese languages in all their aspects: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and the lexicon. In addition, we offer linguistic probes into the world of Chinese scripts.

Benefit from our long-standing expertise in Chinese linguistics

You will join a master's programme with a strong tradition in Chinese linguistics. Leiden University has been teaching Chinese since 1855. Leiden is also one of the very few universities outside China with four linguists on Chinese Linguistics.

Study programme

For an overview of the Chinese Language and Linguistics study programme, please check the Prospectus .

Admission requirements

To see if you are eligible for this master’s programme, please check the Modern Languages Admission Requirements .

Have you already made your choice? You can apply directly via the Modern Lanugages Application pages.

Please note: you cannot apply separately for the specialisation ‘Chinese Language and Linguistics’, as it is part of the ‘Modern Languages’ specialisation. When you start your application you will first need to select ‘MA Linguistics’ (CROHO code: 60815). When asked for a specialisation, select ‘Modern Languages’. Studielink will automatically direct you to uSis (Leiden University’s online application portal) within 2 or 3 working days.

Do you have questions about studying Chinese Language and Linguistics at Leiden University? Get in touch with our study advisor .

This website uses cookies. More information.

Applying to Uni
Apprenticeships
Health & Relationships
Money & Finance

Personal Statements

Postgraduate
U.S Universities

University Interviews

Vocational Qualifications
Accommodation
Budgeting, Money & Finance
Health & Relationships
Jobs & Careers
Socialising

Studying Abroad

Studying & Revision
Technology
University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Clearing Guide

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Unlike most people who are indifferent towards language, I am fascinated by it. Though still uncertain of what exactly it is, a tool, an instinct, or phenomenon, I recognise its power to persuade, manipulate, disgust, bewilder, excite, and create observable change in people and the world around them.

My passion for language gradually developed after I started writing poetry and discovered the power of owning a poetic license. I had the power to create words, twist sentence structures and ignore the rules which I had been ingrained with from birth. My most recent piece of writing, titled 'Liana', revolves around the themes of what it means to be human, femininity, sexuality and sex vs. gender.

What I love the most about writing is how limitless it is; I am free to put anything down on my paper. My play has now won first place in a creative writing competition, been published in a local Shanghai magazine, and is currently being made into a drama production at my school. I am assisting with the directing process in the drama production, and it is an incomparable feeling to have others interpreting and reading something that you have created. Although it is my text and I had my own intention for the overall message of the text, it is incredible to see how others can create their own, perfectly justifiable meaning for it.

My insightful nature lead me to see through the generally accepted belief that subjects are separate and intended to be studied in isolation from one another. When joining the IBDP program, I carefully selected subjects that interested me and would cultivate my passion for Linguistics. I have been able to study the relationship and connections between Linguistics and Psychology, Philosophy, Computer Science, Theory of Knowledge and even Mathematics. Reading Nietzsche's On The Genealogy of Morals and finding that he used etymology to trace the origin of morality showed me just how much information we can gather from diachronic linguistics.

After first moving to China and not being fluent in Mandarin, I was heavily reliant on translation software. Despite the shortcomings of machine translation, the lack of direct translations for words and lack of succinctness, it still facilitates basic communication. But when communicating through these applications, I could still feel the disconnect between myself and the other party. Shortly after, I began independently learning Mandarin. Learning a language so different from English has allowed me to compare and contrast the two, and take a critical look at the nature of languages and how we use them. I started to immerse myself in linguistics through online linguistics courses offered by Leiden University, through reading of Steven Pinker, Chomsky and Clark, and conducting my own interdisciplinary investigations.

Thus far, I've done my IB extended essay on word prediction within computational linguistics, looking at the capabilities of modern computers and their ineptness for language has lead me to further consolidate my understanding of how exceptional and unpredictable language can be. In mathematics I've tested Zipf's Law within some of my favourite books, and discovered the objectivity within that which I thought was wholly subjective.

My favorite investigation was on the effect of language on recall in psychology. I conducted my own experiment that involved leading questions and how memory can be reconstructed based on the language we use. Outside of my studies, I volunteer at an international hospital where I assist with translating between English and Mandarin for patients, take care of young children and tell stories to senior citizens. I am a tenacious, inquisitive and creative student and am confident that I have the capacity and determination to be successful at university

Profile info

There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous.

Author's Comments

I was quite happy with the outcome of this personal statement. I wrote it a few days before the deadline, but it still turned out quite strong.

Offers: University of Cambridge UCL University of Edinburgh University of Sheffield Warwick

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

Add new comment.

IMAGES

(PDF) Personal Statements written by Chinese and English-speaking
An Explanation of the Various Chinese Languages
Chinese
Linguistics Personal Statement Example
(PDF) BIBLIOGRAPHY OF CHINESE LINGUISTICS
The Chinese University of Hong Kong Press

COMMENTS

Chinese Personal Statement Example (Mature Student)
The Chinese language is an art form both metaphorically, as the backbone of some of the world's most beautiful poetry, and literally, with calligraphy forming the basis of a visual culture that has dominated East Asia for millennia. I am fascinated both by the history of Mandarin Chinese and its modern usage as the most widely spoken first language in the world.
"My major is to Teach Chinese as a Foreign Language"
May 20, 2011 #1. Requirement: submit a written statement explaining the purpose of their application and the focus of their academic interests. Applied Program: Chinese Linguistics and Language Acquisition. My undergraduate major is to Teach Chinese as a Foreign Language, which contains courses like Introduction to Linguistics, Applied ...
Personal Statements
Through this analysis and our Fifteen Steps to Success, you'll learn (1) How to pick a topic; (2) How to structure your essay; (3) How to keep the reader entertained; and (4) How to avoid common pitfalls. How to write a winning personal statement for graduate and professional school (3rd ed.) ( CC LB2351.52.U6 S74)
Languages personal statements
These personal statements are written by real students - don't expect them all to be perfect! But by reading through a few of these samples, you'll be able to get some ideas and inspiration for your own personal statement. ... Chinese degree personal statement example (1a) SOAS offer ... Personal Statement - French and Linguistics 1 Personal ...
Chinese and cultural studies degree personal statement example (1a
Chinese and cultural studies degree personal statement example (1a) This is a real personal statement written by a student for their university application. It might help you decide what to include in your own. There are lots more examples in our collection of sample personal statements. Usually it's easy to spark conversation with people when ...
Languages Personal Statement Examples
Modern Languages Personal Statement Example 1. My decision to study Modern Languages at University has been driven by my passion for Language. My mother is fluent in French and began teaching it to me in primary school. To supplement this study of French, at High School I chose to study German...
A Guide for Chinese ESL Students Personal Statements for College
The personal statement, while not 'untrue', is nevertheless a fabricated account of the self - selected from many possible identity projections. The constant recording and evidencing of productivity therefore result in the individual producing behaviours for the very purpose of being recorded and judged (p. 227).
Chinese Studies Personal Statement Example
This personal statement was written by verchu for application in 2012. verchu's university choices. Oxford University. Green: offer made. Red: no offer made. Statement rating: As a pupil in a European school, on occasion I had the pleasure of being lectured about East Asia. Whenever that happened, I found any kind of information imposing.
How to Write a Great Linguistics Personal Statement: Expert Tips
Whatever your personal thoughts and insights, you should incorporate these into your statement; a good place is in the section on motivation and interest. After all, language is a fundamental part of being human, so you are already in a great position to reflect on it already. As linguistics isn't taught at school, the only way you could have ...
(PDF) Personal Statements written by Chinese and English-speaking
Personal Statements written by Chinese and English-speaking applicants: a Study on Move-Step Arrangements and Word Distribution ... International Journal of Language and Linguistics Vol. 7, No. 1 ...
Personal statement example for chinese language courses and degree
Honing my ability to communicate and acquiring an awareness of the Chinese language and culture will allow me to combine my interests and aptitude with the knowledge necessary to achieve my goal of working as an interpreter. personal statement example. Personal statement example for application to a degree in chinese at university or college.
Vol. 7, No. 1; March 2020 (Abstract 11)
Based on the 30 PSs, this author summarized a move-and-step framework which reveals the writing differences of Chinese and English-speaking applicants. Since the personal statements by Chinese applicants are reported being too long, this author investigated participants' word allocation in each move and gave suggestions accordingly.
Meiqing Sun
Personal Statement. Meiqing Sun holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics from the Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, China. Her dissertation was a comprehensive study of possible syntactic influence from Mongolian language to Chinese language through language contact. She joined UNCG in 2012.
Successful Personal Statement For Oxford Modern Languages
Download our Free Personal Statement Starter Guide. We have developed an 80-page E-Book filled with expert Personal Statement Advice. Inside, you'll find guides on planning and writing your personal statement, as well as our full collection of 25+ Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements. Download our FREE 80-page.
PDF Personal Statements written by Chinese and English ...
Since the personal statements by Chinese applicants are reported being too long, this author ... International Journal of Language and Linguistics Vol. 7, No. 1, March 2020 doi:10.30845/ijll ...
Linguistics, Personal Statement Example
Linguistics, Personal Statement Example. Hire a Writer for Custom Personal Statement. Use 10% Off Discount: "custom10" in 1 Click 👇. HIRE A WRITER! You are free to use it as an inspiration or a source for your own work. Prompt 1. My parents did not have higher education, thus, as a high school student in Hong Kong, I used to help my parents ...
Master of Arts (MA) programme in Linguistics
The Master of Arts Programme in Linguistics features an interdisciplinary approach to language study. It is designed to introduce students to current theories in linguistics and their various applications to language typology, language acquisition, language and modality, language teaching as well as culture and society, which are presented in a ...
The Handbook of Chinese Linguistics
The Handbook of Chinese Linguistics is the first comprehensive introduction to Chinese linguistics from the perspective of modern theoretical and formal linguistics. Containing twenty-five chapters, the book offers a balanced, accessible and thoughtfully organized introduction to some of the most important results of research into Chinese linguistics carried out by theoretical linguists during ...
Linguistics Personal Statement Examples
English Language and Linguistics Personal Statement Example 1. Language is common to all people. By its nature, it is something that links us all together, yet our use of language is a major factor in defining us all as individuals. For something that comes so naturally to all of us, language can hold great power and influence...
Chinese Languages and Linguistics
During the Chinese Linguistics programme you will gain knowledge in language variation: in all courses we look beyond Mandarin, both diachronically and synchronically. You will learn to understand the different languages of China from their phonetic-phonology aspects as well as their syntactic aspects, to learn about Chinese languages in all ...
Linguistics Personal Statement Example 2
Linguistics Personal Statement Example 2. I feel the reason I have such an affinity for linguistics is because I am bilingual. I often find myself compelled by the relationship between English and Lithuanian, the two languages I speak fluently. They are surprisingly similar and yet incredibly different, at times being translatable word for word ...
Linguistics (and English Language) Personal Statement
Linguistics (and English Language) Personal Statement. Unlike most people who are indifferent towards language, I am fascinated by it. Though still uncertain of what exactly it is, a tool, an instinct, or phenomenon, I recognise its power to persuade, manipulate, disgust, bewilder, excite, and create observable change in people and the world ...

"My major is to Teach Chinese as a Foreign Language" - Personal Statement

Essentials for Personal Statements

Recommended Links for Personal Statements

Samples For Academic Use - By Discipline

Recommended Print Resources

Inspirations

Quick Links

Postgraduate

Exam results articles and chat

A-level results

GCSE results

Finding a uni in Clearing

Universities by region

University guides and articles

Undergraduate

Further information

Chinese and cultural studies degree personal statement example (1a)

Universities Applied to:

Grades Achieved:

Applicant's Comments

General Comments:

Get Started

Connect with TSR

A Guide for Chinese ESL Students Personal Statements for College Applications

Share This Book

Strategic Guidance

Comprehensive Support

Targeted Support

Application Guidance

Personal Statement Support

Admissions Test Preparation

Interview Preparation

Free Library

Our Publications

News & Press

Linguistics Personal Statement Guide

Advice on How to Start a Linguistics Personal Statement

What Should I Avoid in a Linguistics Personal Statement ?

Recently Updated Blogs

ADVERTISEMENTS

International Journal of Language & Linguistics

Call for Papers

Recruitment of Reviewers

Latest News

Visitors Counter

World wide visitor's

Meiqing Sun

Ph.D., Senior Lecturer of Chinese Studies, Chinese Program Coordinator

Research/ Teaching Interests

Personal Statement

Selected Publications

Successful Personal Statement For Modern Languages At Oxford

Table of Contents

Modern Languages Personal Statement

Successful Personal Statement For Law At Cambridge

Good Points Of The Personal Statement

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

Continue learning about Oxbridge...

Oxford and Cambridge Written Work: Your Definitive Guide

Oxford Announces Partnership With Pearson VUE For 2024 Admissions Tests

The Best Oxbridge Colleges For International Applicants

What Is The Oxford BMSAT And How You Can Prepare

The Secrets to Oxbridge Admission.

Personal Statement Starter Guide

Personal Statement

Linguistics, Personal Statement Example

Related Personal Statement Samples & Examples

Health Policy Statement on Structured Reporting for the Cardiac Catheterization, Personal Statement Example

MSN Personal Statement Example

How I Became a Nurse, Personal Statement Example

The University of Balamand, Personal Statement Example

Professional Nursing Career, Personal Statement Example

LINGUISTICS

MODERN LANGUAGES

MINOR PROGRAMMES

ELECTIVE PROGRAMMES

Master of Arts (MA) programme in Linguistics

Linguistics

Chinese Languages and Linguistics

Focus on different Chinese languages