MA Linguistics Personal Statement Sample Hong Kong

MA Linguistics In the UK

I come from a society, Hong Kong, in which language learning is widely regarded as a means of equipping the learner to maximise earnings. I became aware early in my study of English, however, that it is much more important as a vital key to understanding the culture from which the language has emerged. Without that understanding, language skills cannot provide anything more than a superficial, basic, and unsatisfactory means of communication. This awareness fired my initial interest in linguistics which has grown over time. I am also extremely interested in the varieties of English that exist and the reasons for differences in them and how those variations are developing currently. I believe that certain variations should be accepted as legitimate sub-languages, including ‘Hong Kong English’ with which I am highly familiar.

MA Linguistics Personal Statement of Purpose

As my undergraduate studies in Linguistics have progressed, a strong interest in the subject has developed into a genuine passion. I am ‘on target’ to gain a first-class degree in English and Linguistics from King’s College.  This fact clearly indicates an exceptional interest and ability in the subject, especially since I am not a native speaker of English. My result to date also provides evidence of the necessary commitment and academic potential to ‘add value’ to, and to excel in, a master's programme. My goal is to pursue a Ph.D. and to become an academic, undertaking research and teaching at the highest level.

In addition to my academic studies, I have some admittedly limited but nevertheless useful work experience. I have aided my sister who is a Research Assistant in Linguistics to undertake data collection/data analysis and have undertaken some professional creative writing. As a trilingual person who speaks English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, I have a special interest in the similarities and differences between their syntax and phonology. I have an exceptionally good understanding of traditional grammar. However, I should now like to investigate how we use our languages rather than merely studying the “correct” rules in their usage. I am particularly interested in looking into different non-native English accents, exploring their underlying phonological systems as compared to English RP. I am also curious about the variations of accents among monolingual communities and how they arise. I hope to be able to acquire a greater understanding of these matters in your programme.

MA Linguistics, Applicant from Hong Kong. Futuristic cityscape in Hong Kong with a central, spherical building amidst towering skyscrapers at sunset.

Mastering a tongue which is unrelated to my native languages of Mandarin and Cantonese has further extended an already excellent foundation on which to build expertise in linguistics. It has also demonstrated to me how much, and how fundamentally, culture affects the ways in which we express ourselves. I marvel at the ways in which our forebears have managed to construct, through trial and error, the means to communicate concisely, precisely, and sometimes poetically and have achieved these ends in such vastly diverse ways. What subject of study could be more fascinating?

I have happily studied, worked, and socialised with people from many cultural and social backgrounds. I enjoy learning about new cultures and sharing knowledge of my own rich heritage. I enjoy collaborating as a team member and am also happy to provide leadership when called upon to do so. I have held various offices in university organisations and am regarded as an outgoing, hard-working person with organisational ability.

I have limited research experience, but I understand basic research techniques from working with my sister who is engaged in Linguistics research.  I am aware that useful research calls for special characteristics in those undertaking it. I know that a good researcher must, among other things, be able to: construct clear goals; think creatively and originally. and be an excellent communicator with exceptional intuitive and interpretative skills. I have the basic characteristics that can be developed to enable me to become a first-class researcher. The characteristics of a good teacher overlap with these same traits. I have carefully observed and noted the characteristics and techniques applied by the best teachers who have taught me with the aim, one day, of emulating.

I have carefully researched master's programmes available to help me achieve my goals and have concluded that I am the best fit with ____ University s, a programme with an impressive international reputation in the field with first class experimental facilities.  I am seeking an academic environment which is highly challenging but supportive and in which I shall be enabled to expand my knowledge and skills in linguistics and assist in research. I am particularly drawn by the fact that I shall be able to ‘tailor’ the programme to fit my own special interests which lie in Grammar, Lexis, Phonology and Phonetics. Consequently, I am particularly drawn to the specific modules of ‘Syntax’, ‘Phonetics and Phonology’, ‘Current Issues in Syntax’ and ‘Advanced Phonological Theory’.

To summarize: I am successfully undertaking highly relevant academic studies. I have demonstrated a high degree of commitment and diligence to have reached the point at which I am submitting this application, and this also demonstrates significant potential to excel in a more demanding academic environment. However, my main recommendation is my genuine passion for the subject and for assisting in making further advances and sharing my passion with new generations of linguistic specialists.

MA Linguistics Personal Statement Sample Hong Kong