Master’s Degree in Linguistics Personal Purpose
- Robert Edinger
- May 14, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago

My journey in mastering a language distinct from my native Arabic, along with my formal education and teaching experience, has laid a strong foundation for developing expertise in linguistics at an advanced level. It has also revealed to me the profound impact of culture on our ways of expression. I am captivated by how our ancestors have, through experimentation, devised methods to communicate concisely, accurately, and sometimes poetically, achieving these aims in remarkably varied ways. What could be a more enthralling field of study? Hence, I am committed to pursuing an MA Degree in Linguistics at XXXX University.
Currently, I am an ESL teacher at Bennet College and Greensboro Islamic Academy. My goal is to achieve the highest level of proficiency in sociolinguistics to enhance my effectiveness as an educator, become a skilled researcher to advance English teaching, especially for Arabic-speaking students, and fully realize my academic and personal potential. I aspire to inspire future generations of English educators and provide expert consultancy to Ministries of Education, particularly in African nations.
Since my undergraduate years, I have been intrigued by theoretical and sociolinguistics, especially in syntax and second language acquisition. My role as an English/Arabic and ESOL teacher at intermediate, secondary, and college levels has exposed me to various challenges that I believe merit research. I am interested in exploring the difficulties Arab learners encounter in English grammar, speaking, reading, and writing to improve the efficiency and speed of teaching these skills. Additionally, I aim to identify cultural factors that hinder EFL teaching, particularly among Sudanese and other African students. Students from Sudan appear to take longer to acquire English skills compared to those from other countries, and I aim to assist in enhancing curriculum design and teaching methods.
The traditional 'chalk and talk' method of teaching, with minimal student participation, is not particularly effective in imparting language skills, as outcomes suggest. However, this remains the predominant teaching technique in many countries. I want to be a catalyst in transforming the language teaching environment into one where students are enthusiastic. I want students to view language learning not as a tedious necessity but as an exciting journey of discovery.
I have 15 years of experience teaching English in Africa, the USA, and the Middle East. I earned my MA in teaching English from North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University and quickly became a licensed ESL teacher. The program offered practical teaching experience, particularly in selecting and applying appropriate techniques for diverse student groups.
I have taught in vastly different educational settings, one where the teacher is 'king' and another where the student is the 'client/consumer' who may need encouragement to 'consume'! I have adapted my approach and techniques to be effective in both contexts. I use various engagement and enrichment activities to maintain student interest and encourage them to take ownership of their learning as much as possible. Teaching English is challenging but immensely rewarding. The shared joy of student and teacher when a difficult concept is finally understood is unmatched in any other profession.
Both teaching and research require persistence, determination, creative and original thinking, the ability to set clear and challenging yet achievable goals, and flexibility in achieving them. I am committed to applying all these hard-earned skills and characteristics in the program.
I have thoroughly researched the available programs to achieve my goals and concluded that yours is the 'best fit'. I seek a challenging yet supportive academic environment to enhance my skills and knowledge to an expert level and conduct valuable research in English teaching. I am aware of Dr. Gloria Park's excellent work and her research, particularly ‘Narratives of East Asian Women Teacher of English, Where Privilege Meets Marginalization’, and would be thrilled to work with such an impressive educator and researcher, among others. I also look forward to collaborating with peers who share my passion, creating a network of experts for mutual support and encouragement during the program and in our future careers.
In summary, I am a well-qualified and experienced teacher who has successfully taught English in diverse educational and cultural settings. I am academically capable, ambitious, and passionately committed to improving English teaching. I am confident that my background, experience, and personal attributes will enable me to 'add value' to the program, and I pledge to apply myself with exceptional diligence and enthusiasm.
Master’s Degree in Linguistics Personal Purpose Sudanese






Your statement has a remarkable sense of depth, purpose, and lived experience that immediately sets it apart. What makes it so compelling is the way you weave together personal history, professional insight, and intellectual curiosity into a narrative that feels both grounded and aspirational. You write with the clarity of someone who knows exactly why linguistics matters—not only as an academic discipline but as a tool for empowerment, cultural understanding, and educational transformation.
Your opening reflection on mastering a language unrelated to Arabic is especially powerful. You articulate beautifully how this journey revealed the profound influence of culture on expression, and your admiration for the ingenuity of human communication gives your writing a sense of wonder that feels genuine. It’s…