'Linguistics Graduate A Personal Statement Journey'

MA Linguistics Graduate Seeking Inspired Teaching Career in Africa, Writing Service Help

In my home country, it's quite common for a student who excels academically to be asked to help teach their peers. As a student who consistently excelled and often topped my class, I gained substantial experience in teaching, including at the university level, where I assisted fellow students struggling with the subject. I have a passion and aptitude for teaching, which I aspire to pursue professionally, with the goal of becoming qualified to teach Linguistics at a university in Ghana.

Among my family and friends, as well as much of Ghanaian society, the value of a subject is often judged solely by its potential to generate income. My decision to study Linguistics was met with disbelief, especially since many people were unfamiliar with the field or saw no practical use for it. In my country, bright individuals are expected to study business or science, not Linguistics, and then pursue a low-paying teaching career. My father made significant financial sacrifices for my education, and I felt obligated to repay this by supporting my family. Thus, any ambitions to continue my studies or pursue a teaching career were strongly discouraged. I graduated with first-class honors in Linguistics, with History as a minor, but felt compelled to seek well-paid employment. Eventually, I found a job in a bank, much to the relief of my family and friends.

I quickly realized I had made a mistake. Banking did not interest or excite me. I often found myself discussing language topics with customers when I should have been promoting the bank's services. During this unhappy period, I encountered a quote by Elbert Hubbard, “Get happiness out of your work or you may never know what happiness is,” which resonated with me and motivated me to pursue my original goals. This is an example of the power of words.

I see Linguistics not only as a captivating subject but also as a valuable tool for helping people communicate effectively and sensitively in various interactions, both personal and professional. It is also essential for foreign language teachers. The high number of Google searches for ‘Quotations’ shows that many people find that well-chosen words can inspire, guide, soothe, or excite them, and even change their lives. I am continually amazed by the power of language, which has frequently altered the course of history. Would Britain have fought against overwhelming odds if Churchill hadn’t convinced them with words alone that they could win? Would Barack Obama still be a social worker in Chicago if not for his ability to inspire confidence through his speeches?

 I am fluent in three African languages and am interested in all languages—their differences, similarities, and the various ways they are used in different societies and contexts. I am also intrigued by the diverse ways English is used in different cultures. For example, the elaborate use of language by English-speaking Indians is quite different from the more direct use in England, which again differs from that in Africa. Linguistics is crucial in ensuring languages do not die, and I see this as a particularly important practical application of the field.

 I now seek admission to a challenging and engaging master's program in Linguistics to delve deeper into the subject I love, gain the knowledge to teach Linguistics, share my insights, and benefit from my classmates' perspectives, and conduct meaningful research. I am particularly interested in researching Semantics, Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics, and Applied Linguistics. Later, I plan to pursue a Ph.D.

I have not traveled extensively but am fascinated by other cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. I look forward to studying with people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, learning about their cultures, and sharing my own knowledge. I am aware there will be many qualified applicants for the program. However, I believe I am an exceptional candidate. My academic ability is evidenced by my bachelor's degree results and GPA; I have shown determination by overcoming financial challenges to excel academically; I have a strong foundation in Linguistics; I am eager to pursue research and can offer unique insights to my class due to my knowledge of African languages. My primary qualification, however, is a genuine and heartfelt passion for language and Linguistics and a desire to share this with others to help them achieve their personal and professional goals.

'Linguistics Graduate A Personal Statement Journey'