Hello! I need your help with writing the personal statement for MA in language studies. I am not a native English speaker, so any critics will be valuable to improve my writings.
Thank you very much for your help!
Explain why you wish to study the programme and how the qualification is relevant to your career aspirations, as well as your expectation of the programme. (No more than 300 words)
My interest in languages and cultures has driven me to learn French and Spanish, it is this same interest that motivates me to pursue a MA in Language Studies.
Working at a healthcare training center, my trilingual skills are applied to conduct tours for international visitors. I learn the importance of languages in exchanging knowledge, and this pushes me to improve my language abilities. As a volunteer translator, the challenges to convey foreign ideas in local tongue stimulate my interest in rending texts. Each of these experiences has further fuelled my desire to study more deeply in language and translation.
While languages are the building blocks of communication, translation is a tool to facilitate communication. This programme will ...
after edits:
As a firm believer that language is power, I have sought ways of improving my language skills - through volunteering as a translator, as well as studying Spanish and French. Working at a hospital training center, I am able to apply my trilingual skills regularly to conduct tours for overseas medical staff who visit our hospital. I become more aware of the importance of languages, not just in enhancing contacts between people and knowledge transfer, but also in smoothening one's career path. Seeking for advancement in my language proficiency and my career, I am applying to MA in Language Studies at XX University.
As this MA programme uniquely integrates the advanced courses of languages, linguistics, translation and interpretation, it will enable me to develop an expertise in the core areas of language and communication, and open the doors to a wide range of careers in which high language proficiency is required. By specializing in translation and interpretation, I will formulate my strategies to convey foreign ideas in local tongue through written words, and also orally where fast reaction is demanded. Subjects such as "Language, Cognition and Culture" and "Psycholinguistics" will open my eyes to different aspects of languages, making me a well-rounded and resourceful language professional in the future.
Upon earning a master's degree, I would like to work for an international company or a translation agency where I can excel as a language specialist. With experienced professors, one of the best equipped facilities for language studies in the region, and courses that combine practical and theoretical knowledge, MA in Language Studies at XX University will give me a rich learning environment to nurture my intellects, along with an excellent platform for career advancement.
Hi Ruby!
First, your writing is generally good. Some pointers.
1) by specializing in translation and interpretation, I will formulate my own strategies to address translation issues (illustrate what kind of issues) , and explore my ability to facilitate "real time" communication. The studies in the social and cultural aspects of languages will enable me to see languages with different approaches (consider: different perspective), and expand my vision. The theoretical and practical knowledge provided by this programme will broaden my intellectual horizons, equip me with useful techniques to address language tasks, and give me an excellent platform for career advancement.
MA in Language Studies at XX University is ideal for my intellectual pursuits (if you're pursuing a professional career with this degree, then you may want to list how it is going to benefit your career first) . With experienced professors and good learning resources, I will have a rich academic environment to focus on my studies (to nurture my intelect). This (These) qualification(s) will expand (broaden) my career opportunities, (and) give me an edge over the other job applicants (the competition). Upon completing this programme, I will have the essential skills and mindset to pursue a progress (an advanced) career as a language specialist.
Thank you for the quick reply and the useful comments!!! :D
While languages are the building blocks of communication, translation is a tool to facilitate communication. --- this sentence could be better. If languages are building blocks, translation is the process of making them interchangeable or putting the blocks together.
With experienced professors and good learning resources, I will have a rich academic environment to focus on my studies.---- this is very general. I wonder if you could say something more specific and possibly even name some professors.
Awesome, good luck in your career!
Thank you for all the feedbacks!!! I am posting a revised version, more critics & comments are welcome!
Use the word "relationships" rather than "contacts"
..not just in enhancing relationships between people..
And "exchange of ideas" instead of "knowledge transfer"
..and exchange of ideas, but also..
Also, you might want to specify how language is important "in smoothening one's career path"?
Correction (intellect should be singular, not plural):
..environment to nurture my intellect ..
Other than that, your essay looks good. All the best!
