KGSP Application - Part 2 (research goal - how can I contribute?)

Applying for a master's degree in English Linguistics

Goal of study, title or subject of research, and detailed study plan

My aim in studying for my master's degree in South Korea is to acquire comprehensive and well-rounded knowledge on English linguistics both from a general and a culture-specific perspective, develop my research skills and learn how to practically employ them in a demanding but productive environment. Subsequently, I intend to gain expertise and conduct research on the fields of semantics, pragmatics and sociolinguistics, with an inclination to contemporary research approaches; namely corpora and computational tools. The criteria behind my choice of universities are aligned with the aforementioned aims, as the curricula offer a wide variety of courses, as well as interaction with skilled faculty, thus assisting in the creation of a solid academic network which will be of great help in my future endeavors.

A tentative research subject I would like to focus on is pragmatic competence, and pragmatic and meta-pragmatic awareness of non-native speakers of English in Korea. I want to examine but not limit myself to the following inquiries: Are English markers of social and hierarchical distinction perceived differently by Korean learners of English and English native speakers? Do the former make effective use of politeness markers or is communication hindered due to cultural differences?

The reason behind my interest partially lies in the similarities of the Greek and the Korean foreign language teaching methodology. A disadvantage they have in common is the emphasis on rules and sterile grammar and vocabulary practice. Attention is not always given to language as a means of communication, and the nuances culture and context have on how it is perceived and used may be lost in the interpretation process. Furthermore, communication is made even more challenging especially for Korean learners of English due to the considerable differences in the Korean and the Western cultures, as the hierarchical system in Korea is considerably more prevalent and the greater attention is paid to linguistic politeness forms.

It is vital to consider the significance of effective communication through language, especially in English, an international lingua franca. It is our most basic means of expressing ideas, fulfilling individual and common goals and most importantly, promote global understanding and cooperation. Therefore, I believe that inter-cultural pragmatic research would have valuable benefits in education, academia and business, among others. An initial step is to assess the current Korean education system, identify specific problems non-native speakers face and provide tangible and useful solutions.

The first step of the scholarship is to study the Korean language. This is a great opportunity to enhance already existing knowledge and experience the language within context while communicating with native speakers. Since I have studied Korean in a classroom environment for three years, I am well familiarized with the basic grammar. I intend to focus predominately on advanced vocabulary and complex grammatical phenomena. Moreover, I will put great emphasis on producing appropriate written material, since my Korean writing abilities are not on academic level as of yet. I will diligently attend classes and devote the rest of the day in fully preparing for the lessons. I believe that the classes in cooperation with meticulous self-study will help me improve my language abilities both in written and oral communication. As I have extensively studied for the Test of Proficiency in Korean, I am aware of the requirements and the format. It is my initial aim to master level 5 in the first semester. If this goal is not attained, I will strive to expand my language abilities and dedicate even more effort in achieving a higher level within the given time limit.

The first semester of my graduate studies will be dedicated to familiarizing myself with general courses, as well as courses related to my research work. Seminars and lectures on pragmatics, sociolinguistics and, if available, contrastive linguistics are to be of great assistance to my research. Upon the second semester, I expect to have approximately decided on the specifics of my research, such as methodology I would like to employ, and begin collecting pieces bibliography, as to have a rich basis on which I can begin writing my thesis later on. During my second year, I expect to benefit substantially by courses on academic research and writing and focus entirely on writing and completing my thesis. I am determined and motivated to exert significant effort during my master's degree. I expect to devote the greatest part of the day in lectures and seminars, where I aim to have an active presence and contribution. After classes, I will make sure to complete the required readings, write assignments and prepare in advance.

This scholarship is an immense opportunity to thrive in the advanced academic environment of South Korea. I am sincerely looking forward to the challenges I am sure to face and myself ready to take them on. I believe my motivation and passion in completing my goals combined with my previous academic experience and knowledge will lead to an outstanding outcome.

P.S @Holt Your previous comments were immensely helpful. Spent so much time on this application that I needed such words of encouragement. Looking forward to your constructive feedback on this one, too. Thanks!

Evi, start the essay with the second paragraph. The first paragraph seems like it was just inserted into the essay and does not really come across as something helpful of informative. Paragraphs 2,3, and 4 can be used in its current form as it applies to the presentation of a thesis proposal.

Focus on the research that you will be doing, do not involve the TOPIK test or your semester based course concentrations. These are ways by which you can improve your Korean skills personally, but should not have a direct bearing on your research. Your personal experiences cannot be a part of the research nor methodology because it could be seen as a bias within the research. You have to reformat your methodology to represent the comparisons of Hangul to Greek instead. That is, assuming that you mean the modern Greek language and not ancient Greek. I think that is a point you will have to clarify in the thesis presentation as well. It becomes tricky when there are 2 forms of a particular language such as Greek.

You will be able to make adjustments to the methodology and other research requirements anyway so go ahead and describe something that would apply to this research. There is also a lack of reference to the type of research requirement you will need. How can the university help you complete your research? Will you need to do research at language institutes in Korea? Perhaps consult with other language experts? These are all a part of the preliminary methodology that you can present for your research. These will also highlight the seriousness with which you approach your linguistic studies.

The last paragraph is also unnecessary in this presentation. Just focus on the goals of study and study plan throughout the essay.

I do not mean to compare the Greek to the Korean, but the English to the Korean language.

Also, it is not exactly comparison. I want to examine Korean learners' of English communication skills in some way, not compare the languages themselves.

I don't know why you mentioned Greek in this case. I only said that I recognize the similarities in the Greek and the Korean foreign language education system. It is not a topic I want to indulge in further.

Can you please explain what you mean by personal experience in this case?

I think it is very long and you have to concentrate more on the general objectives of your research, how? and that? and through what you are going to do. Everything you mention about attending courses is not a study plan, I think you should omit that information

I think you should elaborate more on the research method and change the third paragraph as the second paragraph. From my perspective, you should mention the research timeline, the breakdown of each method, and the data that you need for the research.

@Jazzmin
@Bagoesinderaja
Thanks a lot for both of your comments. I will make sure to make the appropriate changes.

However it has been mentioned that the applicant should show determination to learn the Korean language.
Don't you think the information in the 5th paragraph is needed?

I think that since you mentioned that you have learned korean for three years its enough if you only mention that you will continue studying as you have doing all this time but even harder, not need to put a lof of information in that paragraph.

I'm also going to apply, best wishes for you.