Graduate /
Statement of purpose for Master's course in English Linguistics/ English Literatures and Cultures [3]
Hello, I am applying for two master's programs: English Linguistics, English Literatures and Cultures to the University of Tuebingen, Germany. I would be really grateful if you leave some comments on the content and grammar of the SOP
Thank you in advance
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
I grew up in a small Russian town in the East-Central region of Russia, in a family of teachers and my mother was an English teacher in a local school. Since the beginning, I felt something special towards education, to be more precise, I had a remarkable interest and talent in learning languages and cultures ever since I was provided with books. After successful completion my secondary school education with good marks I had to take crucial decision: whether to go to the cultural capital of Russia, but at the same time unknown and far away city of Saint Petersburg, where I had to build up my life from the scratch taking all responsibilities by myself, or to stay in comfort with my family, in the town where I had grown comfortable in my shoes. And if not that firm decision to dash to the life full of mystery and obscurity but with millions of opportunities to seek what my natural inducement craved for, I would never become who I am now.
As an undergraduate in the Pushkin Leningrad State University, majoring in Linguistics, Translation, and Interpretation Studies, I learned a great deal, both academically and in daily life. English and French Languages are the main disciplines of my study, owing to which I have an upper-intermediate level of English and an intermediate level of French. I had also developed skills of translation not only from English to Russian but from French to Russian. History and Culture of Countries of the First (English)/Second (French) Foreign Language gave me not only an image of history but also sharpened the basics of Linguistics by investigating the etymology of the English and French Languages and the reasons for its changes. The discipline Introduction into Cross-Cultural Communication Theory enhanced my apprehension of the current situation in the world, the concept of tolerance, ethics and helped me discover the roots of the problems between nations as well as possible ways of its solution. The other disciplines of my study such as History of English Literature, Sociology, Politology, Philosophy, Economics, IT and etc. have made me a well-rounded specialist. All my achievements are proved by my high GPA (4,87 out of 5). Our instructors often shared with us their own practical foreign experiences, which influenced me considerably and reinforced my determination to pursue studies abroad.
Throughout the time I spent in the University, enthusiastically aspiring to gain knowledge in the chosen sphere, I fell in love with what I am studying at every side of its various and vast field: from
de Saussure to
Bloomfield, from historical to neurolinguistics. By the end of my bachelor course, I could say that my choice determined the pursuit of my life. That is why I have chosen the path to keep investigating the linguistics, which became my passion ever since I first got acquainted with it.
Apart from my Academic life, I am a lead vocalist of the Academic Choir of the Pushkin Leningrad University. Participation in the choir covers my study fees. More than that, singing gave me the honor to present my country and my university at Guandong University of Foreign Languages in China, along with them it gives me the opportunity to perform with international musicians in Saint Petersburg. Also, I do volunteering, one of the most important events where I took part as an organizer was the ASEM Asia-Europe Meeting of 2014 where Russian and foreign diplomats and ministers of Culture had a dialogue on intercultural and inter-religions problems. For help in organizing the meeting, I received a Letter of gratitude from the Ministry of Culture of Russian Federation.
I also earned a certificate for work and attendance on an English language Course at BLS English school in Bury St Edmunds, England. Aside from developing a fluency in English, this experience gave me thorough experience working with a wide range of people in an international sphere.
I have chosen to study in [country] because I am drawn to the country by its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and unique historical legacy. It is the country well known for its high-quality courses and world-class education system. More than that, [country] is friendly to international students and gives best opportunities to fulfill students' goals
Having done some research into the content of this program, I strongly believe that it will allow me to strengthen my analytical skills, whilst inspiring me and giving me the opportunity to develop my ideas. I am especially interested in two courses of graduate study, such as English Linguistics and English Literatures and Cultures. Studying the modules will give me a chance to become a high-qualified professional.The degree will further help me to fit my career goals and will grant me a competence to work in any communicating to Linguistics and English Literatures field.
I feel that university is the perfect environment for me to develop as a person. The choices open to me will be increased, and the level of independence that I will enjoy will be much greater. I feel that this, as well as the chance to meet new people and experience new environments, will be something that I will gain something from and enjoy. The English Language will give me an excellent platform and Master's degree in Linguistics or English Literatures and Cultures will help me to follow one of my chosen paths. First of all, I would like to start my career as a literary translator. Translation Studies, Linguistics and Literatures are inseparably related to each other. I would like to contribute my knowledge to development of literature, science, and technology. Secondly, I would be keen to be a Forensic linguist. With the growth of danger in the modern world, I want to put my effort into the preservation of peace. Another field of my interest is Computational Science. With the growth of technology, the role of a translator is decreasing and being ousted by the creation of machine automatic translations. However, systems of machine translation are still far from being perfect. Personally, I want to put my linguistic knowledge in the development of the Russian machine translation system
PROMT, and other international systems, for example,
SDL Trados. I see this area as a new way for me to look at language, with a more precise and scientific approach. However, the knowledge and skills that I gain from my degree will be of great benefit to me in any career path that I choose to follow. I look forward to experiencing university life and the chance to explore the English language and Cultures in greater detail.