nothingnew

Madison. No doubts.

Just to clarify -- the UMass Comp. Lit or English Dept?

Oh well. I'll just disagree with you and leave it at that. Don't want to hijack this thread.

What I'm saying (and all I'm saying) is that the study of English and the study of indigenous languages are simultaneous. English has become an indigenous language, to a large extent.

Umm, I don't think it's really "progressive" in India to learn English. I differ with Swagato on this completely. True, India bears a complicated relationship with the language because of its colonial past, but for the longest time ever now (and definitely in the 80s and the 90s) learning English has not been a big deal. In fact, it's not as complicated or as "edgy" a decision. Everyone learns English not because there is an overarching desire for the postcolonial subject to mimic the modernity of the colonial power but because, for whatever reason, English has become and is as much India's language as anyone elses. So the medium of instruction in India is actually English in all academic and professional contexts. This is not to say we don't study other "national" or "regional" languages - we do and we know it well. We're just equipped with more languages to speak in than the average person. I'm not saying Swagato's experience is false or invalid - but it's not as general as he makes it sound. Besides, I find Swagato's stance on how the average Indian uses language slightly problematic, if not mildly insulting. It is not true that English is not taught well. If by not having a command over the language, Swagato means that 18 year olds in India don't speak like they've spent all their life reading the O.E.D, then that is true. But heh, where in the world do people talk without colloquialisms. I don't see what's wrong in a mix of idioms and expressions. I don't see what's so messy about your "mess" unless you have a problem dealing with a different kind of English (and by that I mean not really British or purely American). Would you then call Carribean English a mess too? What is "proper" English? I find Swagato's views on and assessment of the situation slightly archaic and high-handed. Come on, whose language is it anyway?

hey feraleyes. if you don't mind my asking, what's your area?

You might want to email them. I hadn't and I emailed Kathy Schneider who told me that all acceptances/rejections had gone out. Her harddisk crashed so she's kind of clueless about whether or not she's sent people their letters properly (or at all). I got rejected -- she replied with the official letter. Hope this helps.

WOW Bluecheese. You've had some application season. What's your area of interest though? Congratulations, btw.

Aww, don't worry about it. Thanks for the info, though. Seriously Madison has been so confusing about when and how (and if at all) they notify and with what. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you. Who knows with these things -- so don't lose heart.

Oh man. No sleep tonight. You've just upped my anxiety level a thousandfold. I wish I knew which waitlist I am on. Ugh.

girl who wears glasses - I see you've been waitlisted by Madison too. Did they send you an official email? In which case, would you be comfortable sharing what the email said?

Phone for me too. Yes, must read up stuff. *fingers crossed*

Bumping. Got waitlisted at Duke English. Do you guys have any idea about how the waitlist works/how many people are on it usually/what my chances are of getting accepted off that list? Duke is my top top top choice - so any information would be amazing.

Not even five. Three acceptances. Three waitlists. They accept twelve?

Thank you for clearing my fuzzy ideas you guys. What kind of an interview are you thinking of, all of you? Phone? Skype? In-person?