How well do you speak?

[otherlevinas]

I will soon be visiting language departments and considering whether to attend. Not only is my language preparation limited, but it has been some time since I studied or spoke said-language, and even longer since I travelled in said-language-speaking countries. Some of the places I was accepted are incredibly competitive and I imagine they scrutinized my record closely (which reveals my limitations). I have more of an interest in said-language hermeneutics, art, and history than I do in teaching the language, but I worry that the visit will be conducted entirely in said-language, the department will be ashamed of having selected me, and I will lose favor before I ever accept. Do many people enter a language program without having a ton of preparation in that language? Is it common to be selected on topical rather than language based qualifications- and how well do those people fit in departments with a ton of native speakers? I know that there is a move towards a more theoretical approach in language departments - but how big has that move been?

[sigh]

I know nothing about language departments, but let me get this straight - you've already been accepted, right? I'm sure these schools did scrutinize your record closely, but they obviously didn't have too much a problem with your language background, because you still got in. So what's the problem?

These visit weekends are to help you figure out which school is the best fit for you, not the other way around. The best way to answer the questions you have is to go and visit the department! If they give you the cold shoulder because you don't speak well enough, you probably don't want to go there anyway. Remember, you're the one in the position of power here. It sounds like you've got at least a few viable options, so you shouldn't have trouble finding a department that caters to what you want to do.

[SimoneSimon]

Hi Otherlevinas

I have exactly the same problem. From your screen name, I'm assuming the language is French? I, too, am heavily committed to philosophy and theory, but I've really thrown myself into learning the language recently. Even so, I feel quite insecure (will I ever speak perfectly?!) I think the theory vs. anti-theory quality of a program really depends on the department. Did you apply to any Comparative Literature depts? I did, and have had a few acceptances, and part of me wants to accept these offers simply to take the pressure off the language issue, although I prefer the language dept I've been accepted by, in some cases. You seem to be going to lengths to avoid mentioning specifics, but I'm really curious about which depts you're talking about, especially if they're French! There's no shame in the challenges of second-language learning, I keep telling myself, but it's not really helping.