Language Advice

[Deadwing0608]

Hi All,

 

Just curious if anyone has taken language courses at a community college, and if so, how that is looked upon during PhD admissions? The language I need is a bit off the beaten path, and is only offered at a very small number of universities nationally (<10 so far as I can tell). As luck would have it the introductory year of the language is offered locally as there is a local community of speakers. Would it be worth it to take a year of the language, even if at a community college? I lean toward yes, because it is such an uncommon language. Thoughts?

 

Thanks!

[sacklunch]

Because it's so uncommon I suspect it would be fine to take (great, even!). The only experience I have had with this was while taking a 'more common' language (Latin) at a top research university I had a friend who was taking the same level course at a community college (a very nice community college, actually). S(he) and I spoke about our own course throughout the semester and we concluded that my course moved through the material much more quickly. This isn't the case at many CC's I'm sure, but there it is. Because your language is so rare, though, I see no reason to not take it. The fact that it's so rare will be a huge bonus to your application, I would think?

[sankofa]

Sorry, I also have a question pertaining to languages when applying to a phd program. (Although this has absolutely nothing to do with the op's post, I figured I would put it here instead of making a new thread) -- anyone can answer.

I want to learn an African language (specifically Afrikaans) and since most programs require a foreign language and relates to my topic this is a good thing. However, I do not believe that this would be a common language course that is taught or that I will have time by application deadline. However, I have begun looking up books to buy on this language.

My question is, in my sop for Fall 2015, do I just say that I've started learning this language or just express my desire to learn it? Technically, I probably will have very little knowledge of the language but do I even mention this or just express my desire ?

Sorry so lengthy, this application season has got me jittery as I've been preparing all year.

Thanks for any advice and help in advance.

Cheers!

Edited August 28, 2014 by Glamdoll

[ashiepoo72]

Glamdoll - I am in a similar situation as you (self-teaching Russian, taking a CC course in the language next term) and in my SOP I'm basically saying that, while I am "just beginning" to learn Russian, I plan on honing my skill in the language in a doctoral program. I think it's fine to say something along those lines, just don't exaggerate your competency.

Also, you might want to mention you're self-teaching the language to POIs. All the ones I spoke to were actually happy that I was doing so and happy to discuss how their programs could accommodate my desire to learn the language (which, in turn, helped me narrow down programs and further personalize my SOPs).

In the CV, I'd only include languages you actually are fair or good at reading. Some online apps also ask for you to list languages and level of competency, and I wouldn't include it there either. This is just my personal feeling, though.

[poliscar]

100% take it. In almost every case language knowledge can be proven via. translation exam, etc. If it's a language that will be helpful for your research in the future I wouldn't have any qualms about enrolling. Chances are it may also be a better environment to learn the language in, considering the local community of speakers. You may find yourself with a fluent conversation partner in the end.

[sankofa]

Glamdoll - I am in a similar situation as you (self-teaching Russian, taking a CC course in the language next term) and in my SOP I'm basically saying that, while I am "just beginning" to learn Russian, I plan on honing my skill in the language in a doctoral program. I think it's fine to say something along those lines, just don't exaggerate your competency.

Also, you might want to mention you're self-teaching the language to POIs. All the ones I spoke to were actually happy that I was doing so and happy to discuss how their programs could accommodate my desire to learn the language (which, in turn, helped me narrow down programs and further personalize my SOPs).

In the CV, I'd only include languages you actually are fair or good at reading. Some online apps also ask for you to list languages and level of competency, and I wouldn't include it there either. This is just my personal feeling, though.

Thanks so much for the advice ! Everything you said makes perfect sense ! I will be using these tips.

Be blessed!