Question on self-study for language acquisition

[Averroes MD]

By the time I apply for PhD's, I should have strong command of two primary languages, which will be reflective in my coursework.

There is a third primary language that is considered very important to the field of my study. I don't think I'll be able to take any coursework in this language, because of schedule conflicts. Therefore, I am considering self-study, with the goal of nearing an intermediate level of reading (without a concern for speaking or writing). 

However, because this is self-study, there will be no paper trail to prove that I read this language. Would it therefore be a waste (in the sense of being admitted to a doctoral program)? 

(I realize one can continue to study languages in PhD programs, but because I am applying to UK programs I don't have those extra couple years to do that.)

[marXian]

If you have two of three languages essentially mastered (i.e. advanced reading ability), I don't think only having informal work in the third will be a significant problem. Is there a way to write a writing sample that would show your study of that language? For your own sanity if/when you begin a PhD program in the future, self-study is ALWAYS a good idea for languages because you're going to have very little time to add languages on top of your coursework (though many do that--including me--and turn out just fine!) But the more you do on your own now, the more freedom you'll enjoy in the future to just conduct research without worrying about getting a language under your belt from scratch.

[Averroes MD]

Thanks, Marxian!

I'm not sure I'll be able to include it in the writing sample, since I'll probably be at a beginner level at that time, and only reach the intermediate level by the time of the start of the PhD.

 

Edited September 15, 2015 by Averroes MD

[dr. t]

Why not take the language exam at HDS?

[Averroes MD]

^ Telknaru: I thought about that, but that language exam is not offered (Persian).

Edited September 17, 2015 by Averroes MD

[dr. t]

Talk to the good Frau Doktor, it's possible she can arrange something. I would have a person vetted to create and administer it before talking to her, of course.

[Averroes MD]

Thanks for the advice. Issue is I will be out of HDS by the time I'm ready. (I'm applying to PhD programs 1 year post masters.)