Why you should study a language at university
By Aalish, from the Isle of Man, studying Chinese (MA Hons)
So, you’re thinking of studying a language at university but you’re not sure if you should study it at degree level. Or maybe you really like learning languages but don’t really want the commitment of studying it for a degree. Either way, look no further as I am going to talk you through exactly why you should study a language at the University of Edinburgh.
Let me first start with telling you why I chose to study Chinese at Edinburgh. Now, I have always loved learning languages, but I grew up in a very small community where I did not have the option to learn a language past the age of 16. I thought “well that’s the end of that then” until I discovered that it is possible to learn a language from scratch at the University of Edinburgh! In fact, you can start learning pretty much all the languages the university offers to degree level (14 in all, including East Asian, European, and Middle Eastern languages) from scratch! Though, if you are wanting to do this for your degree, then double check what the entry requirements are for the language you are interested in as there may be more opportunities than you initially think! For example, I had a GCSE in Spanish and that has allowed me to study Chinese at University at the time I applied. If you don’t want to study a language for a degree then you may still be able to study a language as something called an optional module. For example, my friend studies theoretical physics but chose to study Chinese as her optional because she wanted to learn some of the language! There are so many options for studying a language at this University that I don’t see why you wouldn’t!
If you have studied a language to a higher level and are wanting to continue with studying this then that is awesome! And you should definitely do this! You may even be able to pick up a new language on the side if you’re feeling adventurous. It is important to know that there are different levels of classes for those who have studied the language before and those who haven’t so you will always be in a level that is suited to your needs. Alongside these classes, you also have history and culture lessons which is a great way to immerse yourself in your studies of your chosen language.
Classes for languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Russian tend to be a bit more intensive and have a higher volume of classes simply because they are so different to English. For example, I had 7 classes a week of languages! Which can seem like a lot but is a really great way to learn the language and immerse yourself! Generally, the other languages have fewer classes per week, however, if you are learning the language from scratch it may be at a similar level! I personally really love my language classes, in particular my oral classes as I get to talk with a native speaker of my target language and I can see all of my knowledge combining in one class alongside seeing how much progress I have made! Which is a really nice thing to see and another reason why you should study a language! In my opinion there is no other degree where you can as clearly see your progress and development.
In addition to classes, there are plenty of language based societies that you can join! A popular one is a society called TANDEM. TANDEM is a language exchange café run every week with little tables with a language written on them and a topic to talk about each week. Lots of native speakers alongside language learners all come to these events and chat in the language listed on the table! There are so many different languages at this society and so many helpful and patient members that I would highly recommend going! On top of this, there are many other language societies that are more specific that people who are studying that language like to join, for example, ScandiPals! I am part of the China Futures Society (CFS), a completely free society for those interested in the future of China. Lots of our members study Chinese, but many study other degrees and are simply interested in China, and others are international students from China. There is a lot to get yourself involved with surrounding whichever language you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh!
So, I could not recommend to you enough that you study a language at University. Not only is it a practical skill that helps you to communicate with so many other people, but it is also a really fun degree. And best of all, you get a year abroad! Need I say anymore? The chance to study and work in a country of your target language is an opportunity you simply cannot pass up! I will be studying in Beijing for a year and that will, I’m sure, be an incredible experience and only make me more passionate about people studying languages! I started learning Chinese on a off the cuff decision and it is the best decision I ever made. So what I’m trying to say here is, STUDY A LANGUAGE AT UNIVERSITY. I can guarantee you won’t regret it.
Please note that what the University offers in terms of Language degrees is subject to change, and may differ depending on your year.
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