The Major Issues within the Study of Applied Linguistics - Assignment Example

Application Essay for applied Linguistics Master Question Could you please identify why you wish to read for this particular MSc in Applied Linguistics (i.e., the one we have here at Oxford relative to others in the UK and elsewhere). (300 words) Since I developed interest in opening a school in China my passion to study language and human speech has never been great. This passion increased with my understanding that pursuing a masters in applied linguistic can help me teach students in China how various language are processed and structured, hence be able to solve real-life challenges especially those related to language. More importantly, applied applied linguistics provides room for the exploration of various theories and practices of foreign language acquisition, which in my view provides for better understanding of language. Pursuing this masters would potentially open doors for my completion of DPhil in education. Furthermore, it will a hallmark to opening a school in China to teach both Chinese and international students several foreign languages simultaneously using the most innovative curriculum and technology. My research on different kinds of programs in various universities around the world revealed that Oxford was the only University that offered an applied linguistics degree within the department of education. My research revealed that when it comes to resources, the linguistic department of the University of Oxford is well-equipped. I, therefore, found it fit to choose this university. It became apparent to me that the MSc in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition at the University of Oxford is an excellent fit for me because of its research on language acquisition. I also resonates well with my interest in linguistics because I want to dedicate to multilingual education field (both academic and professional) in the future. Oxford University has enough resources devoted to the study of technology’s role in language learning. More importantly, distinguished scholars from all over the world teach in the programme. Few among them include Dr Victoria Murphy, who studies EAL and bilingualism, Dr Xing Wang, who strongly focuses on Mandarine-English bilingual speakers, Dr Robert Vanderplank, who researches on second language maintenance and attrition, learning strategy and education technology, and Dr Ernesto Macaro with Dr Catherine Walter, whose current research project entitled ‘New Technologies and English as a Second Language’ exactly mirrors my principal interests regarding how technology can facilitate and improve language acquisition. Certainly, when I combine these kinds of inquiries with resources such as REAL and EMI, I am bound to obtain the optimal breadth and depth of theory and practice in my education. Given my multicultural experiences and first-hand knowledge, I will actively participate in and largely contribute to Oxford’s fertile academic environment. In summary, this MSc in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition will potentially provide room for my completion of DPhil in education. Upon completion of DPhil in education I will be resourceful and conversant in teaching foreign language. This way, I shall open a school in China to teach both Chinese and international students several foreign languages simultaneously using the most innovative curriculum and technology. 2. Could you please identify what you consider are the major issues or themes within the study of Applied Linguistics? (300 words) Applied linguistic is a parent science for teaching language. It compasses many topics, which are inherent in acquisition of foreign or second language. It provides solutions to problems to what happens in classes. Besides, it promotes our understanding of the role language plays in human life. As a sub-branch of linguistics, applied linguistics is practical-oriented as it focuses on more practical issues, which are related to language learning and language acquisition. There are seven paradigms encompassing applied linguistic: linguistic extended paradigm model, multi-disciplinary model, behaviorist, constructivism, postmodernism, complexity theory, and second language acquisition research. In AL, linguistic analysis themes involve phonetics, syntax, lexis, semantics, pragmatics, and discourse. The interdisciplinary areas of studies include comparative linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, educational linguistics and historical linguistics. The result is a broad spectrum of themes in applied linguistics such as first, second and foreign language learning and teaching, bilingualism and multilingualism, discourse analysis, translation and interpreting, language policy and language planning, research methodology, language testing, stylistics, literature, rhetoric, literacy and other areas in which language-related decisions need to be taken. In my opinion, the area of second language acquisition is the most important areas to that demand investigations. 3. As you are undoubtedly aware, a dissertation forms part of the assessment for this course.  Could you please identify what you intend to research or investigate if you were to be granted a place on this course? (800 words) I would like to investigate the effective curriculum and education of multilingual skills to Chinese students. I hope to investigate the following questions with a particular focus on the Chinese speakers: Interrelationship among languages to know how different languages can be learned simultaneously without confusion. How is ‘L3’ language learning affected by the knowledge of L2 (in China context, L2 is English and L1 is Chinese, L3 being another third language). What role do individual factors play in foreign language acquisition, exp type of motivation, learning style? What tasks maximize motivation, atomization, for young adults? How can L2 and L3 skills be automatized: faster production and faster reception. The Impact of second and third language learning on first language literacy. Researchers have generally concluded that the use of technology is helpful for foreign language instruction.  As technology advances and research into this area continues, technology will surely prove to be a valuable component of foreign language instruction in China. Tech has been developing quickly but hasn’t yet made a significant impact on the efficiency of human mastering foreign languages. Nowadays, language learners can use multimedia software, access foreign language documents on the World Wide Web, and communicate with their teachers, fellow classmates, and native speakers by electronic mail. I would like to investigate how the cutting edge technology such as mobile platform apps such as games and social networks can facilitate the learning and teaching of multiple languages simultaneously. With more languages in our knowledge portfolio, I am also interested in study what is the best way for second language maintenance and to avoid language attrition, what are the best strategy to obtain learner autonomy and make language learning a lifelong resources. Though English is regarded as the most widely used language in the world, China’s reliance on this language alone is short-sighted.  Researchers claim that China is gradually making improvements to its foreign language policies. The future of our global economy is multilingual. I aim to contribute to the field of multilingual education through dedicated research and application in this field. Read More