English Language A Level students visited the York St John University this month to get a wonderful undergraduate language learning experience. The fifteen students took part in a range of sessions offering a taste of university studies in the linguistics department.
The morning included a fascinating session by Dr Nikki Swift on how children develop speech in their early years. This was followed by a lesson given by Dy on accent and dialect variation in the UK.
In the afternoon students were treated to introductory lessons in Japanese, Korean and sign language. Lecturers then presented some of their latest research on issues to do with language and social justice, including conducting completely ‘signed’ conversations with university lecturers.
Finally the students were given a tour of the campus by Dr Swift and ex-QE student Betsy Armitage who has just completed her first undergraduate year at the university.
Amber Millward, who studies English Language, Fine Art and Psychology A Level, thought the children’s language development was the favourite part of the day. Tracy Toyer, studying English Language, English Literature and Film Studies A levels found the Japanese and Korean taster sessions especially interesting. She commented that the children’s language lesson was thought-provoking since it showed the logic behind children’s speaking ‘mistakes’. Libby Hammond who studies English Language, Politics and Creative Media remarked on how engaging all the teachers were.
English Language A Level course leader Paul Heselton commented, ‘Our students certainly came away impressed by the range of opportunities that degrees in linguistics can offer. It was exciting to see how this kind of learning at university can open doors to a wide range of amazing future careers.’
