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Author: |
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Anonymous |
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Date: |
April 17, 2007 |
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Japanese Language and Literature:
If you're considering majoring in Japanese Language and Literature, you need to ask yourself if you're truly interested in learning everything about the Japanese culture. Not only will you need to be good at studying languages, but you will need a desire to learn the political history, religious history, and civil history of Japan. You will need to have a good grasp on the geography of the nation, as well as the relationships between Japan and all the nearest countries, especially Russia, China, North and South Korea, all the small nations of the south pacific, and their closest economic partner, the United States. This major can be frustrating at times, because of the huge effort that will be required simply for studying the language, which is difficult and confusing. And you have to understand that a degree in this major isn't really all that useful. Like getting a bachelor's degree in English, the bachelor's itself is more of a stepping stone to an eventual doctorate. But the bachelor's degree won't end up landing you great important jobs that pay well, you're more likely to get a well-paying job based on a high level of skill with the language as an interpreter, which obviously isn't something that even needs a degree. However, if you're interested in teaching English in Japan, this degree will suffice and help you out in that respect. If I had my entire college life ahead of me again, and knew what I now know, I would definitely choose this major again, but I would more likely add a second major in something a bit more useful, maybe a hard science like chemistry or a business major. |
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Author: |
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Anonymous |
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Date: |
February 23, 2007 |
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French Language and Literature:
While studying French did not directly offer me career preparation, it offered me the opportunity to study abroad, which was invaluable. I think that, combined with other, more practical classes, studying French can offer a valuable set of experiences. Additionally, much of the literature and philosophy I studied in my French classes was awesome and interesting, and to be able to study it in the original language was great. I think that the exposure to literature and the critical thinking you will be required to do as a French major will be invaluable for anyone choosing to attend postgraduate programs, but for people looking for a specific career straight out of a college, a double major or a concentration in something applicable to your chosen career is a good way to go. Foreign language expertise is an excellent asset to have in a job search, but it needs to be combined with other skill sets. |
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Author: |
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Anonymous |
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Date: |
February 05, 2007 |
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Slavic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General:
If you're just looking to learn a Slavic language, then perhaps a major like this is overkill. Keep in mind that a language major is different from area studies. That having been said, if the subject enthralls you and you have a bent for scholarship, go for it. Early on, I would recommend spending as much time as you can outside of class in a "Slavic" environment: spend vacations in Slavic countries, find a way to get summer jobs there, whatever. (I actually learned most of what I did that way; classroom work ended up being more of a nuisance, a testament to the old saw about not letting classes get in the way of your education.)
Be aware that majoring in a humanity - especially a language - doesn't win many points on its own as far as the rat race is concerned, aside from demonstrating that you can hack 4 years of college (although don't underestimate the latter: any degree is better than none for a job requiring college). BTW, outside of graduate programs, i.e., in the real world, I've found that few are actually interested in your transcript or your GPA.
If I had it over to do, I might have concentrated more on (or done a graduate program in) the translation/interpretation side of the world, as having a thorough knowledge of literature is a vastly overrated skill. There are, after all, a couple of hundred million people who speak a Slavic language; few speak/understand both, fewer still have the skills to perform as translators and/or interpreters.
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Author: |
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Anonymous |
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Date: |
January 18, 2007 |
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American Sign Language (ASL):
American Sign Language is wonderful. If you think about it, it's the third most used language in the US (after English and Spanish, respectively) but it's not really taught in schools quite as much as German or French, etc.
Just like learning any other language, learning ASL is a challenge. Grammer is different. This language requires facial expression and use of space. But I think that is what makes it so unique, besides the fact that it's used all over the US.
Ideally, to learn any language, you want to start young. Prime language acquisition is between ages 2 and 6. But if you start later, just be ready to work harder. And once you find you have the ability to communicate with others silently, that will be your reward.
ASL is not something that can be picked up overnight. It takes time and effort to learn, and practicing often. It's stressed in the current program I'm in that we get out into the Deaf community to build our communication skills. It's a scary thought, but lots of Deaf people love the idea of people interested in their language.
If you're going to interpret, find a good training program. Many community colleges have basic sign classes, but you may need to find a local hearing and speech center for further training. Try to go as far as you can with the language and your education. Few colleges in the US offer a bachelor's degree, but it's a worthy goal if you want to become certified.
ASL interpreting can be used anywhere. If there's something you have an interest in, perhaps medicine or law, interpreters are needed there. You just need the proper training/certification.
Many people come to interpreting after they've attained a bachelor's in some other field, but the interpreting can still be used there. There's a national need for interpreters. |
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Author: |
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Anonymous |
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Date: |
January 16, 2007 |
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Linguistics:
Linguistics is really interesting; I highly recommend it. It tends to appeal to people who are mathy and musical; I think the logic of the structure of language, combined with the infinite possibilities of language, are really fascinating.
I do recommend studying linguistics. Believe it or not, it has practical applications! You can use linguistics as a basis for becoming a teacher (I am certified in French, English as a Second Language, and Reading; many others become speech therapists), and it's also a nice foundation for graduate study, because it teaches you to successfuly combine several disciplines (logic, history, languages) into your analyses.
The only con is that no one has any idea what you really do when you tell them your major! Linguistics is NOT about learning as many languages as possible; it's more like studying the diagramming of sentences and the history of words. Parents tend to freak out a bit when you tell them your major, until you tell them that, yes, you WILL be employable! |
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