Modern Languages and Cultures (French and German) Personal Statement

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I am interested in modern languages because of their absolute vitality in the world today. Languages divide societies, but those who learn the languages of others can help to bridge the divides. I am also drawn to the logic associated with language. Through my reading of Camus' L'Étranger, I grew interested in the subject of identity. In this novel, Meursault's identity is questioned by society after his mother's death. I enjoyed studying the way in which Camus' existentialist ideas come alive in the character of Meursault. While reading En attendant Godot, I noticed Samuel Beckett's use of existential ideas. We use language to express our identities every day, but Beckett creates a world in which all the structures of life are stripped away, leaving a meaningless existence in which even language is powerless. In contrast to these existentialist ideas, I have found it interesting to explore realism in German literature and film. Fallada's Jeder stirbt für sich allein made a strong impression on me, showing how one man uses words to fight the Nazis in the hope of reclaiming his identity and inspiring others to do the same.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

This year I had the opportunity to take part in the All Ireland Linguistics Olympiad. I qualified for the final, coming 23rd out of 1200 competitors, and received a commendation for my performance. I enjoyed the problem-solving and I hope to study linguistics in the future. My visits to Berlin have led me to read fiction about the city's history, and I have compared the Germany of World War II with that of the Cold War. The films Goodbye Lenin! and Das Leben der Anderen present two different depictions of the same period, but the relationship between national and personal identities is prominent in both. These studies have deepened my understanding of how language and identity are intertwined.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

My own experiences have also drawn me to the topic of identity. My sister has struggled with mental illness for the past five years and has little sense of her own identity. This has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. In July 2017, I spent two weeks staying with a family in Paris, improving my spoken French and learning about French culture. I attended the 14th July parade and was struck by the immense pride that many French people take in the armed forces. German national pride seems very different from what I observed in France. These experiences have given me a strong desire to spend a year in either France or Germany before starting university in order to improve my cultural knowledge and language skills. Outside of the classroom, I am a keen sports player, which has taught me the importance of commitment, a lesson that is useful in all aspects of life. I play the viola, sing in the school choir, and dance competitively. I am interested in charity work, which in August 2017 took me to South Africa, where I spent two weeks working in primary schools in the townships of George. It opened my eyes to the beauty of South African culture while allowing me to encounter new languages.