Finding a sense of language awareness
Professor Lumsden wasn't impressed at my admissions essay. If not for my knowledge in literature, then I might not have a place in the English Department. I expected it, as I was unaware of my writing skill.
Patterns of Language was the study of grammatical description of English. And it turned out to be an awkward discovery of my capabilities. In finding a sense of language awareness, I found out that I was an ocean away. This made me nervous, as this module was supposed to provide a general foundation of second- and third-year English modules. I couldn't finish reading a Shakespeare play, as Medieval English could be excruciating. How many times must I go online (in able to find the meaning of the word), but the professor assured me that this would be a walk in a park. (There would be a graduate course, where students have a chance to study manuscripts. I might skip it.) At the end of the module, I must be familiar with words, phrases, grammatical functions, etc. Easier said than done.
The English language: an overview
The first four weeks was information overload. I must go through a reading list, which was supposed to be easy if compared to the long list of poems and novels in Modern literature. Imagine a book on phonetics, which I took for granted. Another book on the study of meaning confused me no end. It was a good thing that the book on deafness and sign language was an option.
The tutorial program was compulsory for me and my coursemates. It was fun, as I got to know more of the nature of language. (Jabberwocky could be fun to use. It had nothing to do with the force, though.) On the other hand, the grammatical analysis of a sentence required my utmost attention. I was exhausted, but I knew this would come in handy sooner or later.
These were the lessons I learned:
Independent study was expected, but it wasn't enough. A booklet on English grammar and a workbook for practice were valuable materials. I thought I could be as good as the professor in a short time, but I was a diamond in the rough. This would require constant practice, even an incredible degree of awareness of how I use words and phrases. (Whatever it means.) There were grammar exercises, which would check the extent of my studying (outside the lecture room). I tried my college best, though.
I wasnt prepared for essay writing. I must emphasize linguistic examples and analyze it. My instructor reminded us of careful reporting of empirical work. I wondered if my own personal experience would be useful. I bet my booklet on it.
The evaluation might be the easiest part of the module. We must provide feedback, which could improve the module (for future students). I wanted to amuse everyone, but I don't know where to start. I became aware of the language, such that I picked my words carefully.
