Student Profile

Hi, my name is Brie Jessen and I'm a third year student here at Waikato. I am majoring in linguistics and taking German as my supporting subject. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started studying linguistics, but I thought it sounded like something I might enjoy... as it turns out, I couldn't have been more right.

Coming to Waikato straight from year 12 (6th form) at high school, I wasn't sure whether I had made the right decision, but it took me all of about 3 linguistics lectures to realise that I was definitely in the right place.

'The Use of Language', which introduces students to the way in which language is used in society, was certainly an eye-opener for me, and made me realise how much we take language for granted. Another first year paper 'Describing Language' introduces the three key levels of language, and, amongst other things, students are taught to recognise (and produce) the sounds of the world's languages. 'The Languages of
Europe' paper provided me with an overview of the linguistic situation in Europe, and was of great help when it came to learning German. Although I have immensely enjoyed all the linguistics papers I have done, there are two which stand out as my favourites. They are 'Language Typology' and 'Anthropological Linguistics'.

'Typology' introduced me to the idea that there are basic universals which all languages share, and that there are, naturally, many differences too. 'Anthropological Linguistics' provided me with practical experience in obtaining language data from a native speaker and analysing it. This paper gave me a taste of what linguistic field work is like, something I found incredibly enjoyable.

Studying linguistics has provided me with an insight into how language works, and how the study of it can benefit others in society. It has also helped considerably in my study of German, especially German grammar.

Once I complete my degree I intend to pursue further study in linguistics at postgraduate level, hopefully in the field of neurolinguistics, although I am also considering training as a speech language therapist. I hope to have a chance to put my German skills to the test overseas too. I have learnt a lot here at Waikato, but I know I still have a lot to learn, and I can't wait to get started. Although, I will miss the Department when I leave!

Whether language is something you are already passionate about, or something you think you might be interested in, I encourage you to take a paper or several papers. Language is a fundamental part of our lives, and of what it is to be human. It's something we couldn't live without; I know I certainly wouldn't want to try! I am passionate about linguistics and I know it's something I want to spend the rest of my life doing in
some form or another. So why not come and check out the courses at Waikato? You never know, it might turn out to be your passion too!