Student Profile

Hi, my name is Sebastian Lowe and I have completed my first year of study at Waikato University. I am currently enrolled in a BA degree, majoring in anthropology. My supporting subject is German and my electives include linguistics and ensemble performance (music). I have completed two linguistics papers in 2006: LING132 and LING131. I have really enjoyed these two papers, primarily because of my interest in cultures and languages.

Taking linguistics at Waikato has benefited my academic learning in many ways. Firstly, it has made me more conscious of the importance of good interpersonal communication. LING132 enlightened me to 'communication' as a phenomenon, making me aware of how expansive and fascinating human language is. It is an extensive paper, encompassing many different subfields of social linguistics, including the different functions of language and why it [language] changes in certain social contexts; how languages change over time; the characteristics of New Zealand English; and the differentiating features of spoken and written communication.

Secondly, linguistics has enhanced my English and German language skills. Learning a language alongside linguistics is hugely advantageous because it makes one more aware of how the languages work. LING131 introduced me to a new, in-depth form of language 'understanding'. Many of the various aspects of 'language' were explained in detail and accentuated with examples from a diverse selection of languages. As well as learning about the International Phonetic Alphabet and how human sounds are produced and combined (phonology), we were required to 'pull apart' various languages and to segregate the parts into their various categories, e.g. subjects and objects (morphology). We were also taught how to identify and construct the many different possible syntactical phrases, such as noun and prepositional phrases (syntax). I enjoyed this paper, chiefly because I liked unravelling the various parts of a particular language.

Even after my first year at Waikato I still cannot pinpoint my ideal career path but, I do know that linguistics will be beneficial, whichever road I take. I think it is a fantastic subject because it complements all fields of academic study. It also teaches you about an important human constituent, which is essential in our day-to-day living.