Modern and Medieval Languages (French and Russian) Model Personal Statement
This is a model personal statement of a successful Oxbridge Modern and Medieval Languages (French and Russian) applicant.
Language is the basis of everything. From casual conversations to the soul-wrenching song that is Akhmatova's 'Requiem', it encompasses, defines and creates all. I have chosen to study Russian and French because I know the ability to speak foreign languages allows access to a world of experience outside our own cultural context, the walls of which can block understanding and appreciation for the magic of the menial, as well as the revolutionary.
Fluency in a foreign language is a concept so enthralling to me that, ironically, it is difficult to put into words. Perhaps the only image that can do it justice is Pushkin's timeless blazing coal, 'igniting hearts' with the Prophet's word. But speaking a language fluently is not enough: knowledge of grammar and alphabets is impotent without a deeper cultural, literary and philosophical understanding of a country.
In my IB Extended Essay, I looked at how literature is portrayed, within Zamyatin's 'We' and Huxley's "Brave New World", as a catalyst for revolution. To research, I read extracts from "We" in the original Russian, looking for linguistic nuance that may enhance the mathematical, logic-based imagery that characterises the novel. Though my interests for languages and literature developed separately, I have found that exploring both together in this way develops my appreciation of linguistic manipulation to communicate implicitly as well as explicitly and furthers my understanding of deeper cultural and political philosophies that shape Russia.
Having visited twice, I have found such reading to be key in contextualising my experiences of the unique landscapes of the country: the much-desired Moscow in Chekhov's 'Three Sisters' reflected my own feelings of awe in face of the diverse, foreign cityscape. Visiting Kitezh, a remote community of foster families, demonstrated many profound cultural differences, but with my Russian I could truly communicate with the children and begin to share perspectives, experiences and context. I know that by continuing my studies at university, I'll learn more about the intricate world of Russian beliefs and culture that can only be accessed through the native language.
The same has been true with French. In class, I have studied the existentialist political play 'Les Mains Sales' by Sartre, which contrasted sharply with the literary Russian 'soul'. This variance of culture, driven by language, truly fascinated me. So, to immerse myself in the language and culture, I did a week long 'stage decouverte' in a Paris intellectual property law firm, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP. An intimidating prospect, attempting to understand legal concepts in a language I am not yet fluent in, but a new challenge that undoubtedly benefitted my confidence and fluency in communication, also pushing me into a new, professional environment that tested my language skills in a way inaccessible in school.
In the last year, I have also volunteered to help teach French at a local primary school and as a support tutor for younger students at my school, allowing me to help others with a subject that I enjoy so much. This teaching experience left me with a far sharper understanding of grammar, noticeably improving the ease with which I communicate more complex ideas in French.
Outside academia, I enjoy both sports and music. I particularly loved my recent participation in the school orchestra performance of Tchaikovsky's "Marche Slave" that, excitingly, explored the history of the rich and beautiful creative realm of the cultures of both languages I am pursuing. I also find myself drawn to the variation of unknown cultures, ancient and modern, that I've explored through music in Choral Society and Senior Girls choir. It is similar melodies, found in the seemingly mundane syllables of language that draw me in so inextricably: the opportunity of exploring the breath-taking symphonies of French and Russian at, and beyond, university is one I can't wait to realise.
