Category: Linguistics and English Language

News and views from language science students at the University of Edinburgh.

“So, do YOU speak a second language?” Bilingualism myths and misconceptions

Mattia Zingaretti
"So, do YOU speak a second language?" Bilingualism myths and misconceptions

Bilinguals use their languages in different contexts, with different people, for different goals. As a consequence, it would be impossible to be bilingual and have the exact same command of both languages – i.e. the “true bilingualism” the man I met spoke of, or balanced bilingualism, as researchers call it. In brief, all bilinguals have different commands of the languages they speak – and that is absolutely okay.

Year Abroad: What do our PPLS students think?

Poon Poonyalikhit
Year Abroad: What do our PPLS students think?

In your third year at Edinburgh, you can opt to spend your year abroad! You might find yourself studying while exploring a new culture in New Zealand or working as a teacher in Japan. Thanks to our long history and… Read moreYear Abroad: What do our PPLS students think?

English BA, MA vs. Scottish MA

Poon Poonyalikhit

One of the things some people haven’t quite worked out when applying to Edinburgh is the difference between a Scottish MA and an English MA. This article will hopefully clear up any confusion! When I first visited the School of… Read moreEnglish BA, MA vs. Scottish MA

A student’s five top tips to make the most of lectures and tutorials

Bethany Morton
A student's five top tips to make the most of lectures and tutorials

Joining university can be daunting. School often provides full schedules and clear responsibilities, and it can be quite a shock to be faced with a handful of contact hours (and plenty of free time). Equally, it’s easy to get lost… Read moreA student’s five top tips to make the most of lectures and tutorials

Stop dreading the deadline

Sotiria Kotzochampou
Stop dreading the deadline

  Having just gotten through my first two essays, I can say a Master’s year is pretty intense. As many people – myself often included – face deadlines like big scary monsters that get bigger and scarier as they approach,… Read moreStop dreading the deadline

Find the perfect accommodation

Sotiria Kotzochampou

It’s a daunting task, I won’t lie. To make it easier, here are 6 questions that will help you decide. 1. What are your options? Edinburgh offers everything from university and private student halls to shared flats and single-person houses…. Read moreFind the perfect accommodation

Celebrating Women and Gender Equality

Shannon Dickson
Celebrating Women and Gender Equality

March is off to an incredible start for the celebration of women worldwide. On the 1st of the month, we had the commencement of Women’s History Month, closely followed by International Women’s Day on March 8th. Gender inequality has put a red… Read moreCelebrating Women and Gender Equality

Strikes. Why and When?

Shannon Dickson
Strikes. Why and When?

Image source: https://glasgowguardian.co.uk/2018/03/22/university-pension-row-14-days-of-strike-action-across-the-uk/   A breakdown in talks between the University College Union (UCU) and Universities UK (UUK) has resulted in confirmed strikes over the next few weeks. This can be a confusing time for many students left wondering what… Read moreStrikes. Why and When?