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PGR Research Culture & Community Seminar Programme: PGTS Passport Foreign Language Information Page

Improving the Postgraduate Research Experience at the University of Hull

Passport Foreign Language Aspirations

PhD Researchers (from top & left to right): Victoria Bessonova (Passport Chinese/ Offshore Wind Energy & Climate Change), Fiona Chong (Passport Italian & French/ Biology), Mila Sari (Passport Chinese & Russian/ Chemistry), Sophie Eden (Passport Italian/ Astrophysics), Renae Dyball (Passport French/ History), Felicitas Ten Brink (Passport Chinese & Spanish/ Marine Science), Charlie Nash (Passport Chinese/ Chemistry), Saphia Fleury (Passport French/ Human Geography), Thomas Cross (Passport German/ Astrophysics).

 

— Passport Foreign Language Aspirations—

Renae Dyball (Passport French / History)

Struggling to start learning a foreign language? Here’s what you can do…

Renae Dyball is a third year History PhD researcher who completed Passport French for Beginners in the 2020-21 academic year as part of the Postgraduate Training Scheme. Their current research is on the history of London’s social and institutional development through the lens of the City’s shocks, from the Great Fire of 1666 to Brexit. In this article, Renae shares their foreign language learning journey in relation to their personal and professional development, the field which they are researching for a PhD, and how and why they have found studying a foreign language an enjoyable, rewarding, and enriching experience, bringing with it not only a change from their usual routine, but also competitive advantages.

Learning a foreign language can have a lot of benefits, many of which are unexpected and surprising. I found that starting to learn French helped me with my research and mental health, and I hope to provide some tips on how to turn learning a language into a truly positive experience. I believe it is one of the most enjoyable and productive ways to improve your personal development alongside further education and research!

Improving time management

            You are not alone if you feel that there isn’t enough time available to learn a foreign language. Maintaining a work-life balance is already difficult but learning a language can actually improve rather than hinder time management. My advice to achieve this is to treat the language learning process as a hobby. It is something to look forward to during the workday rather than just another task to complete. By scheduling this in, whether it’s daily, every other day, or even just weekly, this provides structure and habit-building to improve your overall time management.

            Using a variety of methods can further break up your daily routine to provide enjoyment and develop your language skills. Whether you want to listen to a foreign language podcast during a commute to work or read a short 5-minute article in your target language during a lunch break, learning a language can be moulded to your own routines as well as your own personal interests and preferred ways of learning. For me, this is one of the most exciting parts of learning a new language!

Trying out different methods

            These activities can appear intimidating at first, particularly if you are new to your target language and feel that you don’t know enough yet or don’t know where to start. The very beginning can be difficult when you constantly find new words and grammar structures which seem necessary to understand the more complex (but interesting!) topics. But there are many enjoyable ways to build up this base knowledge, particularly online. You could try reading short stories with their translations readily available or watch episodes of your favourite tv show, either in the target language with English subtitles or vice versa. There isn’t a single pathway to attaining another language and taking the most personally enjoyable path can provide a head start in this journey.

When things go wrong

            A negative previous experience might make you reluctant to try again even if you really want to learn the language. This was the case for me, it took years for me to regain the confidence to try again after failing my GCSE French. My advice is to not worry about any previous experiences and treat this as a fresh opportunity to try again, your new attempt does not have to be hindered or defined by a bad memory.

Similarly, making mistakes is normal even for experienced language learners. It can shake your confidence particularly in the early stages of language learning but turning these negative moments into opportunities to learn can provide a positive and energising experience. Whether its struggling to memorise verb conjugations or just not having a large enough vocabulary, the moment when you realise you have overcome something which seemed impossible will feel absolutely wonderful.

Remember to have fun!

I believe studying French truly enhanced my university experience and benefited my research in ways I hadn’t expected. Enjoying the experience makes the process of learning a foreign language so much easier and a lot more fun, contributing so much to language acquisition. If you decide to begin your own language learning journey, or have already started, I wish you the best of luck on what will be a truly transformative experience.

If you wish to get in contact with Renae Dyball about their research, please feel free to send an email to R.Dyball-2015@hull.ac.uk.

If you have any queries re. PGTS Passport Foreign Language Programme 22/23, please do not hesitate to contact Module Leader Shu-Mei Li 李淑梅 S.Li@hull.ac.uk .

 

Thank you! 谢谢 (Xièxie)! Merci! Danke vielmals! Grazie!  ありがとうございます。(arigatoo gozaimasu)Спасибо (Spahseébah)! Gracias

PGRs’ Success Stories on their Voyages of Linguistic & Cultural Discovery with PGTS Passport Foreign Language Programme!

PhD researchers/ speakers (from top left & clockwise): Renae Dyball (Passport French / History), Charlie Nash (Passport Chinese / Chemistry), Mila Sari (Passport Russian / Chemistry), Thomas Cross (Passport German / Astrophysics), Saphia Fleury (Passport French / Human Geography),Victoria Bessonova (Passport Chinese / Offshore Wind), Samantha Richardson (Chemistry), Dr Martin Taylor (Post-doctoral Research Associate, Energy and Environment Institute).

Begin Your Own Voyage of Linguistic & Cultural Discovery with Passport Foreign Language Programme NOW!

Hello! 您好 (Nín hăo)! Bonjour! Hallo!  Ciao! こんにちは (konnichiwa)! Здравствуйте (Zdrástvuyte)! Hola!    

Around 80 Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) and staff from across the University recently took part in an extremely well received week-long event showcasing the numerous benefits of foreign language learning. There were interactive language taster sessions and inspiring talks by postgraduate and post-doctoral researchers about their own voyages of linguistic & cultural discovery!

Organised and led by the Department of Modern Languages and co-hosted by the Doctoral College, the event spotlighted the Passport Foreign Language Programme which forms the major part of the 771624 Modern Languages and Cultures in PG Contexts module on the Postgraduate Training Scheme (PGTS).

Dr Janine Hatter, Programme Manager of the PGTS at the Doctoral College, said:

“'Modern Languages is a key contribution to the PGTS's aims of developing PGRs' research, professional and personal skills development for vital research-related knowledge, future employment or personal growth.”

The six Foreign Language Taster Sessions gave participants the opportunities to enjoy learning associated with interactive and fun activities delivered by our specialist language tutors. The written and verbal feedback show how participants left the language taster sessions wanting more:

  • “An excellent session, well-pitched and very interesting - thank you”
  • “A really good session. I learned a lot not only about Chinese characters but also keeping students engaged and interested online.”
  • “The explanations about the characters was fascinating and I will remember some of them forever I think!”
  • “The tutor was so nice and friendly and so enthusiastic, it made everyone smile and gave a really good general atmosphere to the class.”
  • “I found everything interesting and fascinating about Chinese language and I feel now less confused and have a better idea on this language.”
  • “I will definitely like to join the module”
  • “I am more than competent to take upon studying language that seemingly looked impossible to be studied!”

Three of the tutors who delivered taster sessions were equally enthusiastic:

Shu-Mei Li 李淑梅, Tutor in Chinese (Mandarin), Chinese taster session, said:

 “你好 Nĭ Hăo! Participants in the Chinese taster session were taken on a journey through the fascinating world of Chinese characters and conversational greetings. During the interactive and fun session, some of the puzzles of characters were unlocked. We discovered that Chinese characters are not a mystery after all! Thank you for taking part in the adventure. I look forward to pursuing our adventure in speaking and writing practical Chinese in September! 再见 Zài jiàn!”

 

Janine Kopp, Tutor in French, French taster session, said:

“A very enjoyable event. Participants took part in multiple activities involving guessing vocabulary, booking a hotel, ordering a meal, matching up commonly used French and English proverbs, etc. The level of engagement and participation was very high. Thank you to all participants for their dynamism and enthusiasm! A bientôt en septembre, I hope!”

 

Tomoko Miyairi宮入朋子, Tutor in Japanese, Japanese taster session, said:

“I really enjoyed meeting new people. Their learning needs vary, but they are all willing to learn Japanese language and our unique culture. We, in the taster session, covered Japanese sounds and rhythm, politeness of Japanese language and how to bow properly, etc. I hope to see many of you in September!”

Six inspiring PGRs talk about their positive experience of the University's modern language modules

The six frank talks by postgraduate researchers (PGRs) provided participants with invaluable insights into our PGRs’ foreign language learning journeys:

 

Charlie Nash, PhD Researcher in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering

Research: A Matrix Isolation Investigation of the Reactive Intermediates Formed during the Miller-Urey Synthesis

Passport Language: Chinese (Mandarin) / 中文 Zhōngwén

Charlie said: “The Passport Chinese course was a very fun and rewarding experience, giving me the chance to broaden my horizons, gain some new perspective by exploring another culture, as well as meet some great people I wouldn’t have otherwise. Not only did I get a great grounding in a new language, but also had ample opportunity to develop transferable skills useful in other areas.

The Passport language event was a good opportunity to reflect on my language learning journey as well gain some additional experience in presenting. It was great to hear about the motivations, achievements, and thoughts of the other language learners, and also to receive some invaluable advice from our postdoctoral speaker.”

 

Renae Dyball, PhD Researcher in History, Department of History, Faculty of Arts, Cultures and Education

Research:  London Shocks, 1600-2025

Passport Language: French / Français

Renae said: “My language learning journey has allowed me to gain new perspectives whilst acquiring a worthwhile and applicable new skill. Consistency in revision and practice has allowed me to make gradual improvement throughout my Passport French learning journey.

The ‘PGR Presents & Perspectives On’ event was a fantastic experience, I enjoyed listening to the language learning journeys of other PGR students and being able to share my own. Studying Passport French was really enjoyable for me and I was happy to hear this experience was shared by all of the PGR speakers!”

 

Thomas Cross, PhD Researcher in Astrophysics, Department of Physics and Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Engineering

Research: Astrochemistry and Galactic Habitability

Passport Language: German / Deutsch

Thomas said: “German has proven to be difficult to me, in the sense of new concepts such as verb conjugation that alters depending not only on the tense but also the “person”, but also easier in some ways as it typically follows logical patterns and structure. Often German is quite efficient as you can often convey a sentiment in far less word than English. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time learning this language. It was kept fresh and engaging as it was taught using a variety of techniques and mediums.

The Passport language event was a very interactive and enjoyable experience. As a speaker it was nice having a lot of engagement and stimulating questions about my experience. As a listener everyone gave such interesting talks and it was interesting to hear other people’s experience with the Passport language module. From the view of a language learner, I was able to pick up new techniques for learning whilst simultaneously feeling energised by other’s passion for language.”

 

Victoria Bessonova, PhD Researcher in Climate Change Impact on Offshore Wind, Aura Centre for Doctoral Training, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering

Research: Global Impacts of the Climate Change on Construction and Maintenance of Offshore Wind Farms

Passport Language:  Chinese (Mandarin) / 中文 Zhōngwén

Victoria said: “Since I started learning (and speaking) foreign languages my mindset has changed completely. I realised that I can learn and achieve almost anything if I set the right goal and plan. I have improved my time management and self-discipline. By talking to people from all over the world as part of my speaking practice I have broadened my views on diverse cultures, and it has made me more aware of the differences people may have in our approach to everyday life.'

 

Mila Sari, PhD Researcher in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering

Research:  Mapping Heavy Metal Pollution in River Water with Paper-based Device through Citizen Science

Passport Language: Russian / Русский язык (Rusky yazik)

Mila said: “Being non-native English speaker, I believe that language skill is one of the most important skills I have. Aside from gaining knowledge on the language itself, language learning also gives me a lot of transferrable skills such as time management and creative problem-solving. It also helps me ‘take myself out of my research’ and gain fresh perspectives on my work. I took on a new challenge to study Russian from scratch. So far, not only I have gained some knowledge on the language and culture, it also gave me the ‘bravery’ to be a beginner again – to not be afraid to make mistakes and learn from it.

The ‘PGR Presents & Perspectives On’ event was a great opportunity for me (as speaker) to share my experience in language learning and promote the language – as I highly recommend it. It is also an interesting event where I can meet other students who are learning other foreign languages and listen to their perspectives. I think it also create a sense of community between language learners, which is nice to have.”

 

Saphia Fleury, PhD Researcher in Climate Change and Child Migration, Human Geography, Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation

Research:  Child Migration from Vietnam and Montserrat

Passport Language: French / Français

Saphia said: “I want to work in the UN system for which French is a core language, and I am already putting my new language skills to use, since a lot of the literature in my field of research is in French. The Passport languages for postgraduate students has two halves. There are the weekly language classes with a language tutor, and then three workshops spread out during the year that look more broadly at the process of acquiring a language, and the variations in communication across different cultures. Both components are equally relaxed and enjoyable, and the assessment isn’t at all daunting. The focus on cultural contexts in the module also helped me to better understand the professional environment in Francophone countries, as well as appropriate ways of addressing people. So, I learned a lot of useful professional skills along the way. The Passport language event was an interesting way to round off the year, and included fascinating insights into other PGR students' research projects.”

These engaging talks encouraged both thought provoking interactions and probing questions as well as very positive comments from the audience:

“Listening to different perspectives on why people learn a language and how it benefits them motivated me to learn new language!”

“I found most interesting how the Postgraduates enjoyed taking their passport languages and the support they received from the Modern Languages department during their language learning journeys.”

Staff Presentations

In addition, the two presentations were delivered from a post-doctoral researcher and a lecturer/ PGR who offered participants important insight into the knowledge and skills that PGRs need to know now by drawing upon their experiences of working in a multicultural, multinational and multidisciplinary environment. They both highlighted the value of knowledge and skills in languages and understanding different cultures in an ever-increasingly globalised world:

 

Dr Martin Taylor, Post-doctoral Research Associate, Energy and Environment Institute

Research: Energy & Fuels from Waste, Catalysis and Nanomaterials

Martin said: “As a PGR you work hard, learn many things and develop cutting edge research. However, we must not forget the transferrable skills we pick up along the way, these add so much more value to the individual and will set them up for their careers wherever that may be. Learning a modern foreign language is one of those under represented skills and will prove invaluable in the future to differentiate candidates between roles. The current PGRs learning a language while completing their PhDs are shining examples of academic excellence, we should all take a leaf out of their books and grab every opportunity that comes our way.”

 

Samantha Richardson, Lecturer in Biochemistry and PhD researcher in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering

Research: Developing Paper based Sensors for Environmental Monitoring

Samantha said “I attended the sessions where students gave an insight into their journeys of learning a foreign language alongside their PhD studies. It was really interesting to hear how learning a language benefited all the students within their own disciplines as well as expanding their knowledge and skill set. It was also a brilliant opportunity to share my own work and experiences and interact with people across the university.”

Our postgraduate researchers were at the core of the event. Modern Languages are extremely pleased to see the event drew to a successful close and look forward to hearing from any interested parties.

A big thank you from the event organiser

Shu-Mei Li 李淑梅, Event Organiser/ Tutor in Chinese, Department of Modern Languages, notes:

“I would like to thank everyone involved. I am absolutely delighted that our doctoral researchers have found studying Passport foreign languages a rewarding and enriching experience, bringing with it not only a change from their usual routine but also real competitive advantages. It was wonderful to listen to postgraduate and post-doctoral researchers who explained precisely how a foreign language has added to and compliments their research and employability. It is also encouraging to have such strong support from the Doctoral College. Thank you to all speakers, PGRs, staff and other participants. An increasing number of postgraduate researchers have already decided to embark on their own journeys of foreign language learning by signing up the 771624 PGTS Modern Languages and Cultures in PG Contexts module. Space is still available for all languages. There is a Passport Foreign Language for everyone, so please don't hesitate to sign up and enjoy the same advantages which blend so well with PGR specialist research. These advantages are expressed so eloquently in the above comments by PGRs and staff. Thank you again to all!”

Register for modules starting in September NOW!

Passport Foreign Language Registration is NOW OPEN! We very much hope that you are able to join us to start your own journey of foreign language learning in September 2021! Please do not hesitate to contact Shu-Mei Li 李淑梅 (S.Li@hull.ac.uk ) if you have any queries.

Thank you! 谢谢 (Xièxie)! Merci!  Danke vielmals! Grazie!  ありがとうございます。(arigatoo gozaimasu)。Спасибо (Spahseébah)! Gracias! 

Passport Tutors/ Modern Languages (from middle left & clockwise): Dr Laura Rorato (Italian) / Head of Modern Languages, Valeria Butler (Russian), Shu-Mei Li (Mandarin Chinese), Janine Kopp (French), Tomoko Miyairi (Japanese), Lilian Gergely (German), Dr Paul McAleer (Spanish)

The Range of Passport Foreign Language Modules available in 21/22 are as follows:

400540

Chinese (Mandarin) for Beginners

400522

Chinese (Mandarin) for Post-Beginners

400513

French for Beginners

400523

French for Post-Beginners

400524

French for Intermediate Learners

400514

German for Beginners

400518

Italian for Beginners

400531

Italian for Post-Beginners

400519

Japanese for Beginners

400537

Japanese for Post-Beginners

400521

Spanish for Beginners

400520

Russian for Beginners

400541

Russian for Post-Beginners

400542

Russian for Intermediate Learners

This has now happened - A week of Passport Foreign Language Online Taster Sessions: 07 – 11 June 2021

 

Hello! 您好 (Nín hăo)! Bonjour! Hallo!  Ciao! こんにちは (konnichiwa)!  Здравствуйте (Zdrástvuyte)! Hola! 

 

Begin Your Very Own Voyage of Linguistic & Cultural Discovery in East Asia and Europe through the PGTS!

 

Welcome and Introduction

You are warmly invited to join us for our Passport Foreign Language Online Taster Sessions (which is part of the Postgraduate Training Scheme - 771624 PGTS Modern Languages and Cultures in PG Contexts 2021/22 module induction. Organised by the Department of Modern Languages, the taster sessions will enable you to try a number of foreign languages. There are six Passport languages to choose from and therefore six Spotlight Foreign Language Taster Sessions. Woven into each taster session are the signature experiences offered by the Department of Modern Languages – learning associated with interactive and fun activities delivered by our specialist language tutors. In addition, Dr Martin Taylor, Post-Doctoral Research Assistant from the Energy and Environment Research Institute, will present a Perspectives On in which he reflects on and shares the lessons he learnt after he completed his PhD. So, you don’t have to learn the hard way. Finally, there will be six Honest PGR Presents delivered by the PGRs who have studied a Passport foreign language as part of PGTS. They will share their foreign language learning journeys in relation to their personal and professional development, the field where they are researching for a PhD, etc., with participants and answer questions.

 

Why not explore below the six Foreign Language Taster Sessions, the Perspectives on and six PGR Presents, and BOOK a place NOW to begin your very own voyage of linguistic & cultural discovery in East Asia and Europe!

Monday, 7 June 2021, 11:00am-12.15pm - 'PGRs present their foreign language learning journeys'

Book onto this session now! 

 

1.  11:00am - Welcome and Introduction with Shu-Mei Li 李淑梅Department of Modern Languages (5 – 10 minutes)

 

2.  11:10am - PGR Presents: ‘My French learning journey’ by Saphia Fleury. 

Saphia is a second year PhD researcher in Climate Change and Child Migration, Human Geography, Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation (10 mins + Q&A 5 mins)

 

3.  11:25 am - PGR Presents: ‘My German learning journey’ by Thomas Cross. 

Thomas is a second year PhD researcher in Astrophysics, Department of Physics & Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Engineering (10 mins + Q&A 5 mins)

 

4.   11:40 am - PGR Presents: ‘My Spanish and Chinese learning journey’ by Viktoriia Bessonova.

Viktoria is a first year PhD student in Climate Change Impact on Offshore Wind, Aura Centre for Doctoral Training, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering (10mins + Q&A 5 mins). 

 

5.    11:55 am – Perspectives On: Interdisciplinary research work in multinational and multicultural settings.

with Miss Samantha Richardson, Lecturer in Biochemistry, Department of Biological and Marine Sciences. 

Samantha is also a final year PhD student in Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering. (15mins + Q&A 5 mins). 

Abstract: During my PhD and beyond I have worked with people from many different countries across Europe and Africa. Working with a diverse range of people from different backgrounds and cultures has many positive aspects, helping to build a great foundation of skills but also comes with challenges. I will share my experiences as a researcher and science communicator; the skills I have developed and challenges I have faced along the way.

The Department of Modern languages have the greatest pleasure to welcome Miss Samantha Richardson. Samantha will, in her talk, reflect on and share the skills that working in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment has help her developed. Samantha will address the value of knowledge and skills in languages and understanding other cultures in relation to employability in an ever-increasingly globalised world. So, her PhD research successors don’t have to face the same challenges that she has encountered. Samantha’s talk is highly recommended!

Monday, 7 June 2021, 1.00 pm- 1.45pm - 'Spotlight on French Taster Session'

Book onto the French taster session now! 

French / Français with Janine Kopp, Department of Modern Languages

Monday, 7 June 2021, 2.00 pm- 2.45pm - 'Spotlight on German Taster Session'

Book onto the German taster session now! 

German / Deutsch with Lilian Gergely, Department of Modern Languages

Theme: The ABC of the German Speaking World

Tuesday, 8 June 2021, 1.00 pm- 1.45pm - 'Spotlight on Italian Taster Session'

Book onto the Italian taster session now!

Italian / Italiano with Dr Laura Rorato, Department of Modern Languages

 

Wednesday, 9 June 2021, 10:00am-11.30am - 'PGRs present their foreign language learning journeys' (plus a bonus "Perspectives" session from a Hull Post Doctoral Research Assistant)

Book onto this session now

 

1.  10:00am - Welcome and Introduction with Shu-Mei Li 李淑梅, Department of Modern Languages (5 -10 mins)

 

2. 10:10am - PGR Presents: ‘My Chinese learning journey’ by Charlie Nash, first year PhD researcher in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering (10 mins + Q&A 5 mins)

 

3.  10:25am - PGR Presents: ‘My French learning journey’ by Renae Dyball, second year PhD researcher in History, Department of History, Faculty of Arts, Cultures and Education (10 mins + Q&A 5 mins)

 

4.  10:40am - PGR Presents: ‘My Russian learning journey’ by Mila Sari, second year PhD researcher in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering (10 mins + Q&A 5 mins)

 

5.  10:55am - Perspectives on: Hindsight, lessons learned after I finished my PhD. So, you don’t have to learn the hard way! 

with Dr Martin Taylor, Post-Doctoral Research Assistant, Energy and Environment Research Institute (30 mins + Q&A 5 mins)

 

Abstract: As a PGR you work hard, very hard. Write papers, complete the thesis and reach the summit that is the end of the whole process. Then you move on, that could be industry or academia but what skills and knowledge do you really need to know? How do you climb the next mountain? After working at different universities, research institutes, a synchrotron and a Tier 1 COMAH site, I have picked up a few skills and knowledge along the way that I wish someone had told me eight years ago…

The Department of Modern languages have the greatest pleasure to welcome Dr Martin Taylor. Dr Martin Taylor works in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team and will, in his talk, offer his insight into the knowledge and skills that PGRs need to know now in preparation for the world of work. Dr Taylor will highlight the value of knowledge and skills in languages and understanding other cultures in relation to employability in an ever-increasingly globalised world. So, his PhD research successors don’t have to learn it the hard way that he did. Dr Taylor’s talk is unmissable!

Wednesday, 9 June 2021, 1.00 pm- 2.00pm - Spotlight on Chinese (Mandarin) Taster Session.

Book onto the Chinese (Mandarin) taster session now 

Chinese (Mandarin) / 中文 Zhōngwén with Shu-Mei Li 李淑梅, Department of Modern Languages

Theme: Fascinated by Chinese Characters?

(For all new to Chinese characters)

Understanding and Writing Chinese Characters: The Secret Unlocked!

Join our adventure discovering patterns, systems, meanings, and history. Allow your curiosity to be provoked. You will soon realise that the world of Chinese characters is open to everyone!                                  

Thursday, 10 June 2021, 1.00 pm- 1.45pm - Spotlight on Russian Taster Session.

Book onto the Russian taster session now!

 

Russian with Valeria Butler, Department of Modern Languages

 

 

 

Friday, 11 June 2021, 1.00 pm- 1.45pm - Spotlight on Japanese Taster Session.

Book onto the Japanese taster session now!

Japanese / 日本語 nihon go with Tomoko Miyairi 宮入朋子, Department of Modern Languages

Theme: Learn How to Bow Properly – Politeness and the Unique Country’s Language

Target Audience: All Welcome!

 

Target Audience for the taster sessions

All PGRs are very welcome! 

 

General Questions

If you have any questions about the event or Passport Foreign Language Modules please contact the event organiser: Shu-Mei Li, Department of Modern Languages S.Li@hull.ac.uk

 

PGTS Passport Foreign Language Programme Information

We hope our Spotlight Foreign Language Taster Sessions, Perspectives on and PGR Presents will serve as inspiration, as well as an introduction to our Passport Foreign Language Modules as part of 771624 PGTS Modern Languages and Cultures in Postgraduate Contexts (20 credits) 2021/22  

Passport Foreign Language Modules present a wonderful opportunity to begin or build on your interest in foreign languages and cultures, experience other forms of learning, naturally develop a variety of soft skills (e.g. problem solving, communication skills, team working, etc.), and also meet PGRs from across campus who share this interest.  

In the words of fellow PhD students who recently took a Passport course:

 

I did really enjoy the language lessons. Studying a foreign language as part of my PhD has enhanced my student experience at Hull University. It definitely is a great addition to my PhD. I think speaking another language makes me more employable and it’s also fun! I would love to study the next level! I would recommend Passport Foreign Languages to my fellow colleagues and friends. Amazing opportunity to learn/ progress in a language while also doing a PhD [...]”  Felicitas  / Passport Spanish / PhD Earth Science

 

“I have learned far more than I thought I would have by this stage, and it has not felt like hard work as it has been so enjoyable! […] Studying Chinese has definitely enhanced my experience as a PhD researcher at Hull University. It has allowed me to develop a new skill, meet new people, and give some variation to my working day. I very much enjoy my PhD but I think it is good to also study something a little different too. I would certainly strongly consider continuing to the next level of my chosen language next year. I would absolutely recommend Passport Foreign Languages to fellow colleagues and friends […]” ––– Charlie / Passport Chinese (Mandarin) / PhD Chemistry

 

“[…] I absolutely loved that the module was offered to PhD students to complete as part of the PGTS. I would have happily continued learning Spanish as part of the PGTS […]” ––– Victoria / Passport Spanish / Earth Science 

 

“[...] I can fully recommend studying a Passport language module for any PG students, it can provide a welcome break from mainstream studies whilst learning something new and exciting or building on a previously learnt skill.” ––– Renae / Passport French / PhD History

 

Registration for 771624 PGTS Modern Languages and Cultures in PG Contexts is NOW OPEN! The 771624 module information lays out what the course looks like in terms of contact hours and assessment. In addition, there are bespoke PG workshops for those taking a Passport course, regardless of language or discipline. These provide a valuable opportunity to interact and network with others researching for a PhD.

The range of Passport Foreign Language Modules available in 21/22 are as follows:

400540

Chinese for Beginners

400522

Chinese for Post-Beginners

400513

French for Beginners

400523

French for Post-Beginners

400524

French for Intermediate Learners

400514

German for Beginners

400518

Italian for Beginners

400531

Italian for Post-Beginners

400519

Japanese for Beginners

400537

Japanese for Post-Beginners

400521

Spanish for Beginners

400520

Russian for Beginners

400541

Russian for Post-Beginners

400542

Russian for Intermediate Learners

 

HOW TO REGISTER  

Registration for 771624 PGTS Modern Languages and Cultures in PG Contexts is NOW OPEN! You just need to write the specific language module code on the Module Request Form.

The registration process is simply in two steps:  

1. Complete the Module Request Form with your supervisor’s signature.

2. Submit your completed form to Ms Tomoko Miyairi, Coordinator for Passport Modules (T.Miyairi@hull.ac.uk ).

Then it’s all done!

We very much hope that there is a Passport Foreign Language for everyone and look forward to seeing you in our Passport Foreign Language Taster event.

Please do not hesitate to contact Shu-Mei Li (S.Li@hull.ac.uk ) if you have any queries.

Thank you! 谢谢 (Xièxie)! Merci!  Danke vielmals! Grazie!  ありがとうございます。(arigatoo gozaimasu)。Спасибо (Spahseébah)! Gracias!