Personal Statement
Abrar Hussain
Fortabbas, Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Pakistan
[email protected]
+923466874282
Admission Committee
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
School of Foreign Languages and Literature
800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China, 200240
Subject: Personal Statement
Dear Admission Committee,
From a young age, I have been captivated by the power of language and how words shape thoughts,
bridge cultures, and influence human connection. Growing up in Punjab, Pakistan, I developed a deep
appreciation for the intricacies of language, which led me to pursue a BS in English Linguistics from
Punjab University Lahore. My academic journey, coupled with my passion for linguistics, research, and
education, has reinforced my aspiration to contribute meaningfully to this field. Pursuing a Master’s
degree in English Applied Linguistics is a crucial step toward realizing my academic and professional
goals.
Academic Journey and Research Interests
My BS thesis, “Literary Lexicon: A Lexicological Study of Early Modern English (15th Century to 17th
Century) and Modern English (20th Century to Present),” provided me with a strong foundation in
historical linguistics and lexicology. Through this research, I examined how language evolves in response
to cultural, social, and technological influences. Building upon this, my current research paper,
“Exploring Development of Literary Lexicon in Modern English: A Historical Perspective,” delves deeper
into how contemporary linguistic trends shape modern communication.
I am particularly drawn to Applied Linguistics, as it merges theoretical linguistics with real-world
applications. My research interests lie in language acquisition, sociolinguistics, and discourse analysis,
with a focus on how linguistic theories can enhance communication and education. I aspire to explore
these areas further at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Teaching and Professional Experience
My academic journey has been complemented by my experience as a teacher and educator. Over the
past few years, I have taught in private schools, high schools, and summer camps, where I had the
privilege of mentoring students and guiding them in language acquisition. Teaching not only deepened
my understanding of linguistic challenges faced by learners but also reinforced my belief that research-
driven pedagogical methods can revolutionize language education.
Beyond academics, my passion for music, particularly playing the flute, has given me a unique
perspective on the rhythm and phonetics of language. This interdisciplinary approach allows me to
appreciate the musicality of speech patterns and the cognitive processes behind language learning.
Personal Growth and Aspirations
As someone who finds inspiration in the works of Molana Rumi, I believe that knowledge is a lifelong
journey. His philosophy has taught me resilience, curiosity, and the importance of seeking wisdom
beyond borders. Additionally, my commitment to prayer and discipline, especially during Ramadan, has
instilled in me a strong sense of perseverance and focus—qualities that I carry into my academic and
professional endeavors.
My long-term goal is to become a researcher and educator in Applied Linguistics, specializing in
language acquisition and discourse analysis. I aim to contribute to academia by developing innovative
methodologies that enhance language learning for non-native speakers. I also hope to play a role in
bridging linguistic gaps between cultures through cross-linguistic research.
Why This Scholarship?
This Scholarship is essential for me to pursue my academic aspirations without financial constraints. It
would allow me to focus entirely on research and academic development, while also enabling me to
contribute to the linguistic community at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The diverse intellectual
environment, research opportunities, and mentorship from renowned professors make this university
the ideal place for me to thrive.
Conclusion
I am eager to join Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where I can expand my knowledge, engage in cutting-
edge linguistic research, and contribute meaningfully to the academic community. I sincerely hope for
the opportunity to pursue my Master’s degree with your support, and I am committed to making the
most of this opportunity.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining your esteemed
institution.
Sincerely,
Abrar Hussain
Study Plan for Master’s Degree at Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Applicant Name: Abrar Hussain
Intended Program: Master’s in English Applied Linguistics
University: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Introduction
I am a dedicated linguist with a strong academic background in English Linguistics. I completed my
Bachelor of Science in English Linguistics from Punjab University Lahore. My academic journey has been
fueled by a passion for understanding language evolution, particularly in the literary domain. With a
research-oriented mindset, I now aim to advance my studies at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU),
which offers a world-class curriculum in Applied Linguistics. My goal is to contribute to linguistic
research and bridge the gap between historical and modern linguistic developments.
Objectives of My Study
My primary objective in pursuing a master’s degree in English Applied Linguistics at SJTU is to explore
the intricate development of language, focusing on socio-linguistic, psycholinguistic, and computational
linguistic perspectives. Specifically, I aim to:
Analyze how historical linguistic changes influence contemporary English usage.
Investigate language acquisition and learning processes in multilingual settings.
Examine the role of artificial intelligence in linguistic research and language teaching.
Develop research-based strategies for effective language teaching and communication.
Proposed Study Plan
First Year:
1. Coursework: I will focus on core courses, including Applied Linguistics, Sociolinguistics,
Psycholinguistics, and Language Teaching Methodologies.
2. Research Preparation: I will review existing literature and engage with faculty members to refine my
research interests.
3. Seminars and Workshops: I will actively participate in academic seminars, linguistic conferences, and
research discussions to broaden my knowledge.
4. Language and Computational Tools: I will explore corpus linguistics and computational linguistics tools
to analyze linguistic patterns.
Second Year:
1. Thesis Research: I will conduct in-depth research on the evolution of the literary lexicon in modern
English.
2. Fieldwork and Data Collection: I plan to engage in linguistic surveys and interviews to gather empirical
data.
3. Publication and Conferences: I aim to publish research findings in reputed linguistic journals and
present at international conferences.
4. Collaboration and Teaching Experience: I hope to collaborate with professors and fellow researchers
and contribute to academic discussions.
Why Shanghai Jiao Tong University?
SJTU is a prestigious institution renowned for its excellence in linguistics and interdisciplinary research.
The university’s cutting-edge facilities, expert faculty, and diverse research opportunities align with my
academic aspirations. Studying at SJTU will provide me with the ideal platform to refine my analytical
skills, engage with linguistic scholars, and contribute meaningfully to the field of Applied Linguistics.
Future Career Plan
Upon completing my master's degree, I plan to pursue a PhD in Linguistics to further my research in
historical and modern language evolution. My ultimate goal is to contribute to academia as a researcher
and professor, helping students and scholars explore language development. I also aspire to implement
innovative linguistic methodologies in language teaching and research in Pakistan and beyond.
Conclusion
My study plan at SJTU is driven by a deep passion for linguistics and a commitment to academic
excellence. With the university’s exceptional resources and guidance, I am confident that I will make
significant contributions to the field. I look forward to the opportunity to enhance my research
capabilities and become a part of SJTU’s academic community.
