Language processing: Computational Linguistics and Psycholinguistics, Master 1 subject

Judith Fischer is a first-year student of Linguistics. She is pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree, 2-subject programme. Judith’s other discipline is German Studies.

What made you choose this degree programme?

I was fascinated by the prospect of dealing with language on a scientific level. I had, moreover, heard that you’ll get an insight into many individual languages. 

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

Language is indeed discussed on a scientific and systematic level, and this approach has exceeded all my expectations in the best possible way. The idea that you’ll get an insight into many languages is not quite correct: you mustn’t expect it to be like a language course for numerous languages. Many different languages systems are studied as examples, though.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

Working out and framing hypotheses regarding linguistic phenomena.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

Figuring out how to write academic texts in the first homework assignments (that count towards the exam grade).

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

At present, I am toying with the idea of specialising in computational linguistics, which deals with the way how natural language is processed by computer software. There are many possibilities to use innovations in this field to facilitate the daily life of disabled people. This is the field that interests me most.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

It is crucial to attend all lectures and seminars and, most importantly, the tutorials. This is how you can best learn the basic principles and, consequently, pass the exams easily and without unnecessary stress. It is also very important to discuss possible questions (preferably with the tutors). The tutors are always prepared to answer questions and are a great help.