Language shapes our world. It influences our perception of reality, brings our thoughts to life, and enables us to form relationships and forge communities. Richly textured and infinitely diverse, we work with language every day to communicate with those around us, from the formality of the boardroom to the clarity of the classroom.

At the University of Worcester, you will have the opportunity to explore the power that language has to influence how people view their world, from community formation to personal identity, and business relations.

At a recent event for applicants choosing Creative Writing and English Language two University of Worcester students were in conversation about the course: Elizabeth Welsh (current 3rd year) and Christiana Curtiss (current 2nd year). Elizabeth talked about applying the knowledge she was learning in English Language classes into her creative writing pieces, “It gave me confidence in my use of grammar and enhanced my editing and proofreading abilities.” Christiana agreed, saying, “I find English Language classes inspire me a lot, especially with the history of language, and with this good understanding of how language is developed it allows me to create more believable fantasy world building elements in my stories.”

The two students also discussed tips for new starting students, with Christiana saying, “English Language is not just about historical things though, loads of it is looking at surprisingly modern things to do with language. You will feel completely confident about your language skills and have no worries about your editing. This course helps you to become an excellent proof reader.” Elizabeth has a wise tip: “Make sure you do read all books and texts to avoid confusion!”

Dr Lefteris Kailoglou is the Course Leader for English Language. He has been working at the University of Worcester from 2011, and previously taught at the University of Essex and University of Sussex. Dr Lefteris Kailoglou has also been supervising a number of dissertations on sociolinguistic variation in Worcester, as well as topics on language and identity. He has also been involved in the establishment of the Worcester dialect archive which is located within the Institute.

Reflecting on the course he said, “The ELAN course does not teach you the English Language. It is about the English language. What is its history? How do people use it? Why do people use it in certain ways? What does it say abut our identity? Is there a correct way of using the language? How about the creative aspect of language?”

To discuss these questions and find out more about this joint honours course feel free to email Lefteris: e.kailoglou@worc.ac.uk

“The modules enable students to follow a very broad range of subject areas, which gives excellent experience for the future.”

KELLY LAYDON, ENGLISH LANGUAGE GRADUATE