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Eloi Puig-Mayenco, MA in Linguistics 2013-14

What are your research interests / what are you working on?

I am mainly interested in the acquisition of syntax, in both first and second language acquisition, especially where Romance and Germanic languages come into play. With respect to Second Language Acquisition, I am interested in the non-native acquisition of English by Catalan/Spanish bilinguals.

What is your favourite module and why?

I have enjoyed every single module during the degree, however the 2nd term modules have been challenging and interesting as they totally fit my research interests. I took Acquisition of Syntax by Children and Second Language Syntax.

Why York rather than somewhere else?

Not only is York one of the most beautiful cities I have ever lived in, but also both the University of York and the Department of Language and Linguistic Science have a world-known reputation and excellence in research.

How has your experience at York broadened your horizons as a linguist?

It definitely has. Some of my lecturers have transmitted to me their passion of the study of languages. They have also broadened my horizons as a linguist by making me realise which area of linguistics I am more interested in. The way we acquire our first, second or third language can simply be extraordinarily amazing.

What’s the level of support like from staff and the department as a whole, are they receptive to feedback?

The support from the staff, especially those lecturers who I have had contact with, has been excellent. I have always been welcomed into their offices to talk about both academic and personal aspects. During the masters degree, I constantly asked myself a question: and now? what's next? Staff in the department have given me excellent advice and encouraged me to trust myself.

What has been your favourite aspect of living and studying at York so far?

Apart from the academic experience, York is an incredible city to live in. It is beautiful; it has an amazing student life, cultural activities going on every week of the year. It is definitely a good city to spend a period of time in.

What do you feel is the most important thing you will take away from your experience at York?

I have to say that my experience as a student here has been challenging. Sometimes it has been extremely difficult, I have felt overwhelmed and that there was a never-ending list of things to do, but in the end, it has been worth it. I have learned tons of new things, I have enjoyed every single day and I have definitely grown both personally and intellectually. I feel now much more prepared to face the world as a newly graduated linguist.