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Miyuki Kamiya, MA in Linguistics 2013-14

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

My research interest is syntax, and in particular Japanese syntax; my supervisor knows everything about Japanese grammar.

What is your favourite module and why?

I came here to learn Syntax. It has given me a firm background in Minimalism, and this satisfied my expectation.

Why York rather than somewhere else?

I had a year's experience of York as a visiting student before, and I wanted to come back here for my MA as I knew that all the staff were very approachable and supportive.

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

When I came here for the first time two years ago, I did not even know how to draw a syntactic tree. The learning experience made me want to return here for my MA, and this MA course has inspired me to carry on to study for my PhD.

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

When I was here as a visiting student two years ago, I was always behind. But the staff really helped me to catch up, and I have been doing pretty well in this MA course. They are very approachable and supportive.

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

To be able to make work productive, life outside studying is also important. Once you leave the campus, there are lots of nice pubs and the local people are friendly. There are plenty of cafes and pretty shops in town, as well as a lot of interesting historical sights. In York, I feel that I am in a movie set from hundreds of years ago. You can see buildings that are a thousand years old. It's an amazing place to study.

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

York has a great history and it has been invaluable to meet many local people which you do not have so much chance of doing in, say, London which is more cosmopolitan. I have met many lifelong friends here. Also York is small enough to walk around and I have enjoyed the pleasure of walking and enjoying the lifestyle.