Meet some of our Group Language majors.
Samantha Saunders
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Major: Group Language (Spanish and Linguistics)
What was your motivation to major in Group Language?
My decision to major in Group Language was driven by a deep passion for language learning, cultural engagement, and the joy I find in building connections with people through communication. I have always loved immersing myself in different cultures, and I see language as a powerful tool for bridging cultural divides and fostering mutual understanding. In college, I had my first formal introduction to linguistics through Linguistics 301, and I was immediately captivated by the complexity and beauty of the field. That experience sparked an insatiable curiosity about how languages function and evolve, and solidified my commitment to pursue both linguistics and Spanish.
My decision to major in Group Language was driven by a deep passion for language learning, cultural engagement, and the joy I find in building connections with people through communication.
Can you describe your senior comps project?
I am approaching my senior comps project by writing two critical literary reviews—one focused on the linguistics side of my major, and the other on the Spanish portion. Although my topics are still in the refinement process, my papers will cover the following: the first will explore the morphology of modern Palenquero, a Spanish Creole language with a rich history. The second paper will investigate the correlation between musical aptitude and the acquisition of tone languages. Both topics allow me to delve into language diversity and its intersections with other cognitive and cultural phenomena.
Are there any standout classes you’ve taken?
Two standout classes I’ve taken are Spanish Sociolinguistics with Professor Bolyanatz Brown and History of the Spanish Language with Professor Shelton. Both courses are unique in that they are linguistics classes taught entirely in Spanish, using the language itself to explain complex linguistic concepts. In Spanish Sociolinguistics, I explored how factors like gender, socioeconomics, ethnicity, and geographic origin influence the way people speak and perceive differences in Spanish. I found it fascinating to see how identity and social factors shape language use. The History of the Spanish Language course, which I’m currently enrolled in, takes us through the evolution of Spanish from classical Latin to its modern form. We've been tracing vowel and consonant shifts, and it's incredibly rewarding to see how contemporary words have developed from their Latin roots. This class has deepened my appreciation for the linguistic history embedded in everyday language.
Kiana “Kiki” Gonzalez
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Major: Group Language (Spanish and linguistics), Minor: Education
What was your motivation to major in GL?
Growing up as a bilingual heritage Spanish speaker, Professor Bolyanatz’s class on Spanish in the United States deeply resonated with my own experiences. It illuminated how language, especially in bilingual communities, is much more than a means of communication; it's a powerful expression of identity and heritage. The class delved into how Spanish and English coexist and influence each other, mirroring the linguistic environment I grew up in, where code-switching was a natural part of my daily life. For me, these phenomena weren't just academic topics; they were personal realities. I saw firsthand how the blending of languages within my community was not just a matter of convenience but a reflection of our cultural duality—our efforts to honor our roots while navigating a predominantly English-speaking society. The course discussions on how language can be a form of resistance against assimilation and a marker of cultural pride echoed my own journey of embracing and asserting my bilingual identity. This understanding, rooted in my lived experience, motivated me to choose Group Language as my major. I wanted to explore not just the mechanics of language but its profound impact on communities and individual identities. By studying how people use language to negotiate their place in society, I hope to contribute to a greater appreciation of bilingualism as a unique and valuable aspect of cultural identity.
I wanted to explore not just the mechanics of language but its profound impact on communities and individual identities. By studying how people use language to negotiate their place in society, I hope to contribute to a greater appreciation of bilingualism as a unique and valuable aspect of cultural identity.
What are your ambitions post-Oxy?
My coursework at Oxy played a significant role in my decision to pursue a career in education as a teacher for Spanish heritage speakers. Through my studies, I began to recognize the potential to bridge the gaps between what is often regarded as the standard form of Spanish and the rich, diverse expressions found in Chicano Spanish. This realization highlighted the need to validate and incorporate the unique linguistic practices of heritage speakers in educational settings. I believe that acknowledging and embracing the fluidity of language can empower students to see their own cultural and linguistic identities as valuable. By creating an inclusive classroom environment that respects and celebrates linguistic variation, I hope to help students navigate the complexities of their identities while fostering pride in their heritage. My goal is to advocate for a more holistic approach to language education that honors the realities of bilingualism and legitimizes the diverse ways in which Spanish is spoken in the United States.
Did you study abroad?
I studied abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico, and it profoundly complemented my Group Language major. This experience allowed me to immerse myself in a rich cultural context that deepened my understanding of the linguistic dynamics I had been studying. Being in Oaxaca, I witnessed firsthand how language operates within a community, especially in a region where both Spanish and indigenous languages coexist. The study abroad experience enhanced my appreciation for the complexities of bilingualism and the ways language can reflect cultural identity. Engaging with local communities helped me see the practical applications of linguistic theories and concepts, particularly regarding the interplay between standard language ideologies and the realities of everyday communication. Being surrounded by native speakers provided countless opportunities to engage in everyday conversations, from navigating local markets to discussing cultural practices with community members. This immersion not only boosted my confidence in speaking but also enriched my vocabulary and understanding of colloquial expressions.
What’s truly fantastic about the program is the supportive environment created by the professors. They are incredibly welcoming and eager to help you tailor your studies to fit your unique interests and aspirations. This flexibility allows you to make the major your own, exploring topics that excite you and connecting them to your personal experiences.
Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in Group Language?
For anyone considering a major in Group Language, I wholeheartedly recommend following your passion! Linguistics is such a rich, interdisciplinary field, and you’re bound to find a niche that resonates with your interests. Whether you're drawn to sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, or phonetics, there’s something for everyone. What’s truly fantastic about the program is the supportive environment created by the professors. They are incredibly welcoming and eager to help you tailor your studies to fit your unique interests and aspirations. This flexibility allows you to make the major your own, exploring topics that excite you and connecting them to your personal experiences. So don’t hesitate—embrace your curiosity and dive into the world of linguistics!
Zeke Sebastian
Hometown: Verona, WI
Majors: Group Language (Spanish, linguistics), computer science
What was your motivation to major in Group Language?
I originally came to college looking to study physics and Spanish, but fell in love with linguistics when I took the “Introduction to Linguistics” (LING 301) course in the fall semester of my sophomore year. After talking with Professor [Mariška] Bolyanatz Brown about my new interest, she helped me to discover the Group Language major, which allowed me to continue studying Spanish and linguistics.
Can you describe your working relationships with Oxy’s language professors? Are there any standout classes you’ve taken?
Oxy professors in general are phenomenal, but they pale in comparison to the language department. Anyone entering the 4th floor of Johnson (the language professor hub) is immediately greeted in at least three different languages. If I had to pick one standout course, it would be LING 301. It’s a great class because it doesn’t just involve interesting material, but some pretty awesome professors as well.
Have you taken part in any student research opportunities at Oxy?
I am working closely with Professor Bolyanatz Brown in order to accurately describe how my computer science senior comps project—an algorithm for phonological accent detection—works, and whether the computer can detect all of the phonetic differences described in literature.
What do you find most compelling about studying a foreign language?
I have always been fascinated by language. One of my life goals is to learn as many languages as possible, and my favorite word (which we were asked to list in our application to Oxy) is polyglot. It’s always been a passion for me, and being able to take some courses in Spanish about the linguistics of Spanish has been another exceptionally fun part of my college career.
What are your post-Oxy ambitions and how has the liberal arts approach helped to shape these ambitions?
I am currently exploring options for further education in linguistics. This would not have happened if it hadn’t been for the liberal arts approach to education. I had no idea what linguistics really was until my sophomore year of college. Core requirements forced me to get out of my comfort zone, but the flexibility of scheduling allowed me to also take courses of interest, which funneled me into the fascinating world of linguistics.
Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in Group Language?
First, to those who aren’t considering Group Language, give LING 301 a shot and reconsider. To those who have already decided on majoring in Group Language, make sure you talk with your professors often. They will be incredibly helpful, and as I mentioned earlier, I would go so far as to say that the language departments have some of the best professors.
Samantha Stuart
Hometown: New York, NY
Major: Group Language (Chinese, Spanish); Minor: linguistics
What was your motivation to major in Group Language?
My motivation to major in Group Language comes from my love for languages. I think languages are such an important part of who we are and how we understand each other. I love how they are so different not only in the way they sound but also in the way concepts are described. I also love how you can learn so much about a culture through its language. I find it fascinating how languages can change so much over time that, in some cases, it’s nearly impossible to understand a language in its form from 500 years ago.
Can you describe your working relationships with Oxy's language professors? Are there any standout classes you’ve taken?
All of the language professors that I have had at Oxy so far have been very passionate about what they teach, which makes the classes so much more enjoyable. The professors have all been enthusiastic and approachable. I truly have enjoyed all of the language classes I have taken so far, but one of the most memorable classes was “History of the Spanish Language.” I found this class fascinating because I had never thought much about the specific changes that languages undergo over long periods of time. It was very interesting to see all of the linguistic changes that occurred to get from Latin to modern Spanish and all of the factors that led to these changes.
What do you find most compelling about studying a foreign language?
Being able to use it outside of the classroom. Using your foreign language skills to communicate with non-English speakers can be very exciting and rewarding. I love how learning a foreign language allows you to understand a whole new group of people. I have also found that communicating with people in their native language (especially living in the U.S. where many foreigners try their best to learn English and assimilate to the culture) can make them feel more at ease and understood.
Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in Group Language?
My advice to trust your heart. Not every choice you make has to be an extremely calculated decision, sometimes it’s about trusting your gut and doing what you want to do. It is definitely important to consider your options in order to make the right decision for you, but I think the most important thing to contemplate is whether or not you genuinely love and enjoy what you are studying. At the end of the day it is you who will be taking all of the necessary classes for your major, and if it is not something you enjoy then your learning experience will not be all that satisfying. When I first decided to be a Group Language major, some people were skeptical and wondered if this major would be of any help to me once I graduated. These types of comments may cause you to second guess your decision but I think it's important for everyone to know that languages are so important in any field. Languages are a fundamental part of human communication and the knowledge of more than one is extremely valuable in many fields. Studying languages can actually give you more opportunities in a wider range of fields.
Jackson Eddy
Hometown: Albany, NY
Major: Group Language (Spanish, linguistics); Minor: cognitive science
What was your motivation to major in Group Language?
I wanted to major in Group Language because I loved learning about Spanish and about the intricacies of language, and wanted to learn more. When I found out that I could study both at the same time [through the Group Language major], I had to take the opportunity!
Can you describe your working relationships with Oxy’s language professors? Are there any standout classes you’ve taken?
Working with the language professors at Oxy has been a great experience. I have gotten to know many of them both in and out of the classroom, and they are wonderful people who want to help and see you succeed. Working closely with the language professors has made my college experience better and provided me some great opportunities. One of my favorite classes was Professor [Mike] Shelton's “History of the Spanish Language,” a deep dive into the linguistic transformation of Vulgar Latin into Modern Spanish.
Have you taken part in any student research opportunities at Oxy?
I spent this past summer working with Professor [Mariška] Bolyanatz Brown on a project through the Undergraduate Research Center. The project I designed focused on the voiced onset time of consonants in English and Spanish. Professor Bolyanatz Brown was an amazing mentor who guided me throughout the whole process. I'm continuing to work with her on future projects.
What do you find most compelling about studying a foreign language?
I love delving into a new language and trying to figure out all the little bits and pieces and how they fit together. I love to discover the inner workings of a language and linguistics provides me that space. Both the introduction-level and upper-level courses I have taken allowed me to explore language and how each new language works.
Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in Group Language?
For anyone considering a major in Group Language, I would suggest taking as many different language-related courses as you can! Figure out what aspects of language interest you and look for the classes that cover those topics. There are a wide variety of courses related to linguistics or language, and each one provides a new perspective and a new point of view. There are lots of opportunities with a wide variety of professors who all love their respective areas of study, and I'm sure you can find someone who enjoys the same topics as you do!
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