I did not realise it back then, but the day I got back my PSLE results was probably the day I started my journey in Linguistics. Or perhaps it started when I was much younger, and it was each step taken unknowingly that led me to where I am today.
My results qualified me a place in the MOE Language Centre, to study a language of my choice – Japanese, German or French. Back then, I loved reading Beauty and the Beast. I was a huge Beauty and the Beast fan! I knew the lyrics to all the songs. So naturally, I chose French. My intention was to learn this language for a few years, then drop it when it starts to become too overwhelming.
But I loved it! I loved the people and the places this language brought me to… Once, pre-COVID-19, MOE paid for our trip to study French and the culture, right in Brest, Brittany!
This photo was taken when I was in Brest! It was probably the most defining point of my language journey. Years later, because of my love for French and learning language, I decided to take on a second major in Linguistics.
This piece was written by our #SGUnited intern, Raye Fion. Raye Fion is a 3rd-year Psychology and Linguistics major.