The Carleton community will celebrate fall convocation this weekend to honour more than 1,200 students as they receive their degrees.
This fall, the SLaLS Class of 2024 includes 8 BA graduates, 1 BSc graduate, 2 MA graduates, and our very first PhD in Linguistics (Language Documentation and Revitalization) graduate.
Faculty and staff in the School of Linguistics and Language Studies are proud of the students who completed their degrees. A hearty congratulations to the newest members of the Class of 2024!
Karen Jesney, Undergraduate Advisor for the Linguistics and Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies undergraduate programs, shares a special message for Fall 2024 SLaLS Graduates:
“These students’ accomplishments are a testament to their hard work and determination. We are so pleased with what they have been able to achieve, and we look forward to seeing what the future will bring for each of them!”
To help us celebrate this exciting milestone we spoke with three Bachelor degree graduates to learn more about their time with SLaLS and to find out what is in store for them next. Read more about these inspiring graduates below.
Benjamin Crawford, Bachelor of Arts Honours, Linguistics
Benjamin Crawford
Benjamin Crawford completed a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Linguistics.
“I had so much fun in SLaLS,” Benjamin shares. “I met some really cool people and some really great instructors who truly are mentors!”
Benjamin completed independent study courses during his time in the BA program and had the opportunity to work on a research project under the supervision of a faculty member.
“During my undergraduate studies, I worked with Dr. Beth MacLeod on a project assessing Vowel Quality in Mexican Spanish, which we presented at the Canadian Linguistic Association (CLA) conference here in Ottawa in June. This was a valuable contribution to my academic career, as it was my first conference presentation of academic research.”
Earlier this fall, Benjamin started a Master of Arts in Linguistics here at Carleton University. “The SLaLS staff and students really are a family,” Benjamin says. “I felt very confident and comfortable to stay here building on those relationships while pursuing the MA.”
Benjamin aims to pursue a PhD in Linguistics after completing his MA and hopes to research autism and teach.
Julia Kosoralo, Bachelor of Arts Honours, Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies, Certificate for Teaching English as a Second Language
Julia Kosoralo
Julia Kosoralo completed a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies and is the recipient of a Senate Medal for Outstanding Academic Achievement.
During her time at Carleton University, Julia served as a member of the Carleton Applied and Theoretical Linguistics Society (CATL) executive team and was involved in a number of student events including trivia, bingo, and paint nights.
Julia also completed a Certificate for Teaching English as a Second Language (CTESL).
“My CTESL practicums at Algonquin College and The Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization involved me planning lessons, teaching lessons, and more.”
Julia is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education in the Primary and Junior Division at the University of Ottawa.
“I enjoyed gaining experience working with English Language Learners,” Julia shares. “I will continue working with English Language Learners in the practicums that are part of the BEd program and in my future practice as a teacher.”
Kai Sikkema, Bachelor of Arts Honours, Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies, Minors in Korean and Mandarin Chinese
Kai Sikkema
Kai Sikkema completed a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies with minors in Korean and Mandarin Chinese.
“I have grown significantly in my abilities as an academic, professional, and communicator,” Kai shares, “and I have enjoyed being able to learn more about other cultures through their language.”
In addition to serving as a FASS Student Ambassador, Kai has participated in a number of student events, including the School of Linguistics and Language Studies’ famed singing competition, Linguavision. At Linguavision 2023, Kai performed a song in Mandarin Chinese and snagged a Judges’ Choice Award.
Kai has decided to pursue a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies with a collaborative specialization in Digital Humanities here at Carleton University. Kai’s current research interests are primarily in investigating online human rights discourse through Critical Discourse Analysis.
“I have chosen to continue my education at Carleton after participating in the Accelerated Pathway, which allowed me to explore my interest in applying to graduate school before graduating.”
Celebrate recent Carleton graduates by reading through the Grad Stories.