General Reflection of the Module

In all, I found the module to be of general relevance. Although the topics covered are along the lines of the study of linguistics, the how and why differences happen and exists along social lines would help me in articulating and analyzing some future experiences.

This to be important as the 'tools' taught in this module would enable myself and the class as a whole to better handle the cultural intricacies in the future especially when dealing with individuals from around the world in the working world. Be it the public and private sector, I find that the progress of globalization and its growing importance compels individuals to better understand and handle situations especially when it comes down to face-to-face relations if we are to survive in this global economy.

Of all the sessions, I find the presentations to be the most endearing. This is because, I saw through my own research and the first hand research of others the application of what we have learned in the 12 weeks that passed. Although results of the groups are imporatnat, I find the learning process to be most important. The formualtion of an actual research is something undergraduates rarely do in NUS.

Often, we rely heaviliy on second hand or even third hand sources for our own learning needs. The main thing I learned from the research is that learning through first hand discovery is far more lasting than learning through books and other contraptions the academic world has conjured up. I say this as an academic myself as after suffering through many modules of political science, this assertion is ever more true.

I thought the tutorials were fun in the beginning few sessions. However, after the mid-term break, I felt that the mood of the class was on the decline rapidly. With many other modules' deadlines due and the fact that the mental attention span is closing faster, I guess one can see why tutorial sessions were getting drearer. On the bright side of things, I find the tutorial sessions to be well developed by the lecturer although perhaps fixed groups could have been formed in the beginning sessions in order to facilitate comfort in talking and discussion of the topic matter.

One aspect of the learning experience I did not really feel comfortable with was the use blogging for reflections. Perhaps, I make this comment on the basis that my own experiences in the internet community. Through research, I've found that one's digital identity is a extremely powerful tool for manipulation and blackmail. Hence, my paranoia and disdain for any form of digital identity. However, the e-reflections serve to a small degree to me the function of solidifying the learning process. While it may seem cool to have learning through blog entries, it actually caused me to dread this module's lecture because I have to comment on it. I like the topics relatively well, but I have a stronger negative feeling for this blog. Hence, one can notice the extremely late posts in this blog.

With that said, I wish I had time to learn more about linguistics in depth without having to be graded upon. With training in engineering and political science, I pride myself as a Jack of all trades and master of none. Likewise, I do like learning and gaining new insights about new topics everyday, but to a larger degree a dislike for assessment exists.

I think this module would be beneficial in the long journey of life. As I journey on I can only pray whatever I have learned in university as well as this module would help me in my goal of service to God and country.

Semper Fidelis

PS. This blog identity will be deleted upon completion of the semester. Take care and God bless