Can International Students Major in Their Own Native Language?
Several respondents have already tackled this question with a resounding yes. I agree and can confirm that such cases do occur in US colleges and universities. Additionally, an important American English term you should familiarize yourself with is native language. While some use 'mother tongue,' this term is less common due to various reasons not pertinent to this discussion.
Personal Experience: An International Student's Journey
I am an international student from Italy currently attending the University of Toronto. Due to the pandemic, my stay in Canada lasted only half a year, during which I completed my high school years and more than half of my first year of university online from my home country. This is a situation I can relate to personally.
As an English language learner who started at the age of three, my approach to learning English was similar to that of a native speaker. I never crammed grammar or vocabulary but instead immersed myself in English media such as news, movies, and books. I consistently practiced speaking and thinking in English, which has made a substantial difference. However, there have been challenges.
When speaking with native Canadians, I sometimes find it difficult to fully comprehend rapid speech, often needing to repeat passages to avoid feeling embarrassed. Similarly, reading long English news articles and books remains a challenging task since I am not a 'bookworm'. My accent can also expose my non-native status when I am feeling nervous.
Based on personal experience, achieving the fluency of a native speaker may take more than a decade, if ever. These are some of the unique experiences and considerations for international students majoring in their native language.
Why Major in Your Native Language?
Studying one's native language as a major may seem counterintuitive given the common wisdom that recommends studying majors that are easier or more manageable. However, for international students, this choice can offer distinct advantages. Majoring in your native language allows you to bypass introductory courses and directly enter literature courses. This is similar to what English-speaking students often experience when choosing to major in English at American universities.
Why Language and Literature Majors Matter
Beyond language competence, a Language and Literature Major represents more than just fluency. It involves an in-depth exploration of the literature written in that language. Language competence is only the first step.
Advantages for International Students
International students with a native language as their major can move directly into literature courses, a significant advantage. This mirrors the experience of English-speaking students who can also study English as a native speaker would. For example, an international student with a native language background has the opportunity to delve into their country’s literary heritage, a pathway that can lead to various career opportunities, including jobs in translation, literature analysis, and beyond.
Conclusion
Majors such as a native language should not be discouraged but rather embraced for their unique benefits. Whether you are looking to deepen your cultural understanding, enhance your communication skills, or explore literary narratives from your own linguistic heritage, studying your native language as a major can be a rewarding and valuable experience.
For international students, choosing a native language as your major can provide a foundational understanding of literature and culture that can benefit your academic and professional journey in the long term.