What are the options for postgraduate entrance exams for some English majors?

English majors are generally divided into three main directions (master's degree) at the postgraduate level: literature, linguistics and translation. Among them, literature is mainly based on perceptual knowledge (literary criticism, etc.) and is suitable for candidates with a strong liberal arts background to apply for cross-majors; linguistics is mainly based on rational theoretical knowledge and is closely integrated with various disciplines. Candidates with a liberal arts and science background are suitable for cross-majors. Apply for the exam; translation is somewhere between the two, requiring both theoretical knowledge and perceptual knowledge and practice of language. In addition to professional translation fields, it is more suitable for liberal arts candidates who have a perception of words. The postgraduate entrance examination for English majors is conducted for candidates who apply for postgraduate entrance examinations for English majors. It should be distinguished from the general postgraduate entrance examination for English. The assessment subjects are: politics, basic English (score 150 points), comprehensive English or professional courses (score 150 points), and a second foreign language (score 100)***.

The English major has always been a hot spot for enrollment and employment. It is one of the majors with the largest enrollment growth during the expansion of university enrollment. Candidates are hereby reminded that before applying for a school, in addition to considering their own ideals and interests, candidates must also comprehensively consider their own abilities, strengths and knowledge structures. This requires candidates to pay more attention to their favorite colleges and universities. If necessary, they can Consult with teachers to choose the school and direction that suits you.

1. Linguistics

The laws of linguistics are not as profound as imagined. The linguistics mentioned here generally refers to English linguistics. Of course, English majors take exams on Chinese linguistics and Japanese language. It is also possible to study, German linguistics, etc., which depends on the candidate's second foreign language level. Most colleges and universities that recruit graduate students majoring in English offer English linguistics. From its branches, it includes pragmatics research, English grammar research, syntax, semantics, phonetics, phonology, morphology, Rhetoric, etc.; the study of linguistics is combined with sociology, psychology and other humanities disciplines to form sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, anthropological linguistics, mathematical linguistics; the introduction of linguistic theories into language teaching has also Contrastive linguistics, cognitive linguistics, corpus linguistics, applied linguistics, etc. have been formed. It also includes the study of the relationship between language and culture.

Employment development prospects: Although linguistics is a basic theoretical study, reading, doing research, and writing papers are the most orthodox ways out. However, this is not suitable for everyone. Only by adjusting and changing appropriately can it be better. develop yourself. For example, the study of English grammar can turn to higher-level translation, and the study of rhetoric can turn to literary research or even the translation of literary works. If you want to develop in the direction of teachers, candidates should usually strengthen the mastery of English teaching method knowledge and the training of teaching skills.

2. Literature

Literary direction actually includes many small directions, the most important of which is British and American literature. In addition, there are comparative literature, world literature, literary translation, etc. Most schools across the country that recruit graduate students in English majors generally offer English and American literature majors. Comparative literature and world literature are dedicated to the understanding, recognition, and comparison of different cultures. Many colleges and universities offer this major in the School of Liberal Arts rather than the School of Foreign Languages. The major of British and American literature includes many theoretical issues, such as the author's life, ideological content, writing techniques, literary schools, the development trajectory of literary history, and artistic characteristics. Furthermore, there are also literary phenomena, essence and characteristics of various historical stages, and a basic overview of literary language. , literary criticism trends, etc. The main content includes British and American literary history, British and American novels, literary theory, etc.

Employment development prospects: There is no shortcut to learning literature. Graduate students in the literature field read a large number of classic literary works in addition to studying literature-related theories (such as aesthetics, literature and art, literary history, etc.). This kind of reading also The average person's extracurricular reading varies greatly, and sometimes it can even be difficult. Employment in the literature field is average among all English majors, so you must have a strong interest and literary comprehension ability to study literature.

3. Translation Studies

In recent years, translation studies have also differentiated. There is not only the direction of "translation studies", but also detailed interpretation, written translation, literary translation, and simultaneous translation. Interpretation and many other directions. The eight major foreign language colleges and universities in China (Beijing Foreign Studies University, Shanghai International Studies University, Xi'an International Studies University, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Dalian University of Foreign Studies, Tianjin University of Foreign Studies, Sichuan International Studies University (Chongqing) and Beijing International Studies University) have specialized translation courses. Translation in other colleges and universities is a small category, included in language and literature, and generally only the corresponding tutors will be selected to enter the translation direction.

Translation studies has relatively high requirements for students majoring in English. During the postgraduate study process, there will be intensive training in basic skills such as listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translation. Different schools vary greatly. Some schools with weak educational capabilities mainly emphasize translation history and translation theory, but some key schools, especially foreign language colleges, place more emphasis on the cultivation of applied talents, with special emphasis on practical abilities.

Employment development prospects: There are three development paths for master's students in translation. One is to improve personal professional abilities, including responsiveness, adaptability, and oral expression skills, and develop into senior translation talents, mainly to become a part of some large-scale activities. , conference translation talents; first, pay equal attention to listening, speaking, reading and writing, expand knowledge, selectively learn knowledge in education, foreign affairs, foreign trade, scientific and technological translation, press and publishing, radio, film and television, foreign-related enterprises, management, etc., and move toward specialized applications The first is personalized development. After continuously improving your Chinese expression ability and English application ability, you can then become proficient in a certain field of expertise, such as literature, film, fashion, etc., and become a translation talent with a certain background or engage in teaching and research work. .

4. British and American Cultural Studies

British and American Cultural Studies mainly studies the traditional and modern culture of Britain and the United States, involving literature, history, philosophy, aesthetics, art, religion, sociology and other fields . The names and research focuses of different schools are different. Some schools have a direction called English-speaking Countries Cultural Studies, which is not limited to the United Kingdom and the United States. Research on British and American culture in the domestic English community mainly focuses on the following two aspects: exploring the relationship between British and American culture on English language learning; and comparing and contrasting the British and American cultural phenomena reflected in language with Chinese cultural phenomena.

Employment development prospects: Some schools consider content such as national development and national culture from the perspective of the tutor's research interests and students' employment. Candidates need to inquire carefully about this.

5. Emerging and special directions

In recent years, some schools have opened some new majors based on the status of scientific research strength and the needs of subject development. For example, Nanjing University’s bilingual dictionary research studies the theory of lexicography itself, and the application of advanced achievements in linguistics and related disciplines in lexicography. From a certain perspective, this is subordinate to linguistics; Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Guangdong Foreign Languages ????Foreign Trade Computational linguistics in universities and other institutions is mainly the direction of combining language with computer technology and information technology; intercultural communication in Shanghai International Studies University, Xi'an International Studies University, Beijing International Studies University, Nankai University and other schools is mainly the study of Chinese and foreign languages. differences in cultural models and behavioral models, and cultivate talents with cross-cultural communication awareness and abilities.