Letter of Motivation As I have been exposed to sociology, psychology, philosophy, and anthropology as early as high school, I have developed

a deep interest in theories related to social dynamics and linguistics ever since. In my university years, I have studied English linguistics, literature, criticism (in their theoretical and applied paradigms), social history and culture of Europe and England. I have been able to incorporate these into the texture of my primary interest. It has been evident to me that studying social dynamics and institutions entails the integration of these disciplines. When I further studied philosophical and intellectual movements such as (post)structuralism, (post)modernism, Marxism, feminism, to name just a few, I have discerned reciprocity between social and political ideas, each adds a unique perspective to the other. This interdisciplinary approach is both necessary and more beneficial than a traditional major because it provides a knowledgeable base regarding various interrelated, and for the most part complementary, issues. It also allows me to do a critical comparative analysis of social and political theories. As language constitutes an integral component of all these approaches, I preferred to study this significant discipline in its applied perspective. By the end of this summer, I will be awarded an MA in Applied English Linguistics from the University of Reading. I have studied discourse analysis, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, crosscultural pragmatics, phonetics and phonology, and others. Together they make a solid and rich background for understanding social and political theories in their wider contexts. I can assertively say that I have always wanted to study critical theories in social and political spheres. In fact, my rather late decision to pursue a master degree is the result of a long and careful reassessment of my career. I came to the point where I felt that my professional activity in the field of language teaching and training, and academic supervision did not meet my personal ambitions to do something that would make a difference for society and for my own intellectual development. My professional and educational backgrounds provide me with a variety of skills beneficial to my academic work as well as my future activity in social and political activism. I learnt to take responsibility, how to handle pressure and to meet deadlines, how to manage projects, to work in a team as well as analytical thinking and communicational skills. In a careful search for an MA programme in social and political studies, I have found this programme at Vytautas Magnus University to be the best that suits my intellectual interests and my career potential. Considering my broad academic foundation as well as my professional background, I am confident that I would make a suitable candidate to the Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy. I would highly appreciate it if you could accept me to the MA programme in Social and Political Critical Studies this autumn term. Thank you very much for your time and for considering my application.