Anita Uzama
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I decided to pursue a graduate degree to further explore the research field at a post-secondary institution. As an undergrad at UBC, I always wanted to conduct my own research and use proper equipment for measurement, but I didn't know how or wasn't allowed to work on it, so I wanted to pursue a graduate degree to publish my own works with proper procedures.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I decided to study at UBC because I began my post-secondary studies at the UBC campus. I spent my whole undergraduate journey at the university and felt more comfortable staying at UBC since I already had friends and family near the UBC Point Grey campus.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The French, Hispanic and Italian Studies (FHIS) department offered many funding opportunities for graduate students, which I liked. It also had monthly gatherings with the graduate students in the same program, so it was easy to access any questions and information I had about the program. Additionally, UBC's FHIS department was a location I was already familiar with as an undergrad student at UBC, studying French, so I was very attracted to enter the MA in French program.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The best surprise about UBC is that we have everything situated on campus, from indoor pools, concert stadiums and supermarkets to elementary and secondary schools. When I first came to UBC, I was intrigued by how many buildings there were, and they were all so accessible to everyone. I could study at Nest until late at night and enter libraries at 6 am during exam weeks.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
I enjoyed meeting the other graduate students from the French, Hispanic and Italian Studies department. We often took the same courses together, so we were familiar with each other. I particularly enjoyed the graduate student conferences. Although it might sound intimidating, I liked meeting new and familiar faces during events. Oftentimes at UBC, we are always busy and never have a chance to meet everyone from different programs, but at large events, like the student conference, you will get the chance to meet new people and old friends.
UBC's MA in French program gave me the opportunity to practice and refine my French skills. The department often held career and academic workshops as well, which helped me better prepare for my future.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
My previous experiences working in francophone and francophile sectors have best prepared me for my UBC graduate program. I knew that there would be many French speakers and writing/researching works that I had to do to get into the MA in French program at UBC. So, I prepared and challenged myself to immerse in the French language by applying for a study abroad program in France and working at francophone immigration agencies.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I like to hang out with my friends or watch shows online.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
I recommend that new UBC graduate students be curious and open to trying new things. As a new graduate, it will be your chance to make new friends and gain new experiences.
Learn more about Anita's research
This thesis examines the linguistic attitudes of French learners toward two minority languages in British Columbia: Halkomelem and French. While these two languages are not the only minority languages in the province, they are among the least represented in the public sphere and are experiencing a growing number of speakers. Halkomelem is an Indigenous and endangered language, historically spoken in what is now British Columbia, and French is a colonial language and one of Canada’s official languages. The main objective of this research is to explore the linguistic attitudes of French learners toward these two languages. A better understanding of French learners’ attitudes toward these languages is crucial for examining the dynamics of linguistic power between these two minority languages in British Columbia.