Tasnim Abedalqader

I am an international student coming from Jordan. I am currently a PhD student in the Linguistics program at SFU. Over the course of my life, I have realized that being exposed to English language through numerous means in a non-native English speaking country is a thriving experience, yet it made me ask several questions on how English language has become of wide use in the world. For this reason, I was determined that linguistics is my sole objective.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose SFU as my graduate destination because of its distinguished Linguistics program.  It is a deep-rooted and diverse program that supports interdisciplinarity, and contains several excellent professors who are experts in the field of my research interest.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.

My research interests are in the fields of World Englishes and Sociolinguistics. My PhD research is primarily focused on examining the use and diffusion of English language in non-native contexts, with an aspiration to explore more in-depth the theoretical models of World Englishes. My goal is to add another trend of research that views the impact of globalization on accelerating the spread of English language in Jordan/the Middle East.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

The mentorship and support provided by my supervisor and professors are incredible. I am extremely thankful for sharing their expertise concerning research and academic career. I have also had the opportunity to meet some dedicated and knowledgeable colleagues, who added a lot to my academic experience.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR FUNDED AWARDS?

I have received the 2020 Graduate Dean's Entrance Scholarship (GDES) from SFU. As an international graduate student, I am very grateful for this opportunity. It has allowed me to be more focused on my research, and learn a capacity of knowledge in the field of my interests

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?

The extent to which a person can learn more is determined by how much he or she is willing to fail. It is in failure that I always find myself a winner. This is my strategy in life, and this is how I have become a researcher.

Contact Tasnim: tna30@sfu.ca