The Enduring Value of English Literature and Linguistics

As a holder of a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and a Master's degree in Humanities with a concentration in Linguistics, I am frequently confronted with a recurring inquiry: "What is the practical value of an English degree?" This question, though deceptively simple, reflects a broader assumption within contemporary discoursethat the humanities, and English Studies in particular, are of diminished significance when compared to disciplines more closely associated with technology, business, or the natural sciences. However, based on my academic journey, I have come to believe the opposite: Literature and Linguistics stand as essential pillars of higher education, for they preserve its most fundamental focus the understanding of human beings.

During my undergraduate years in English Literature, I learned that literary works are never "just stories." Instead, they are mirrors of life. Reading novels, poetry, and plays taught me to see conflicts from multiple perspectives, to empathize with unfamiliar experiences, and to recognize how narratives can shape identity. For example, when engaging with postcolonial texts, I realized how language and storytelling can function as acts of resistance against power. Thus, Literature is not simply about aesthetics it is a way to read reality itself.

Later, my postgraduate studies in Linguistics revealed another dimension of language. Linguistics shows that language is never neutral; rather, it encodes structures, ideologies, and even power relations. Through discourse analysis, I discovered how political language shapes public thought. Moreover, in today's digital age, linguistics has become even more relevant, whether in addressing online hate speech, facilitating intercultural communication, or developing translation technologies. From research to practice, I came to understand that linguistics is not confined to theory but has a direct impact on society.

Taken together, these experiences convinced me that the true strength of English Studies lies in the synergy between Literature and Linguistics. On the one hand, Literature provides meaning, while on the other, Linguistics uncovers the structures that carry that meaning. As a result, a student trained in both is not only prepared to interpret texts but also to decode contexts, critique systems of power, and communicate with clarity and empathy.

Therefore, to reimagine English Studies today means seeing it as a dynamic field that can engage with digital humanities, cognitive science, and technology. Far from being outdated, it offers precisely the skills our future demands: critical thinking, creativity, and cultural understanding.

Ultimately, my own academic journey has taught me this lesson clearly. Strengthening English Literature and Linguistics is not merely about protecting a degree program. Instead, it is about cultivating human capacity in the fullest sense. At a time when machines can perform routine tasks, what remains most valuable are the uniquely human abilities to imagine, reflect, and connect through language. That is why reimagining English Studies is not optional,it is essential.