Another double Laidlaw success for Language and Linguistic Science students

Posted on 27 May 2021

Once again LLS undergraduates secure a prestigious Laidlaw Scholarship

The Department of Language and Linguistic Science is delighted to announce the continued success of first-year undergraduate students in securing the prestigious Laidlaw Scholarship. This year’s successful candidates are Emily Shepherdson (BA in Linguistics with Italian) and Rebekah Young (BA in English Language and Linguistics), following in the footsteps of previously awarded LLS students Catherine Brislane, Fae Hicks and Ezri Mannion (2020), Ailsa Nice (2019) and Holly Shorey (2018).

The Laidlaw Scholarship is a research programme generously sponsored by Lord Laidlaw of Rothiemay. The scholarship gives students at York the opportunity to undertake a unique research project combined with an innovative and accredited leadership development programme. By becoming a Laidlaw Scholar students have the chance to develop their academic and professional potential and to gain the necessary skills to become future leaders in their sector.

The research projects undertaken by Emily and Rebekah are on various topics in linguistics and aligned with the University of York’s research theme ‘Culture and communication’. Our two new Laidlaw Scholars will be supervised and mentored by academic staff in the department, respectively Dr George Bailey & Dr Tamar Keren-Portnoy and Dr Dominic Watt.

Here’s what they told us when we asked them about their research project and scholarship:

"I am so excited to become a Laidlaw Scholar and to have the opportunity to conduct my research entitled 'Hidden behind a smile: acquisition and societal perception of speech sounds in children with cleft lip and palate.'. It will be very interesting to look at the success of speech and language therapy in bringing children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) to the level of their peers without CLP, as well as looking at how society views the speech of children with CLP. This is such a great opportunity to gain research skills, work practically with linguistics, and gain invaluable leadership experience! I cannot wait to see how the scholarship allows me to grow over the next two years!" - Emily Shepherdson, UG Student, Dept. Language and Linguistic Science, University of York

"My project will investigate the relationship between slang terms shared in Scotland and in the port-town of Hartlepool. Inspired by first-hand experience living in the North-East of England, it aims to provide an important insight into the origin of regional slang variation, the attitudes towards it, and the links between language and identity. Participating in the Laidlaw Scholarship excites me as it is a unique opportunity to produce research in an area I am passionate about, alongside growing skills in leadership, communication and increasing my employability. Obtaining a Chartered Management Institute qualification would be highly beneficial to my career ambitions in research and academia. Leadership is an exceptionally important tool in all aspects. I am excited by the prospect of refining my existing skills and gaining new strengths in a rare opportunity that will push me out of my comfort zone. From the Laidlaw Scholarship I hope to gain confidence, leadership qualities, and become part of a global team of peers." - Rebekah Young, UG student, Dept. Language and Linguistic Science, University of York

The Department of Language and Linguistic Science is very proud of this achievement and wishes our awarded students all the best with their projects.

For more information on the Laidlaw Scholarship at the University of York: Laidlaw Scholars 2021