Language vs Literature
Which is more powerful as a career tool?
Many would argue that the English language is the more academic of the two and facilitates a smooth entry into certain competitive degrees. They wouldn’t be wrong. English language has a beautiful way of connecting cognitive development where we learn words and sounds as babies to the way we process words and understand them as adults. Literature, although more creative, allows you to harness valuable skills that can be transferred to successful careers across a range of sectors.
Let’s explore which of the two is deemed superior and leads to greater career success.
Start with your passion
Naturally, you’ll be inclined to study subjects that you enjoy the most, leading you to pursue that top grade. This pursuit turns into dedication where you spend more time and energy on perfecting your knowledge and skills. It is always a sound decision to opt for the English subject you enjoy most as you start your Post-16 journey.
What is the difference between the two and which one develops higher-level skills?
English language is more factual and scientific in nature in comparison to Literature. English helps you to discover the structure of the language itself, words, how sentences are formed, how they are used and how they have changed over time. This deeper study of linguistics will help you develop your grammar and explore phonics and sounds in detail. You will develop your written, verbal and communication skills, which are valuable transferable skills for any career. Likewise, you will be able to use persuasive language, send professional emails and be confident communicating with people at all levels.
Literature explores the thematic contents of various texts, where you can enjoy analysing literary books, themes, poetry and prose and offer your own critical analysis. You will also be exploring the wider context and how that influenced the works of writers in different eras. With that said, you will develop your writing skills and enhance your vocabulary, whilst gaining reading speed. Don’t forget that literature has a heavy demand on your reading time, and you will need to spend many hours reading and researching. You will also have more opportunities to write creatively, develop your comprehension skills and learn to articulate your own arguments.
12 English skills that prepare you for your career
Which is more challenging?
Both are equally challenging in their own right. English Language will also stretch your comprehension and thinking skills, and much like the study of a scientific topic, you will be learning key facts and then studying a range of texts to decipher the linguistical elements and apply your knowledge.
Literature on the other hand will stretch your critical analysis and interpretation skills, creativity and your use of vocabulary. You will also be spending more time reading various texts, which is a lot more than in English language.
How hard is English literature?
What is it like to study English at university?
What do universities recommend?
The new advice from Russell Group universities will tell you that choosing subjects that marry up well with your chosen career is more important than choosing subjects based on how academically challenging they are. This refreshing advice will help you choose your options with confidence. However, make sure to do your university research to check the entry requirements before making your final decisions.
Russell Group universities offering new advice
Russell Group - Importance of subject choice
Which is the better option for my career?
English language will leave you with strong communication skills, being able to articulate and form well thought-out sentences and carry out conversations in confidence. As you will also be grammar aware there will be less need to rectify mistakes or slow down in your day-to-day communications. You will be able to deliver presentations and reports, adjusting your language to meet the needs of your audience.
Literature not only builds your critical analysis, but also allows you to share your viewpoint, with clarity, using all the correct terminology. Being creative is also on the top list of talents that employers seek as they look for new ideas to make changes to their business and literature certainly helps to build this.
What can I do with an English degree?
What careers can I get into?
Almost all careers can make use of your English language or Literature skills, but here are some that directly link to the study of those subjects:
Publisher - how to get into it
Journalism - newspaper journalist job profile
Blogger - how to become a blogger in 2024
Whichever subject you choose, you will gain more skills than you started with. Both subjects are equally superior, academically challenging and interesting to study. Remember that having a good command of the English language will help to support your progression in any field, especially as English has long been seen as the language of the business world. Lastly, if your love for English stretches to both subjects then don’t shy away from studying both to gain the full range of skills as A Level English Language and Literature will allow.
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