Submissions closed
Submissions will re-open in Spring 2026. Please refer to the criteria and instructions below.
51社区黑料 the Becker Essay Prize
This essay prize commemorates Yvonne Joan Kathleen Becker and highlights her invaluable contribution to the Department. The essay prize fund totals $500. During the annual Yvonne Becker Colloquium, the certificate(s) of achievement will be presented. An invite to a meal with the colloquium speaker and Linguistics faculty will also be offered.
Eligibility criteria
- The essay must be submitted by an undergraduate student in good standing.
- The student must be actively enrolled in one of the following programs: a Linguistics program (including major, joint major, or extended minor), an Indigenous Languages program, the Linguistics discipline within the Cognitive Science program, the Certificate in the Linguistics of Speech Science, the Certificate in Teaching ESL Linguistics, or a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma program that includes a Linguistics course.
- The essay should be between 3,500 and 7,500 words.
- The essay must be supported by an instructor's nomination (download form below).
- If the essay is a result of coursework, the essay should be supported with a nomination from the instructor who taught the course.
- If the essay is independently composed, please seek a nomination from one of your previous instructors from the following programs: a Linguistics program (including major, joint major, or extended minor), an Indigenous Languages program, the Linguistics discipline within the Cognitive Science program, the Certificate in the Linguistics of Speech Science, the Certificate in Teaching ESL Linguistics, or a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma program that includes a Linguistics course.
Selection criteria
- Originality of ideas;
- Understanding of linguistic concepts;
- Clarity of expression.
Submission instructions
Please submit your essay as a Word file via email to lingchr@sfu.ca and lingasst@sfu.ca and include the completed Nomination Form (download below) from the nominating instructor.