Submissions closed
Submissions will re-open in Spring 2026. Please refer to the criteria and instructions below.
About the Becker Essay Prize
This essay prize commemorates Yvonne Joan Kathleen Becker and highlights her invaluable contribution to the department. The winner receives a $500 prize and is honoured at the Yvonne Becker Colloquium. The winner is also invited to enjoy a meal with the colloquium speaker and Linguistics faculty.
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
The successful essay will stand out for the originality of its ideas, understanding of linguistic concepts and 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.
