Bilingual Baby Blues

what's age got to do, got to do wit' it

2005-09-03T21:14:00.000-07:00

And so I find that the primary reason that many of us justify our actions, or the carelessness/caution behind them, is our age.

Apparently, one is always too young or too old for something. Whether it be a a job, trying something new, talking to someone, or wearing something; the list is endless.

In my life, the greatest obstacle/blessing that adorns the question of age is "love."

Love is something that everyone and every society can define differently. The heart feels what the heart feels. To follow ones heart is to stay true to oneself.

(Hereby following the theme of bilingualbabies: Everyone around the world has unique qualities. The essential duty is to identify something we hold true to ourselves and appreciating it. No one is alone in the journey to self discovery, nor are we in the efforts to stay true to who we really are.)

This world's modern facade of not settling, and young love being unreality, dictates couples apart everyday. These pressures and expectations not only give in to twosome of romance, but of dreams, family, education, etc.

Why is it that love is recognized as perhaps better and true at a more mature age, as opposed to unreal and temporary during earlier years? If so, why do we embrace such youthful love stories like "The Notebook," or "Romeo and Juliet"?

With the "significant other" in mind : "With no other can they ever imagine themselves with. And why should they?"

You're living your life now. And if love is a part of it, it should not be rejected, especially on account of age.

Also, I've found myself thinking that a woman is stronger sans a pairing. This pairing might signify dependency and weakness, therefore a woman without love is strong. Right?

If a woman is to acknowledge and embrace what truly makes her happy, and to not play along with the expected image of "strength and character," that is what will truly make her a great woman.

...because at the end of the day, no matter what age, it's just you and your happiness.

what a shame

2005-06-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

With the topic of appreciating one's culture in mind, I've noticed a sad trend.

Is it that we need to truly "let go of what we love, and when it comes back to you, you know it's yours"??

Meaning: I may not have been able to recognize the worth of my family and culture had I not moved away at such a young age. Without losing that way of life, I would not have known any different and had not even begun to appreciate where I come from.

I see this especially with my friends and family who have never moved. It is a great shame that I can not plainly explain to them what I have found through leaving.

Meet the Parents

2005-05-15T09:52:00.001-07:00

It's one thing to be nervous when it comes to meeting your significant other's family, but just imagine if you couldn't understand what they were saying.

My family for example:
Let's keep in mind that this language barrier is continuous, and it will not go away. When I say barrier, I do not mean that there is lack of translation or that my family can not communicate with him. We are all bilingual and speak english just fine, but whenever given the chance to speak in our native tongue, we do, regardless of who is at our side.

Although it is dificult for me to grasp how one simply can not understand my french conversation (it being natural to me), I find it harder to image the position the monolingual people in my life have to deal with.

It would be very easy for someone to feel disregarded when caught in the middle of a foreign language's exchange. Hopefully, that monolingual person can understand the role the family's primary language plays in their lives and aren't jealous of it.

"I love you"

2005-04-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

After noting that when in conversation with my franco loved-ones, we ususaly conclude our convos with our "i love you"s in english and not french. hmmmmmmmm (????????)

Why is that?

Is "I love you" simply more powerful and/or heartfelt in english than it is in the original language of love?

Let's see: "Je t'aime"....."I love you"......"Je t'aime"....."I love you."

You know I really don't know. I'll have to seriously ponder that one; any ideas?

Marry an American?

2005-03-25T19:19:00.000-08:00

Growing up in "nothing-ville," Canada, crossing the border over to Maine was such a thrill!

I remember my mother telling me of a friend who exclaimed that both the states and Canada were the same color. lol. So, you can see what a simple place New Brunswick is.

ANYWHO; for many around the world, the U.S. spells "land of opportunity." Consider this idea for employment, liberty, religion, education, etc. Now, take that and see what else you get when you marry an American. Not only can one attain residency rights, but to many this may represent an "American trophy," if you will.

Having lived in the states for seven years now, the "American glory" idea has faded. Not only has it faded, but the worth I place onto my own heritage has developed immensly.

With the idea of my future husband, my decision won't be based on heritage, BUT I've come to realize
-wouldn't it be nice to find someone who can fully be a part of that aspect of my life.
-I want my children to carry on this culture, with a guarantee.

Know what I mean?

Feel Good

2005-03-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

"As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing to fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back."

Dedicated to my dear friend Molly. You are a genuine spirit and I love your fresh outlook through your unbreakable stance. Be who you are, I love you.

bLAH

2005-03-06T18:23:00.000-08:00

Alright ppl!
This is my birthday month.
FYI to all: I do NOT like my birthday.
Brace yourselves... let's see what happens

(eh)

Another Glance

2005-01-29T11:27:00.000-08:00

If you judge people, you have no time to love them. ~mother teresa

Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius. ~Mozart

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. If you are successfull you will win some false friends and true enemies; succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway. ~Mother Teresa

Must See

2005-01-26T20:49:00.000-08:00

Seeing as though I've had a consistent interest in this piece I just need to announce it. I currently recommend that everyone see "Garden State" and listen to the soundtrack. The following is a list of the track titles.

-Don't Panic

-Caring Is Creepy

-In the Waiting Line

-New Slang

-I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You

-Blue Eyes

-Fair

-One of These Things First

-Lebanese Blonde

-The Only Living Boy In New York

-Such Great Heights

-Let Go

-Winding Road

Zach Braff's Garden State blog: http://gardenstate.typepad.com/

Official Movie Site: http://www2.foxsearchlight.com/gardenstate/

One of Those Dreams

2005-01-26T20:32:00.000-08:00

Ever discuss your dreams with someone and find similarities?
For example:

-how you can try to run but seem to get nowhere,
-you associate with people who are not really in your life,
-you can achieve ordinarily unatainable tasks,
-you're able to speak a completely foreign language,
-etc

Well, last night I dreamt that I was sitting on the streets of Paris with my old friend Anne-Claire. She is from the region. Altough we spoke the same language, her being from France gave her superiority over my being French Canadian. "Excusez-moi!!" In this case, my native language became foreign to me as I struggled to communicate with her.

What am I to make of that!?!! I woke up freaked out of course, but once I realized it was only a dream, I was thankfully only left to ponder what it would be like to actually have no idea how to speak French.

"Secret"

2005-01-18T15:33:00.000-08:00

This song has been on my mind for a while.

I find solace for many moods through this song. Heart ache, homesickness, most of my overall frustrations really. Sure there is some sexual inuendo that paints a very good picture for that particular scenario; still it plays a good role on account of other analysis.

My run on it can be supported by my all time favorite quote: "In a world where you can be anything, be yourself."

Here it is; be it what it may:

Maroon 5- Secret

Watch the sunrise
Say your goodbyes
Off we go.
Some conversation
No contemplation
Hit the road.
Come over, please
Jump out of my seat
On the side of the highway, baby.
Our road is long, your hold is strong,
Please don’t ever let go, oh no
I know I don’t know you,
but I want you so bad.
Everyone has a secret,
But can they keep it?
Oh no they can’t.
I’m driving fast now
Don’t think I know how
To go slow
Oh, where you at now
I feel around
There you are.
Cool these engines
Calm these jets
I ask you how hot can it get
And as you wipe off beads of sweat
Slowly you say:
“I’m not there yet.”
I know I don’t know you,
but I want you so bad.
Everyone has a secret,
Can they keep it?
Oh no they can’t.
I know I don’t know you,
but I want you SO bad.
Everyone has a secret,
Oh, but can they keep it?
Oh no they can’t.

Official Band Site: http://www.maroon5.com/

Qu'est-ce que je veux?

2004-11-23T15:30:00.000-08:00

Ok, a chaques jours, je vais a l'ecole, au travaille, au benevole, whatever. A la fin, est-ce que je vais meme dans la direction que JE veux. Ce que je veux est d'etre la fille que j'etais dans la femme que je deviens.

Il avait un jour que j'avais terriblement peur d'aller a une ecole anglophone, mais me voici a une universitee americaine apres six ans d'ecole par ici. Comment ca? La personne qui a travailler pour etre capable d'y aller est moi, mais la personne qui est encore ici n'est pas qui je suis.

Aussi, je suis a une place que oui on trouve la diversitee, mais ou est ma famille? Je trouve, comme j'ai deja dis, que une grosse partie de ma famille est ma culture. C'est une immense partie de qui je suis, alors qu'est-ce que je fais?

Sans avoir ete a l'ecole que j'ai ete, et sans avoir connue le monde que je connais, je ne serai pas la Julie que je suis aujourd'hui. Alors la grosse question: est-ce que je suis la Julie que je veux etre? Pour maintenant, non.

Ce que j'ai besoin de faire:
-finir a UWM
-me trouver une education pour journalisme en francais, soi au Quebec ou en France (<-- ah j'ai tellement envie!)
-m'entourer avec le monde que j'aime (ma famille)
-etc, mais c'est tout pour aujourd'hui

Et oui, je ne suis pas seule, je sais. Allons-y. (ugh)

A Sweet Thought in German

2004-11-03T19:07:00.000-08:00

Schokolade macht das leben suss!!

I don't know ANY German, however some of my friends do. My friend Sara made her blog from this idea. I simply felt I had to post this in her honor.

http://schokolademachtdaslebensuss.blogspot.com/

Bravo Sara!!

(Chocolate makes life sweet)
(Le chocolat fait la vie douce)

Apprendre/To Learn

2004-11-02T07:22:00.000-08:00

What is a Bilingual?

2004-10-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

The immediate response to, "what is a bilingual?" would be a person who speaks two languages fluently.

Most importantly, a bilingual is someone who has equal expertise in the two languages. The following site introduces some interesting facts and explanations:

http://www.worldwidewebfind.com/encyclopedia/en/wikipedia/b/bi/bilingual.html

There are many who can speak far more than just two. What are they called? A person who speaks three languages is called a trilingual; beyond that, a polygot.

With that said, I find bilingualism to be an exceptional quality in a person. I hold my status of bilingual very highly, and hope that all people can come to that same place of appreciation.

Growing up in a bilingual environment gave me a "so what" attitude. Although I would always get excited to hear a language foreign to my ear, it became "no big deal" for my being able to do essentially the same thing. TO ALL MULTI-LANGUAGE SPEAKERS: it is a big deal!!!! Please cherish it.

Finally, I wanted to add that just because I can also get around with Spanish does NOT make me a trilingual. It is polite and imperitive to acquire the skill of the languange (and culture) before you can claim that status.

Myths

2004-10-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some myths that I came across concerning bilingualism. I found them on the following web site: www.nethelp.no/cindy/myth.html

The following is my version of these statements:

--"Learning two languages confuses a child and lowers his intelligence."
Ok, humans actually use WAY less of their brain than their natural capabilities show, therefore, if one can learn to expand that intelligence (such as learning a second language) confusion should definitely decrease.

I was bilingual by the age of three. I can distintcly remember being able to tell them apart and communicate soundly.

Haven't you ever been astounded by a child's growth? A multi-language-speaking child should be even more astounding due to the additional development.

--"A child should learn one language properly first; then you can start teaching the other."
No, there is no confusion, trust me. It's not even considered multitasking. Would you hesitate in teaching your child something only after they had completely learned something else. It's not a step-by-step process.

--"A child who learns two languages won't feel at home in either of them. She'll always feel caught between two cultures."
This has nothing to do with knowing or not knowing a language. Being torn between cultures revolves around specific surroundings and experiences.

For example, I am currently living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, yet I am not "favoring" this culture or the English language.

--"Bilinguals have to translate from their weaker to their stronger language."
A question that I am often asked is, "what language to you think/dream in?"

Being bilingual, truly bilingual, means that you can not answer this question. Sure, I can identify which one I am speaking at the moment, but there is no process of switching from one to the other.

--"Children who grow up bilingual will make great translators when they grow up."
First of all, it is often difficult to translate some things. People blank out, and the literal translation may be awkward. Translating is completely different than being able to speak the two. By no means is a bilingual consequentially good at it.

Also, just because someone may speak a certain language (ie: English) does not mean that they are an expert in it and can automatically become a professional speaker or writer.

--"Real bilinguals never mix their languages. Those who do are confused 'semi-linguals'."
What the heck is a semi-lingual?! Ever heard of spanglish (Spanish AND English), perhaps? That means the combination of the two.

Being able to mesh the two doesn't mean mixing up the two. Certainly there are times when one needs to fill in the blank and the second languange may come in handy for that, but I do not believe in semi-linguals unless you are actually losing the language.

--"Bilinguals have split personalities."
Different languages bring forth different cultures, but it is essentially the same person. This also revolve on who you are speaking to. For example, I may greet my Franco relatives with a kiss, but I may not be so affectionate with my Anglo relatives.

--"Bilingualism is a charming exception, but monolingualism is of course the rule."
What?!?! I'm not sure I understand this one fully.

How can this world function, at all, if there are no shared languages? Language is a crucial basis of communication, therefore any rule made for monolingualism is stupid and should be broken.

--"Be very careful; if you don't follow the rules exactly, your children will never manage to learn both languages!"
For goodness sakes!! There are no rules.

Proceed!

--"You'll never manage to make him bilingual now. People really can't learn a language after age X."
Surely it is best to learn a language at a young age when the brain has been shown to have better absorption development, but it is important to remember to keep it up.

No one should ever be discouraged to learn anything new, especially a new language.

My own mother did not learn English until she was in her early twenties. Yes, she does have an accent, but she's an amazing woman with no odd bilingual behaviors.

Je t'aime maman et j'aimerai te laisser savoir comment fiere je suis de toi. Tu es toujours la pour moi et tu me rappelles comment ma famille est speciale et importante. Merci. - Ton Ange, Julie

Mon Drapeau

2004-10-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

mon drapeau

Learn about Canadian Culture:
http://www.culture.ca/canada/explore-explorez-e.jsp?pre=n&category=500
Canadian References:
http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/Unofficial/Canadiana/README.html
World Facts-Canada:
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ca.html
About Canada:
http://canada.gc.ca/acanada/acPubHome.jsp?font=0&lang=eng
The Canada Page:
http://www.thecanadapage.org/Canadian_Facts.htm

Intro: Cat Got Your Tongue?

2004-10-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

PURPOSE: All around the world, people are struggling to maintain their culture. A large part of what creates a culture is its language.

We've all heard that it is easier for a child to adapt to diversity and learn from it, but we never hear about how many of us are actually drifting away from our native languages/cultures.

WHAT: Who are you? Discover it, honor it, and remember it!

WHY: I am a bilingual baby!
In efforts to be myself, it is harder and harder every day that I do not find myself at home. For me, home is New Brunswick, Canada. That is the only official bilingual province of the country (Quebec being officially French and all the other being officially English).

-Country: Canada- French and English

-Provinces: Alberta- English
British Columbia- English
Manitoba- English
*New Brunswick- French and Enlgish
Newfoundland- English
Nova Scotia- English
Ontario- English
Prince Edward Island- English
Quebec-French
Saskatchewan- English

-Territories: Northwestern Territory: English
Nunavut- English
Yukon- English

-Wisconsin: English

HOW: I went to High School in Southeastern Wisconsin where the only French communication that I had was with my parents and my younger sister. Everyday, being surrounded by only English speakers is frustration and culture shock at best. I am so scared to lose my native language.

SO WHAT: French is a big part of who I am. It is my culture. It is my family. My children will most certainly have to attend a French school (fingers crossed). How can I maintain my first language when I have none of it around me?

Of course there is much more to me than being bilingual, but having been away from my roots has triggered me to urge everyone to appreciate who they are, be it languange, race, nationality, sex, religion, etc...

At age 19, I am finally stepping out into the world, but I need to remember who I am. The French part of me is not one that I want to leave behind. So, I am purposefully acknowledging that I want and need to hang on to that piece of me. The cat will not get my tongue!!