Mlle. Dilling à Paris

Bad Words and Good Reporting: Mutually Exclusive?

2010-07-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

I'm always interested when language, speech and the first amendment that is meant to protect it in the U.S, are among the headlines. Recently, much debate was stirred by the Supreme Court's dismissal of a policy that considered all reference to sex or bodily functions as “always indecent”.

In the wake of this polemic, Terry Gross emerges as the Queen of the Always Indecent. Following her interview with the comedian Louis CK, Mississippi Public Radio criticized the show as including “gratuitous discussions on issues of an explicit sexual nature” and proceeded to ban Gross' show Fresh Air from its airwaves.

The idea of language use and control in the media and among our politicians, journalists, and other public figures is something I've been muling over ever since the frenzy that resulted after Obama's use of the word “ass” in the course of an interview with Matt Lauer, referring to which ass, or asses, he should kick in the wake of the BP oil spill. I'm all for Obama's idea of transparency, even though I don't believe it is possible or advantageous for him if he wants to excel in the profession of a manufacturer of consent, which is essentially the job description of any American president or politician.

What bothers me most, is that I don't think that American presidents, or any presidents, journalists, or any one that we're supposed to take seriously in the event of attempting to suspend our disbelief and buy into the democracy idea- even for a minute- need to pander to and cajole us by using informal and colloquial language. To a certain extent, I think that- no matter how much we resist it- Americans are an amazing sort of bilingual. Able to understand everything from “for shizzle my nizzle” to “Whan that aprill with his shoures soote he droghte of march hath perced to the roote” we excel in adapting to and adopting several dialects, registers and forms of argot. I love that. And I appreciate that. Which is why I think we should maintain our “elevated” or “formal” speech while having fun with all the other types. I don't mean we should put more value on one over the other. Don't get me wrong, I'm a pure Labovian- but I'd hate to see any of them die, even Standard, oh-this-old-English, English.

So, I am torn when it comes to threatening the passing on and acquisition of formal and informal registers, which is why I'm not sure that politicians should talk about kicking ass. But do they? Yes. And sometimes they do it on air. And do normal people talk about sex? Yes. All the time. And is that bad? No. It isn't, especially not when it's a respectable journalist like Terry Gross who, along with interviews with actors, comedians, and artists, also covers stories on "journalists reflecting on Iranian unrest" and "turning poverty into a multi-billion dollar industry". Her show is popular and well loved and maintains an ethical approach to reporting and diffusing political and other relevant stories. Her skills as an interviewer or particular and appreciated because she is able to identify with and bring out her interlocutor, and sometimes she probably does that by adapting his or her register and speech habits. And we benefit from it.

I agree that language is important, that we should value and monitor it. That what comes out of our mouths is artistic and our responsibility. But these are also reasons why we should expect the same of others and trust that they know what they are talking about.

New Gig!

2009-02-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

I've started an internship with Shaping the Future of Newspaper's
blog. Some of my posts are up already, so go check it out!

Dan Slobin Comes to Paris

2009-01-20T02:27:00.000-08:00

The famous American linguist, Dan Slobin, was in Paris a few months ago to attend a conferencefirst and second language acquisition. His speech drew parallels between the process oflanguage learning for whild and adult learners. This is my "Compte Rendu" of his talk:

Dan Slobin’s lecture addressed interesting similarities between the process of first language learning and language that is acquired as an adult learning a second language. Slobin pointed out that these processes have more in common than we thought twenty years ago. Though young children have spurts in their language acquisition and make shocking strides in production of language, Slobin remarked that first language acquisition extends over a period of ten years. Language, he said, is a “complex sensory motor skill” that takes time to master.

Fluency in language is important to Slobin, who seeks to find out why all adult second language learners don’t become nearly native speakers. He posits that the lack of fluent second language speakers is a result of the role that cultures, and cultural differences, play in the experience of learning a second language. Slobin suggests that adult learners do not strive to integrate into their adopted linguistic community to the same extent that children do. The idea of being an “other” or foreigner among natives works against the adult learner, who recognizes cultural differences between themselves and their new community and uses them as a justification for not sounding or speaking like those around them.

In considering this information and its potential application, methods of teaching second languages come to mind. It seems to me that, if cultural differences and feelings of alienation can impede language acquisition and eventual fluency, then language classes should include a cultural component, something that not only familiarizes the student with where the language is spoken, but would also help their integration into the culture. However, this brings up questions regarding the difficult, but crucial, balance that must be struck between keeping one’s own cultural identity and adapting to a new environment.

A cultural component in language instruction shouldn’t be intended to replace or discourage native customs, practices, or comforts, but should make an understanding and involvement in their equivalents abroad seem accessible. Teachers of a second language have the awesome opportunity to engender an atmosphere of mutual respect for the cultures present in their classroom as well as the culture that is predominant outside the classroom. I believe that access to and increased understanding of the culture that surrounds the language being learned can sensitize and encourage the interest of the learner to engage in the culture. It would be interesting to follow up on this theory and see if there is a correlation between higher levels of proficiency in language and degrees of interest and interaction in the culture of the language’s native speakers. It seems to me that the two go hand in hand, which is why language taught with an attention to including socio-cultural elements would be an effective approach to teaching language to adult learners.

I just turned getting plaqué into getting publié!!

2008-11-26T08:56:00.000-08:00

My article on the healing powers of travel for the broken hearted is now on Brave New Traveler!

Check it out:

http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/11/24/moving-on-5-trips-to-heal-a-broken-heart/

Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé...encore...

2008-11-20T22:43:00.000-08:00

In honor of the occasion, here's a re-print of my article that ran in The Second Glass (www.thesecondglass.com) this time last year.

Mention Beaujolais Nouveau to your average French person, and their first reaction will probably be disgust. Beaujolais Nouveau is to the French what tequila is to the rest of us; the mere mention of it brings back memories of a youthful night of overindulgence and the legendary hangover that was to follow.
Their second reaction will also be disgust, but of a different nature. Most French agree that the annual release of this rather unremarkable wine is shameless marketing, turning the third Thursday of November into a sort of Hallmark Holiday created purely for financial gain. The event is the brainchild of the Beaujolais wine maker Georges Duboeuf, who wanted to bring Beaujolais to the world and in doing so has brought a significant amount of revenue to his pockets. One can understand the personal affront taken by the French when you consider that the Beaujolais Nouveau media frenzy not only honors and profits off of a mediocre wine, which is simply unacceptable to the French, but has also marred the credibility of an entire region of winemakers, each capable of making much better bottles. Unfortunately, the Beaujolais Nouveau event overshadows more pleasing bottles produced in the region.
Despite the general distaste for this international public relations scheme, it seems to be working. Every year, sales boom in the U.S., Germany, China, and Japan- the latter being one of the three biggest consumers of Beaujolais Nouveau, after France. The problem is, though the idea of a ready-to-drink wine seems fit for release in a season whose swiftness adds to its sweetness, do we really want a wine that is a passing pleasure on our palette? Should we rely on wine to be more than that, something to be savored and appreciated? Maybe we want more than just a pretty bottle.
Pretty bottles do fly off the shelves as well as court the budding wine market in Asia. In many parts of the continent, especially China, wine is advertised as a healthy alternative apéritif or a means of imitating Western ways and lifestyle. In brief, wine remains a sort of novelty item that Asian consumers are experimenting with. So it makes sense that the kid-in-a-candy-shop sort of marketing, offering brightly colored bottles and passing fancy, is so attractive to this demographic. The potential problem is that introducing Asian customers to a media craze and quantity over quality doesn’t necessarily encourage further experimentation. The French are rightfully worried that their wines are being sold short and also risk missing an opportunity to see increasing sales much longer in the East.
However, the French are not ones to break with tradition, and they will gather in brasseries, bars, and at home to celebrate this Fête, only you won’t find Beaujolais Nouveau on their dinner table. In its place will be Borgogne, Bordeaux, or any number of other great full-bodied reds. Take the Beaujolais out of the day, and you still have a reason for a party, it turns out.
On this particular Thursday in November, families and friends get together to celebrate a new season, of not only reds, but of the oranges and eventual browns of autumnal leaves. A season of roasted chestnuts and open fires. A fleeting season, which allows just enough time to look around at those you love and to appreciate all you have, without the horrible hangover afterwards.

Plan A

2008-10-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

After the little "amour"s that are scribbled on sidewalks throughout the city, this is my favorite ground graffiti. As a newly converted Velib user, I have to agree, biking Paris is a great Plan A.
Note: I have also seen "Plan B" written in the bus lanes, a less exciting option, but a just as valid as far as eco-friendliness goes

OBAMARAMA in Paris

2008-10-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

"Barack Obama in Paris" an exhibition dedicated to Obama inspired art, will be at dorothy's gallery until November 17th. Check out what I have to say about it here:

http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/eur_france_paris/

Bastille Bee Bar!!!

2008-10-20T06:23:00.000-07:00

Stacey took me to this cool bee Bar in Bastille. I wrote about it for the hotelsbycity.com city Paris blog.

See what all the buzz is about: www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/eur_france_paris/2008/10/17

Thank You, The New Yorker

2008-10-16T03:25:00.000-07:00

When I received The New Yorker's politics issue in my boite à lettres a few days ago I turned directly to The Talk of the Town section,which is my usual commuter reading material. However, after getting a few sentences into the editors' 5 page article, The Choice I stopped in my tracks, on the verge of goosebumps and short of breath as I walked toward the metro station.
The editorial, which is written in frank and factual speech, avoids seeming sensational yet remains inspiring and incindiary. The editors acutely write about "Wall Street's long-running pyramid schemes" and our contry's national debt which has nearly doubled, "approaching ten trillion dollars", under the current government.
Also refreshing to see in such a wide-read publication are the accusations that "the Bush Administration manipulated, bullied, and lied the American public into this war and then mismanaged its prosecution in nearly every aspect." The article goes on to cite the cost of the war (more than six hundred billion dollars), the cost of lives (4,000 Americans dead, 30,000 wounded, tens of thousands Iraqi lives claimed) and the war's real result: "the displacement of four and a half million men, women, and children.
In my regular readings of The New Yorker throughout the campaign, I have witnessed their fairly unbiased and objective reporting on politics. However, The Choice and the editors that wrote it do not hesitate to state clearly their opinions on the gravity of the current political situation and it's major players. Of McCain they write that he has "moved remorselessly rightward in his quest for the Republican nomination" and that " a willingness to pander and even lie has come to define his Presidential campaign." As far as his reaction and plans for dealing with the financial crisis the article points out that "McCain , who has never evinced much interest in or knowledge of, economic questions, has little to say about the crisis" and goes on to call the candidate's proposed suspension of his campaign in response to the crisis "an empty diversionary tactic."
In contrast, the article praises Obama for providing "a convincing, rational, and fully developed vision" of what reform would look like under his leadership. Obama is also praised for his proposals regarding energy and global worming issues which the magazine contends "represent the most coherent and far-sighted strategy ever offered by a Presidential candidate for reducing the nation's reliance on fossil fuels." As opposed to McCain's belief in the benefits of offshore drilling, which analysis shows would have little or no effect on gasoline prices.
This election, and it's affect on our future, is beginning to live up to the hyperbolic analysis the media has given to it from the beginning. In The Choice the editors outline what is really at risk; Roe vs. Wade, affirmative action, barriers between church and state, the continued use of the death penalty, all of shich would be a threat under a conservative supreme court whose solidification would be within the Presidents power as three appointments will likely be made under the new administration. There is also the extreme irony of McCain's anti habeas-corpus stance, which Obama stands in direct oposition to, supporting rights of U.S. held prisoners. The New Yorker, referring to Obama, sums up "The judicial future would be safe in his care."
Throughout the article, distinctions (as well as their connotations) between the two candidates are made clear. McCain is a soldier, while Obama is a statesman, McCain's policies would do nothing to improve our image or popularity abroad whereas Obama, "a man of mixed ethnicity, at once comfortable in the world and utterly representative of twenty-first century America-would...reverse our country's image abroad and refresh its spirit at home." Whereas McCain is "impulsive, impatient, self-dramatizing, erratic, and a compulsive risk-taker" Obama maintains a "pragmatic calm" and has succeeded in returning "eloquence to its essential place in American politics." The article best sums up the differnce between the men in writing, "it is Obama's temperament-and not McCain's-that seems appropriate for the office both men seek."
This article was enough to get me back to blogging after a bit of a break. The power of this well-written and honest assesement at such a crucial time, and the effect of an obvious breach in objectivity, but a necessary one, is testament to the integrity in journalism and the respect that The New Yorker has for its audience and for Americans in general. I applaude the editor's for this article, which will certainly be a part of the history that is made with this election.

Bagatelle Me Something I Don't Know

2008-07-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

I'm finally up and running on hotelsbycity.net where I'll be blogging about Paris and what to do while you're there.
I just put up my review of the Parc Bagatelle in Bois de Boulogne.

Go here:
www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/eur_france_paris/
to see it!

Success!

2008-07-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

Our Velib Tour de Paris and 80s night at the Pub was a success. Not only did Sarah and I enjoy our bike ride and add to our freelance modeling portfolio, we also enjoyed a fabulous evening with amies clad in their best 80s gear. The events raised over 600€ ! Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed!

The Butcher Boy by Patrick McCabe: My Review

2008-06-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

The Butcher Boy by Patrick McCabe

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a brillant novel that reads a bit like an Irish version of the Catcher in the Rye, with a younger, less privelaged Holden narrating his rites of passage and precocious observations of the world around him.

Unlike Salinger's classic, The Butcher Boy takes an irrevocable turn for the worse at the end, forcing the reader to examine the importance of family and community and their influences during childhood. I felt like this story could be universal in a way, a discouraging yet important fact to consider when we look at underprivelaged youth culture, not only in Ireland, but all over the world.

I enjoyed the author's use of idiomatic expressions and typical Irish accents, which bring the characters to life and make the reader feel as though she is in Ireland with the protaganist and other townsfolk.

Another intelligent, witty, and insightful work to add to the tome of contemporary Irish literature, along with Roddy Doyle.

View all my reviews.

Concerned Citizens of San Francisco Threatening Bush with a Royal Flush

2008-06-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

It doesn't happen very often, but every once in a while I hear a story on my podcast of Democracy Now! (democracynow.org) that makes me proud to be an American. This was the case when I listened to Amy Goodman's report on a recent plan by a group of creative and cynical San Franciscans, calling themselves the Presedential Memorial Commission of San Francisco,to suggest the changing of the name of the Oceanside Water Pollution Control Plant to the George W. Bush Sewage Plant.
I applaud this motivated group's efforts and their brilliant proposition, which has more than enough signatures to be approved and ballot-ready by November.
Read more about the proposal and its future at sfgate.com or go straight to the source, the Presedential Memorial Commission of San Francisco's website is: presidentialmemorial.wordpress.com

Tu deblogues! Billet

2008-06-26T03:34:00.000-07:00

Depuis 2002 Rose Bakery, la boulangerie anglaise à Paris, sers la communauté Parisien des délices gastronomiques. C’est restaurant est un trésor du 9e arrondissement, et je vous dirai pourquoi…

Mon billet sur Rose Bakery, se trouve actuellement au Tudeblogues.com

Summer is Here!!

2008-06-24T04:45:00.000-07:00

It's officially summer and as I walked home at the end of the longest day of the year, I thought about a year ago, when I spent the solstice celebrating in Denmark. Here's a picture I took on that night of endless night of dawning light.

L'assault d'Emily sur les blogs français!

2008-06-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

Mon billet sur Subway se trouve actuellement sur le blog "Tu Deblogues!"

J'ai ajouté ce blog interessant et informatif à ma liste des liens et je vous encourage d'y aller!

When Happy Trails Aren't So Happy After All...

2008-06-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

Traveling is an enriching and fulfilling experience which can teach the intrepid voyager about themselves and the world around them. However, despite all the great advantages of traveling there are times when the light at the end of the train tunnel or airport terminal doesn't seem so rosy anymore. Read my article published on bravenewtraveler.com to find out my advice of what to do in cases of travelling with the blues.

Direct link to article:
http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/06/16/5-unique-ways-to-avoid-depression-on-the-road/

July 3rd We're Going to Fundraise Like it's 1989!

2008-06-16T06:44:00.000-07:00

On Thursday July 3rd Sarah and I will be doing a sponsered bike tour of Paris. Our ride will take us from Sacre Coeur to Notre Dame followed by the Eiffel Tower and then back up to Montmartre where we will finish at Corcoran's Irish Pub (110 blvd. de Clichy) for Happy Hour (18h-20h) and the Pub's first ever 80's night!

All donations will go to fund Sarah's trip to Malaysia where whe will be a volunteer manager of a group of 40 young people. The trip is organized through Raleigh International, a registered charity which aims to unite people of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds in order to accomplish community building and environmental aid in diverse countries around the world.

During 10 or 5 week-long programmes, volunteers work closely with government ministries and other non-profit organizations in order to succesfully improve conditions in the region. These programmes also allow volunteers to establish relationships with the local community, thus deepening their understanding and appreciation of the community they are helping.

Sarah needs to raise 1,700 € in order to secure her spot on the trip as well as purchase supplies and gear. Your contributions and involvement would be a great help to her plans to be involved in this worthy cause!

I hope to see you at Corcoran's on the 3rd of July for drinks and dancing. Come in your best 80's outfits- from bangles to bum bags!! If you can't make it to the party that evening, you can make donations or get more information about Raleigh International at Corcoran's Irish Pub.

Thanks for your support!

Wembsleydale's Casebook!

2008-06-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to draw attention to one of my new blog links. Wembsleydale Whittleworth's Casebook is a peak into the journal of the ficitonal character Wembsleydale's Whittleworth. Wembsleydale is a boy detective created by myself and Nicholas Ball. We are currently putting finishing touches on the second installment of the Whittleworth Mysteries series. The blog is a good insight into the books and what to expect from them. I hope you enjoy it!

Learn more about Wembsleydale at:

http://wembsleydalescasebook.blogspot.com

Back to Blogging

2008-05-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

Studies are settling down and summer's around the corner, so it seems like a great time to get back to writing more regularly.

I'm excited to get back to blogging, because I have a backlog of writing that I want to share. A recent Bon Iver concert at the Trabendo in the Parc de la Villette in Paris inspired me not only because the music was so beautiful and honest, but also because it reminded me of the José Gonzalez concert I saw at La Cigale in February which led to me writing the following review.

Holy José

There is an unexpected tension present at a José Gonzalez concert. The audience waits with baited breath for their hero to arrive onstage, each onlooker awaiting the coming of their singer/songwriter savior.
As José takes the stage, fans erupt into applause and fill the venue with the din of adoration until the guitarist settles into his chair. José Gonzalez doesn’t say much on stage, he communicates through beautifully honest and simple lyrics imposed on the music produced from the strumming and picking of wandering fingers over frets. Throughout his performance spectators try to capture moments of the performance in every way possible. Amateur and professional photographers wind their way through the crowd, trying to get close enough to the stage to shoot a decent photo with their cell phone or make their enormous zoom lenses seem unnecessary. Others film parts of songs, while some make hushed phone calls to friends so that they might share the experience.
In the middle of “Lovestain”, a heartbreaking love song which is obviously a favorite of the audience, a section of the crowd starts clapping along. An opposing faction begins making hushing noises. The clapping fades out and the tension again becomes evident. People have come like pilgrims to see José Gonzalez; they listen eagerly, and are disdainful of any interruptions. The song concludes and Gonzalez addresses the audience, “You can clap along to the next song,” he says, “but you have to clap the whole way through. No stopping in between.” The next song begins, and the crowd obediently follows orders, clapping in unison without missing a beat from the start to finish. The tension dissolves and the audience seems content. They came for a piece of José Gonzalez to call their own, and it turns out that Gonzalez and his guitar have a little something for everyone.