So being bilingual, and especially since Spanish is my second language, I've always considered that adopting an "English Only" federal policy in the U.S. to be ignorant at best and racist at worst. Nonetheless, I think I may have just been convinced otherwise. If you're interested, listen to the "English Only Movement in America" podcast on this webpage.
As the spokesperson interviewed for "U.S. English" (citizen action group to make English the official language in the U.S.) points out in the beginning, bilingualism is great for an individual, but horrible for a country. I have to say that after living here in Europe for 4 and a half years now, I agree.
Language is the bearer of culture. Language differences, in many cases are tantamount to cultural differences. The U.S. is a mixture of cultures and that's part of what makes it a great country; but at the same time, part of America's success is also due in large part to the fact that its citizens self-identify as Americans, which is helped by English being a common language.
That is to say that for the purpose of a unified country, one language is extremely useful. The interview gives the example of Quebec, which has proposed several times to succeed from Canada (in large part due to language differences). Look at Belgium for example, they've been without a central government for something like six months! There are of course a number of reasons for the problems between Flanders and Walonia; but it is all complicated by the Dutch/French language barrier. Think of the U.S. if in the South, another language was spoken at the time of the Civil War.
In terms of immigration, I recall a New Yorker article from a few years ago about violence by radical (Dutch) Islamics in Holland being partially due to that country's hand-off immigration policy: in an effort to respect an immigrant's cultural identity, there is no effort (such as the citizenship test in the U.S.) to integrate these newcomers into Dutch mainstream culture; as a result, children of Muslim immigrants were growing up isolated and turned to radical Islam in search of a peer group. With the excuse of allowing these immigrants to maintain their cultural identity, they were in effect, marginalized from mainstream society. Something similar happened in France, though I'm not sure to what extent language played a part. Still, a common language is a uniting element among the citizens of a country and is indicative of some shared culture.
If Spanish were to be granted official language status in the U.S., the argument is that immigrants would have less incentive to learn English. This is true. And if we follow the reasoning so far, this national bilingualism would weaken the country overall. Translations are so tricky...could legal translations lead to misunderstandings of the law? What about interpretations of the constitution? I can see the argument.
In Spain there are four official languages (Catalan, Galician, Basque and Spanish). In general, I think Spain is a good example of a funtional multi-lingual country. Each "state" where a co-official language is spoken, it is also required to teach Spanish in the schools, thus there is very little problem (linguistically speaking) with respect to national unity. However, just recently, the Spanish legislature decided that they would allow senators and representatives to speak in their co-official languages. The Spanish parliament now looks like the U.N.--everyone has an ear piece to hear the translations of what their fellow representatives are saying, regardless of the fact that ALL of them speak Spanish! Ridiculous.
But isn't it also true (and this comes up in the interview) that an English Only stance could lead to the idea that learning a second language isn't necessary? I am still a strong believer in the importance of bilingualism (individually), and I think it's important that the federal government place more importance on second language acquisition in the U.S. Here in Spain, I've been working for four years now as part of a government initiative to motivate and improve second language instruction in Spain. An official stance, spending federal money to bring native speakers into the classroom sends a clear message to the Spanish citizenry about the importance of learning another language. A similar stance taken by the U.S. government, in my mind, could be nothing but good. Perhaps not to the same extreme--bringing in native language assistants, etc.--but at the very least setting federal standards for foreign language learning which would include beginning instruction in elementary education.
But then, if everyone starts learning Spanish...is it the same as if we raise Spanish to "official" status? Does the act of learning a second language take away incentives to learn English if the learning takes place on a large scale, even though it's not an official policy? Where do we draw the line? It's definitely not an easy question, and I'm very pleased with the interview on the podcast, because I think it presents a clear, critical vision of the complexity of the matter. Take a look...or have a listen. ;)
What do you think?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Unexpected visits
So today, Sunday, Angelines surprised me with, "today we'll do whatever you want." I guess lately I've been being a pain when it comes to Sunday's mid-day. The thing is, we usually go out for a cervecita at around one and then usually end up getting caught up with the crowd of our friends. In the end we eat out...but I'm not much into bar food. I usually spend the later half of the time thinking about how good my lentil soup would be or a nice big green salad instead of the fried tapas. So I guess I start making faces and it's apparently obvious that I'm no longer having a good time--something Angelines can't handle. Then we either tough it out or she grudgingly pays the bill and we leave before we've eaten too much.
Sound like fun? Not to A either; all the same I was a little surprised this morning when she came out with, "today we'll do whatever you want." ...Later the reason came out and I felt guilty.
Anyhow, I think all's well that ends well because my idea was to head over to a nearby town where one of our good friends lives and surprise her. We'd have a beer or two and then come home to eat. Angelines agreed that it was a good idea since we haven't seen this friend since our Thanksgiving feast.
Today was a beautiful day--freezing cold, but gorgeously sunny. The drive over was lovely except that in conversation it came out that lately I'd been a pain on Sundays (oops!). We got there, ordered a beer, a wine and two tapas, and called Carmen and Nico. She said we should just head up to the house since she was in the middle of making lunch.
So after a tapita, we headed up the hill to her adorable little house and she greeted us at the door saying: "Come on, you're eating here!" Who can turn down the offer of a homecooked meal with friends??? So we stayed for a delicious fish lunch with pineapple and cookies for dessert and a delicious Moroccan tea to finish it all off. :)
Part of my funk lately is that I just don't feel very connected with my friends here. We have a great time out and about, but people in Spain just don't "hang out" American-style together very often (at least not my friends). So while I'm oh so thankful to have them, sometimes I'm left feeling lonesome simply because we don't connect on a deeper level with each other. I think part of it may be due to the fact that public places (read: bars) only lend themselves to certain kinds of interactions, and it might not be so much a personality issue. Anyway, there's a little bit of back-story to my Sunday funkiness.
The trouble is, the people I feel most of a connection to don't live in La Roda (like this friend, for example), or if they do, they're super busy and there's just no time for a quality visit. It makes the day-to-day tough sometimes, when what I really want to do is call up a good friend and watch a movie or go for a walk...
Maybe it's just that I've been so lucky with my friendships that now I'm really particular. I'm not happy just having a casual, good-times, friend; I want someone who's there for it all: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Some of you are probably thinking, "what about Angelines?" Truth is, at this point, I'd say she's my only friend like that here. That's good; but at the same time I think it's important to have other deep relationships outside of a marriage. I really don't think it's possible for one person to fulfill all another's needs; and if it were possible, I don't think it would be fair to ask that of another person.
So there you have it. I'm very happy in my house in my marriage and in my life here, in general. But just like everyone everywhere, I get down sometimes. And the old saying "the grass is always greener..." really couldn't be more true. Sometimes I fantasize about living in Portland; but what kind of a sacrifice would that be for Angelines?
In any case, I think it goes without saying that after an hour and a half of good food and better company, laughing and talking, my mood had turned a 360.
The bottom line: I have just come back from a wonderful, happy, Sunday luncheon with friends. Unexpected/unplanned visits really do usually end up being the best, don't they?
Sound like fun? Not to A either; all the same I was a little surprised this morning when she came out with, "today we'll do whatever you want." ...Later the reason came out and I felt guilty.
Anyhow, I think all's well that ends well because my idea was to head over to a nearby town where one of our good friends lives and surprise her. We'd have a beer or two and then come home to eat. Angelines agreed that it was a good idea since we haven't seen this friend since our Thanksgiving feast.
Today was a beautiful day--freezing cold, but gorgeously sunny. The drive over was lovely except that in conversation it came out that lately I'd been a pain on Sundays (oops!). We got there, ordered a beer, a wine and two tapas, and called Carmen and Nico. She said we should just head up to the house since she was in the middle of making lunch.
So after a tapita, we headed up the hill to her adorable little house and she greeted us at the door saying: "Come on, you're eating here!" Who can turn down the offer of a homecooked meal with friends??? So we stayed for a delicious fish lunch with pineapple and cookies for dessert and a delicious Moroccan tea to finish it all off. :)
Part of my funk lately is that I just don't feel very connected with my friends here. We have a great time out and about, but people in Spain just don't "hang out" American-style together very often (at least not my friends). So while I'm oh so thankful to have them, sometimes I'm left feeling lonesome simply because we don't connect on a deeper level with each other. I think part of it may be due to the fact that public places (read: bars) only lend themselves to certain kinds of interactions, and it might not be so much a personality issue. Anyway, there's a little bit of back-story to my Sunday funkiness.
The trouble is, the people I feel most of a connection to don't live in La Roda (like this friend, for example), or if they do, they're super busy and there's just no time for a quality visit. It makes the day-to-day tough sometimes, when what I really want to do is call up a good friend and watch a movie or go for a walk...
Maybe it's just that I've been so lucky with my friendships that now I'm really particular. I'm not happy just having a casual, good-times, friend; I want someone who's there for it all: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Some of you are probably thinking, "what about Angelines?" Truth is, at this point, I'd say she's my only friend like that here. That's good; but at the same time I think it's important to have other deep relationships outside of a marriage. I really don't think it's possible for one person to fulfill all another's needs; and if it were possible, I don't think it would be fair to ask that of another person.
So there you have it. I'm very happy in my house in my marriage and in my life here, in general. But just like everyone everywhere, I get down sometimes. And the old saying "the grass is always greener..." really couldn't be more true. Sometimes I fantasize about living in Portland; but what kind of a sacrifice would that be for Angelines?
In any case, I think it goes without saying that after an hour and a half of good food and better company, laughing and talking, my mood had turned a 360.
The bottom line: I have just come back from a wonderful, happy, Sunday luncheon with friends. Unexpected/unplanned visits really do usually end up being the best, don't they?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Friends of the forest
Our school's participating in a project called "Comenius-Green Globe." It's an inter-European exchange between elementary schools related to the environment (at least that's as much as I understand of it). In November, three of our teachers visited a school in Ireland and in March teachers from Ireland and France will be visiting us. All of the different classes are preparing projects to show off when they come.
One of the teachers I work with in third grade suggested we do a play. I thought that was a great idea! She claimed that I was "more creative" and left it up to me to find or create something. I decided after a fruitless internet search that the best idea was to get the students involved. In one class period we brain-stormed the plot and this weekend I wrote the script.
I was really proud for getting the class involved. In all of my classes there's a lot of importance placed on "personalized education," which doesn't mean tailoring a class to fit each student; but rather teaching in such a way that the material appeals to the whole person.
It sounds silly, or obvious, but it starts with the idea that every student is a person and as such has basic needs, motivations, and ways of dealing with problems. The idea is that since education is a human construct and at the same time an integral part of perpetuating our human-ness, it must therefore be focused toward teaching the whole person--not simply the brain, and much less only one side of it.
The three great motivations for people, according to the theory, are safety, dignity (defined as the characteristics that separate humans from animals), and solidarity. Therefore education must incorporate (among other objectives) social interaction, creative expression, and the opportunity for personal development.
There's a quick summary. The bottom line is that giving students the opportunity to take responsibility for their own learning makes for better education: they learn more and are more motivated in the process. Involving the kids in the creation of this play, for example, is one way to do it.
So enough about all the theory. I don't think the play's too shabby.
Have a look. :)
Today we assigned the parts by drawing names from a hat--the most fair way to go about it. It was SOOOOO cute! The kids were absolutely THRILLED. One little boy was so excited when he got the part he wanted that he actually jumped out of his chair and came running up to the front of the class! :)
One of the teachers I work with in third grade suggested we do a play. I thought that was a great idea! She claimed that I was "more creative" and left it up to me to find or create something. I decided after a fruitless internet search that the best idea was to get the students involved. In one class period we brain-stormed the plot and this weekend I wrote the script.
I was really proud for getting the class involved. In all of my classes there's a lot of importance placed on "personalized education," which doesn't mean tailoring a class to fit each student; but rather teaching in such a way that the material appeals to the whole person.
It sounds silly, or obvious, but it starts with the idea that every student is a person and as such has basic needs, motivations, and ways of dealing with problems. The idea is that since education is a human construct and at the same time an integral part of perpetuating our human-ness, it must therefore be focused toward teaching the whole person--not simply the brain, and much less only one side of it.
The three great motivations for people, according to the theory, are safety, dignity (defined as the characteristics that separate humans from animals), and solidarity. Therefore education must incorporate (among other objectives) social interaction, creative expression, and the opportunity for personal development.
There's a quick summary. The bottom line is that giving students the opportunity to take responsibility for their own learning makes for better education: they learn more and are more motivated in the process. Involving the kids in the creation of this play, for example, is one way to do it.
So enough about all the theory. I don't think the play's too shabby.
Have a look. :)
Today we assigned the parts by drawing names from a hat--the most fair way to go about it. It was SOOOOO cute! The kids were absolutely THRILLED. One little boy was so excited when he got the part he wanted that he actually jumped out of his chair and came running up to the front of the class! :)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Verde y Blanco!!!
Just a quick note of celebration: Real Betis Balonpie-Bacelona Futbol Club 3-1!!!! The first game Barcelona's lost since last year. :) This was a game for the classification of the King's Cup. We're out of the running for the cup, but at least we beat Barcelona. They won the first match (it's double elimination) 5-0...so now we can leave with our heads high at least. Remember, Betis is in the second tier league this year...and Bacelona is the best team in the world.
I'm a happy camper. :)
Viva el Betis!!!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
A Whirlwind! (or Sisters in Spain)
This week I've been playing catch up after a much needed and really relaxing break; not to be confused, however with a restful break. We had a total of five visitors in two weeks (Angelines was about to start charging per night!) and three big holidays. That all adds up to a lot of fun, very little sleep and no school work, which is great for a vacation, but not great when it's over! I haven't had a minute to sit down to blog since Christmas, but trust me, it hasn't been for lack of material!
Unfortunately, as usually happens when I wait too long to blog, the moment has passed... You're going to have to settle for the short version:
The highlight of my Christmas break was by far the last-minute visit from my sister, Maggie! Talking on Skype shortly after Christmas, I suggested she come visit me since we both were on vacation... The next day she'd found a ticket from Charleroi (Belgium) to Malaga for just 80 euros! I couldn't believe the price--last min. AND during holidays!! So at 11:45 pm on the 4th, I was hugging my sister in the arrivals area of Pablo Picasso airport--by far the best Christmas present the Three Wise Men have brought me since coming to Spain. ;) So from the 4-10 of January we joked, laughed, and talked nearly non-stop (I've been horse for the better part of the week!). There wasn't a night we got to bed before 3am.
It was a fabulous visit...or as Maggie put it: "fanatabulistic." She was nine when I left home for college and that eight-year age difference along with geographical distance, has always been a barrier between us. I've always envied the relationship she and Lucy have, being so close in age: they are friends for one another. I've never had that kind of relationship with either of my youngest sisters. But nearly a week of late-night conversations seems to have remedied that situation.
The truth is it's really exciting to realize that my sister is a person, and a cool one, at that! She was so little when I left home that I've somehow managed to maintain that baby image over the past 10 years. I guess being absent for most of her childhood/adolescence makes it seem as though from one day to the next she's suddenly grown up. It's a little surprising, but the snotty little rat I left at home 10 years ago has become a really great person, someone I'm glad to be friends with and proud to call my sister.
(did I say "cool"??)
We were all sad when it was time to say goodbye...
I love you Maggie. <3
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Moved In:
Here are some more current pictures of the house. Francisco (nephew) was the photographer. ;)
Enjoy!
This is the main entry room. Looks so much better with pictures on the wall, eh?
Here's the kitchen...a bit messy, but you get the idea.
Here's our Christmas jamón. The little table is new from Ikea. :)
Here is the landing upstairs. This is where I give my classes.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!!
This will be a quick post. ;) I just want to share a few pictures from my New Year's celebration and wish all of you a wonderful 2011. I hope you've started the new year properly: with friends and family.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)