Post For Class Number 1 - Random Thoughts

In responses to what was discussed in the classroom and what we have read individually I would have to consider the last two days readings to be those that stood out to me. Firstly, I would like to call some attention to the attitude of the writer of “Me Talk Pretty One Day”. He says that there was no shutting him up before he went to this school that taught classes outside of his own language. In his case, French, I don’t particularly understand how the attitude of the teacher would make him no longer want to talk to people outside the classroom. He must notice that a HUGE part of learning another language is speaking it in everyday life, and by doing that you will make many mistakes.

Personally, I like when someone asks me if I am fluent in French, usually because this is my major, I answer yes. A definition of fluency is usually misunderstood. People that have grown up speaking English their whole lives are fluent in English correct? OK, so the reader of this blog is fluent in English? Well then sir/ma’am please tell me a definition of upbraid? Most people that ask that question assume that by me knowing and being fluent in French that I MUST know every word. This is huge misconception of fluency. I feel that fluency is when you can understand written, spoken, and be able to identify what is and what isn’t a particular language.

Back to “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” I feel that he must see himself slipping into the wrong direction by avoiding talking all the time, however, I am realizing the overall attitude of a Frenchman and an American trying, but butchering, their language. I also understand that this person is in charge of assigning a grade to him. However, on the contrary the Frenchman makes many mistakes in English as well, but he conveys his point and we Americans understand. COME ON FRENCHIE GIVE HIM SOME CREDIT! HE IS TRYING TO LEARN YOUR LANGUAGE!

OH! This brings me to a follow up to a previous post, about the guy that was standing on the exit ramp, at the Cedar Bluff exit. I noticed him again the other day on my way to work. I noticed this time his sign had changed from a clichéd, “Will work for food,” to a much more convincing sign that must have struck the heart of many passing autos. He now displays a sign that reads, “Vietnam Vet 19XX – 19XX on way home to Texas PLEASE HELP!” First, I don’t want to sound unsympathetic but you can see from my earlier post that this really upsets me, seeing him every day and knowing the amount of money he must bring in. But KUDOS for the Vietnam Veteran hat, which must prove you really were a Veteran, because everyone knows you can’t go get one of those from Wal-Mart. What I feel that by doing this he probably did increase the number of donations because they feel they owe him something. This really ties back into what was discussed last semester. But it amuses me what changing one letter, one word, one sentence can do in coaxing someone to do what you want or believe you.

This is getting sort of lengthy so, I would rather not go into the spiel I have on the lady that labels herself as “crippled.” But, quickly here is my reaction. I don’t feel it is ok for someone to call themselves something but expect other people not to, or find it rude to call others what they call themselves. That is what sends mixed signals out. For example a homosexual person calling another homosexual a ”faggot,” but gets upset when a heterosexual calls a homosexual a “faggot.” This goes on with many other things such as the word “nigger” in African American culture.

DISCLAIMER: These views are possessed by me. Sorry if you do not agree! And my no means am I implying that homosexuals are “faggots,” or African Americans are “niggers.” However I am implying that the bum is a liar! :-)