Barcelona has definitely treated me well. Too well perhaps. The first month here doing the Cambridge CELTA at International House was so intense that I barely had time to breath the sea air. In fact, I don't think I saw the sea by day until the general strike at the very end of the month. But after I returned from Brussels in April, the city was mine to explore - in between never ending job searches, back to back interviews, and lengthy essays and applications of course.
The lifestyle here is so laid-back and chill, it almost reminds me of small town Saskatchewan. I mean this in the sense that people will meet for drinks or tapas at 8-9pm at their favourite bar or square, greeting the bartenders and the regulars on their way in, and have nothing planned past that. Inevitably though, one thing leads to another, and the night ends up finishing across town with everyone walking home and catching the re-opened metro at 6am, on a wednesday. It's a wonderful metropolitan city / laid back Spanish culture fusion. Of course, I must concede that these are not Catalans that I speak of, who tend to be very conservative in nature, but mainly latino/a internationals. As with every place I go, I inescapably attract others from my own community, the international, cosmopolitan community. However, as with many other places with this similar siesta and fiesta culture, one of its main problems is unemployment, leaving Barcelona to hold the title of the highest unemployment rate in the entire EU. There is a good reason why Germany, with its culture (to stereotype a bit here) of uptight highly efficient and driven Germans has by far the best economy in the entire EU.
"Esa puta will just have to deal with it mañana, cuz tomorrow is my fiesta day!" exclaimed Celia of Bolivian origins last night in good Spanglish (for my benefit) with big smile and look of nonchalant defiance as she animatedly recounted a story of how her co-worker left early, leaving her alone closing up when she was unable to close the cash register. But this is how things go here. They aren't fighters per say, but they will definitely tell you and everyone else how they feel about it. People are very excitable and passionate in many different aspects. Be it over someone coming close to cutting them off in traffic, Barça missing or scoring a goal in the football match, or greeting their friends that they haven't seen in an entire week.
While the Brits I live with may go sit on the beach at night to smoke weed, the latino/as smoke it right outside the door of the pub during intermission of the football match. When the Brits are hanging out you'll find them drinking beer in our living room chatting over youtube clips. When the latino/as are hanging out you'll find them in a square with street-vendor bought beer playing around on a guitar. While the Brits lower their volume in the pub when they're about to say something offensive, the latino/as don't flinch throwing the insults decorated with the mierdas, putas, and concha de tu madres (the few swears I understand) at top volume.
This exploring time I mentioned before has been anything from life-changingly delicious (if I knew of a stronger positive adjective I would use it) culinary adventures to different wine and cheese places, brunch terraces, tapas and pinxtos bars, and fabulous insider restaurants and pubs with Brad (among a variety of people as diverse as Swedes to Mexicans), a chef from American origins but long since been a permanent resident of Spain, speaking fluent Spanish, Catalan and Basque; to crazy fun midweek 6am dancing nights with the Uruguayans Dana and Rodrigo; to drinking wine, tasting new tapas and far out restaurants, and sampling more delicious cafés con leche mid-afternoon (which is anywhere from 2pm to 7pm here) with Hayley, the Occupational Health Therapist/Hostel Receptionist from Australian origins who is also a resident here with her Argentinian/Italian fiancée. Not to mention all the time I spend on my own (or occasionally with the Brits + Brigitte or other random people I've met)(which obviously has no or little $ involved because I'm poor) chilling in parks, wandering/walking around the city discovering new places, laying on the beach or on the roof terrace in the sun (when it does come out, as April is a weird weather month here), and reading and sitting in cafés reading and working, one of my fav activities regardless of where I am in the world.
I think Barcelona has been the perfect transition place from my European adventures to my Latin American adventures, which with any luck with be starting in the next few weeks. Although it is quite bittersweet, the thought of leaving Europe and all the fantastic people from many countries I've met over the duration of my time here, all the crazy wonderful latin americans I have met and spoken to in the last month alone have given me a lot to look forward to. :) Now all that's left to do is end this fucking stressful waiting game these people/organisations from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru (where life moves much, much slower) are playing with me, and tell me when they would like me to do my [anywhere from 2 to 12 month] contract with them. Because I desperately need to figure out where I'm going to first and book my flight, because I can't afford to live in the industrialized, aka highly expensive, area of the world much longer. There's only so much cous-cous, cheap microwaved tea, and uncomfortable dark hole-in-the-wall rooms one can handle, when for the same price or cheaper elsewhere, I could have a comfortable sun-filled flat, nature all around, and affordable fresh delicious food. And yes, that is my criteria for a 'comfortable' living. Mas o menos affordable delicious wine and lattes.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Language etiquette: What happens when we don't bow down to English
Language is a funny thing. It is our primary and quintessential means of communication with each other and with the world. It is the fundamental backbone of civilization. And due to the ways in which our species and civilizations have evolved, language is also inextricably tied to culture. Languages therefore hold a wealth of information, hidden within its grammar and lexis. As Octavio Paz said, "Each language is a view of the world." Languages are seen as the fierce protectors and warriors of cultural assimilation. When a language dies, something inexplicably precious has been forever lost. In today’s globalized multicultural world, language is also a means of advancement within society. To better one’s own language or to learn another can and will open many figurative doors. Not to mention the wide strata and culture of people that become accessible with each newfound ability to communicate. Yet despite all of these extraordinary traits languages possess, some people find this plethora of linguistic diversity offensive.
Let me start from the beginning. Given our intensely globalized and diverse societies, it is only natural that a form of language etiquette, or rules of language choice appropriacy should evolve along with it. Previously, it was very simple. If you were in Thailand, regardless of where you were from, you should and will be forced to speak Thai, as no one there spoke any other language. If you were in England, the primary language would be English. However now, as English has become the de facto international language it is very possible to travel the world with the knowledge of only one language. English is no longer seen as the representative or ‘guardian’ of one single culture but has evolved to take on the role as the primary language in international or intercultural relations.
The consequences of this linguistic evolution are numerous, most notably for the so called ‘language etiquette’. Previously, before English reached its current state of global dominance, the de facto linguistic rule was in favour of the local language. If you were in Spain, this was Spanish. In addition, if you were in a French household in Spain, the language would be French, the circumstantial “local” language. Presently however, as we now have an international currency of languages, the de facto language for any international gathering tends to be English. However, this is not to be mistaken as ‘English, the representative of England or America’, for the language as mentioned, has taken on a new status, and is not solely tied to England, America, or any specific culture. Billions of people all around the world speak fluent English and have never set foot in either country. As with the United Nations, the governance system between governments, English is now the language between other languages and cultures. And this system has worked rather well. One of the only major problems is the confusion garnered by the fact that there are still at least half a dozen countries that have English as one of or the sole language.
Given the fact that language is the guardian of culture, most of these English-speaking countries enjoy somewhat of a special status internationally, as there is no risk of the death of their language. It is very widely spoken all throughout the world. The people from these countries can also travel with an ease unknown to people from any other culture, for they have no need to learn another language to travel, theirs is almost identical to the international currency of languages. The only draw-back of this to these few countries, is given this special status they have acquired, they largely feel no need to learn any other language. Why should they when they can safeguard their culture as well as communicate effortlessly all over the world.
However this perspective is short-sighted, as the advantages of learning another language are immeasurable, and not only in terms of intellectual or personal development or international travel. People from cultures who do not have this special status internationally, and who have been raised speaking two or three languages, often have a far better insight to the position and perspectives of other cultures; A sort of cultural empathy, so to speak. They are also far more adept to learning a third, fourth, or fifth language. As such, their ability to adapt to life in another country is significantly increased. But most importantly in regards to the notion of language etiquette, is that they are intensely more aware of the question and sometimes controversy of language and its tie to culture.
People from these special status English-speaking countries however, are often ignorant of these linguistic controversies or the weight the death of a language can carry, for the simple fact that they often only speak one language, the international language. So they often have no ability to think of language objectively, for they have never existed or thought in the space between languages. They have had no need for this, for chances are, they have always been understood and have always had the ability to understand. So inevitably, when someone who has always been able to effortless communicate or understand is suddenly confronted with a situation in which they can no longer communicate, or can no longer understand, they feel frustrated.
So what happens to language etiquette in these circumstances? It is quite natural that people from English-speaking countries are quite used to English being the de facto language everywhere they go. But what happens when language etiquette presents a situation, where it is acceptable to continue speaking in another language? When you are in a Russian-speaking household for example. Or when you are in an international group in a country where next to no one speaks the local language? English-speakers quite often expect to continue their communications in English, and often, they have no other choice, as they speak no other language. However, as most English-speakers are not used to these situations, and have no awareness of the aforementioned weight language can carry, they are often frustrated that they cannot communicate and offended as they feel left out.
However, being frustrated with or offended by your company for your own inability to understand or communicate is as logical as a heterosexual male GOP Republican being offended that a woman is using contraception, or that a homosexual man is having sex with his partner, or that an Muslim in the Middle-East believes in a different deity than themselves. It is absolutely illogical and is no excuse for you to vent your frustrations or anger out on these people, or anyone else for that matter.
If you are offended by something that is outside your control and is in itself a perfectly legitimate action, then perhaps you should stop and examine the heart of the problem: yourself. Instead of making these people feel bad for something that they have a right to do, be it have a sexual relationship with someone they love, or speak their native language, maybe you should stop think about why it is that you have a problem with this behaviour or action. Use that energy to try to rectify or change something that you actually have control over, namely, yourself and your own behaviour.
Let me start from the beginning. Given our intensely globalized and diverse societies, it is only natural that a form of language etiquette, or rules of language choice appropriacy should evolve along with it. Previously, it was very simple. If you were in Thailand, regardless of where you were from, you should and will be forced to speak Thai, as no one there spoke any other language. If you were in England, the primary language would be English. However now, as English has become the de facto international language it is very possible to travel the world with the knowledge of only one language. English is no longer seen as the representative or ‘guardian’ of one single culture but has evolved to take on the role as the primary language in international or intercultural relations.
The consequences of this linguistic evolution are numerous, most notably for the so called ‘language etiquette’. Previously, before English reached its current state of global dominance, the de facto linguistic rule was in favour of the local language. If you were in Spain, this was Spanish. In addition, if you were in a French household in Spain, the language would be French, the circumstantial “local” language. Presently however, as we now have an international currency of languages, the de facto language for any international gathering tends to be English. However, this is not to be mistaken as ‘English, the representative of England or America’, for the language as mentioned, has taken on a new status, and is not solely tied to England, America, or any specific culture. Billions of people all around the world speak fluent English and have never set foot in either country. As with the United Nations, the governance system between governments, English is now the language between other languages and cultures. And this system has worked rather well. One of the only major problems is the confusion garnered by the fact that there are still at least half a dozen countries that have English as one of or the sole language.
Given the fact that language is the guardian of culture, most of these English-speaking countries enjoy somewhat of a special status internationally, as there is no risk of the death of their language. It is very widely spoken all throughout the world. The people from these countries can also travel with an ease unknown to people from any other culture, for they have no need to learn another language to travel, theirs is almost identical to the international currency of languages. The only draw-back of this to these few countries, is given this special status they have acquired, they largely feel no need to learn any other language. Why should they when they can safeguard their culture as well as communicate effortlessly all over the world.
However this perspective is short-sighted, as the advantages of learning another language are immeasurable, and not only in terms of intellectual or personal development or international travel. People from cultures who do not have this special status internationally, and who have been raised speaking two or three languages, often have a far better insight to the position and perspectives of other cultures; A sort of cultural empathy, so to speak. They are also far more adept to learning a third, fourth, or fifth language. As such, their ability to adapt to life in another country is significantly increased. But most importantly in regards to the notion of language etiquette, is that they are intensely more aware of the question and sometimes controversy of language and its tie to culture.
People from these special status English-speaking countries however, are often ignorant of these linguistic controversies or the weight the death of a language can carry, for the simple fact that they often only speak one language, the international language. So they often have no ability to think of language objectively, for they have never existed or thought in the space between languages. They have had no need for this, for chances are, they have always been understood and have always had the ability to understand. So inevitably, when someone who has always been able to effortless communicate or understand is suddenly confronted with a situation in which they can no longer communicate, or can no longer understand, they feel frustrated.
So what happens to language etiquette in these circumstances? It is quite natural that people from English-speaking countries are quite used to English being the de facto language everywhere they go. But what happens when language etiquette presents a situation, where it is acceptable to continue speaking in another language? When you are in a Russian-speaking household for example. Or when you are in an international group in a country where next to no one speaks the local language? English-speakers quite often expect to continue their communications in English, and often, they have no other choice, as they speak no other language. However, as most English-speakers are not used to these situations, and have no awareness of the aforementioned weight language can carry, they are often frustrated that they cannot communicate and offended as they feel left out.
However, being frustrated with or offended by your company for your own inability to understand or communicate is as logical as a heterosexual male GOP Republican being offended that a woman is using contraception, or that a homosexual man is having sex with his partner, or that an Muslim in the Middle-East believes in a different deity than themselves. It is absolutely illogical and is no excuse for you to vent your frustrations or anger out on these people, or anyone else for that matter.
If you are offended by something that is outside your control and is in itself a perfectly legitimate action, then perhaps you should stop and examine the heart of the problem: yourself. Instead of making these people feel bad for something that they have a right to do, be it have a sexual relationship with someone they love, or speak their native language, maybe you should stop think about why it is that you have a problem with this behaviour or action. Use that energy to try to rectify or change something that you actually have control over, namely, yourself and your own behaviour.
If everyone that was offended by someone innocently doing something on their own time, or by someone speaking their language and preserving their culture in their presence, channeled that energy to something productive, such as learning another language for example, there would most definitely be far less misunderstandings in the first place.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Belgian awakening
The streets are dirty, the air is crisp, the people and languages are diverse, and the men are bold; welcome to Brussels.
At first the atmosphere (and weather) here was a little abrasive compared mediterranean Barcelona, but coming on day 2 here I'm beginning to re-appreciate what Brussels' atmosphere has to offer. Actively hearing several languages at any given time. Being able to communicate effortlessly with the people around me. (Although this could also be just yet another reason to improve my Spanish) The upbeat music with a techno and hip-hop twist that seems to be playing at every café and corner. What I don't miss is how plugged in everyone seems to be here. You can definitely feel if not visibly see the difference in community, or lack thereof. In Brussels everyone seems to be walking in their own little world, always listening to an mp3 player or texting or talking on the phone. In Barcelona, this isn't the norm. Most people are engaged in lively conversations, lounging on corners or terraces, or reading a book waiting to get their stop.
Haha. This blog is definitely getting an unbiased perspective. Or a choppy one. Depends how you see it. The first paragraph, (or sentence) was written a few hours after I arrived. The second while taking a break from CV writing this morning. And this one, after finishing a delicious Italian focaccia panini and sparkling green tea this afternoon before my orthodontist appointment.
Yes, on that note, this current trip to Brussels has made me aware of certain European habits I've picked up in the last few years. For starters, the appreciation of sparkling water or tea. I now find that there is indeed a time and a place when I prefer them. The weather tolerance. Last night I caught myself wishing I'd brought my mitts and thick red scarf. Even my thicker coat once. It was a little less than 10C outside. Stairs. I no longer wish for escalators and elevators everywhere. I'm quite content by-passing the elevator and walking the 4 flights of stairs to get to my 2nd floor room at the hostel. I'm also now quite content to walk ~20mins somewhere. This seems like a distance not worthy of even public transit. Showers that are mounted shoulder length. I have actually come to prefer them over North American height ones. It seems to be cozier for some reason.
I have retained however my fondness for large quantities of tea or coffee, these little 50-150ml cups are NOT enough, and travel mugs to carry said quantities with me everywhere. As well as my sense of distance travelling. The 6 hours door to door from Barcelona to Brussels I found quite pleasant.
I find myself noticing a lot of things on this trip. As if my cerebral self had gone on vacation (or rather in to hiding) for a while (most likely to leave more brain space to cope with the CELTA and everything that came with the last month), and is only now re-awakening. That is after a final attack on the remaining brain cells this past weekend celebrating the end of the course. I feel like things have finally started to fall in to place. Life wise. By this all-encompassing umbrella term, I mean in regard to my sense of self, emotionally, my place in the world, my skills, my goals, my awareness of the people in my life and the people around me. It's a nice feeling. Now if only I could stop being so damn poor, maybe get to the poverty line or minimum wage living or something, things would be perfect.
Post Script
Day 3 in Brussels and I still have yet to publish this blog. My bus to my plane doesn't leave until 17h30 and right now I'm in the hostel common room waiting for my new Aussie buddy and Brazilian guys to wake up. My recently created TEFL version of my CV is finally complete and waiting to be sent out. And the removal date for my braces has been set for May 2nd at 13h. yay. :)
At first the atmosphere (and weather) here was a little abrasive compared mediterranean Barcelona, but coming on day 2 here I'm beginning to re-appreciate what Brussels' atmosphere has to offer. Actively hearing several languages at any given time. Being able to communicate effortlessly with the people around me. (Although this could also be just yet another reason to improve my Spanish) The upbeat music with a techno and hip-hop twist that seems to be playing at every café and corner. What I don't miss is how plugged in everyone seems to be here. You can definitely feel if not visibly see the difference in community, or lack thereof. In Brussels everyone seems to be walking in their own little world, always listening to an mp3 player or texting or talking on the phone. In Barcelona, this isn't the norm. Most people are engaged in lively conversations, lounging on corners or terraces, or reading a book waiting to get their stop.
Haha. This blog is definitely getting an unbiased perspective. Or a choppy one. Depends how you see it. The first paragraph, (or sentence) was written a few hours after I arrived. The second while taking a break from CV writing this morning. And this one, after finishing a delicious Italian focaccia panini and sparkling green tea this afternoon before my orthodontist appointment.
Yes, on that note, this current trip to Brussels has made me aware of certain European habits I've picked up in the last few years. For starters, the appreciation of sparkling water or tea. I now find that there is indeed a time and a place when I prefer them. The weather tolerance. Last night I caught myself wishing I'd brought my mitts and thick red scarf. Even my thicker coat once. It was a little less than 10C outside. Stairs. I no longer wish for escalators and elevators everywhere. I'm quite content by-passing the elevator and walking the 4 flights of stairs to get to my 2nd floor room at the hostel. I'm also now quite content to walk ~20mins somewhere. This seems like a distance not worthy of even public transit. Showers that are mounted shoulder length. I have actually come to prefer them over North American height ones. It seems to be cozier for some reason.
I have retained however my fondness for large quantities of tea or coffee, these little 50-150ml cups are NOT enough, and travel mugs to carry said quantities with me everywhere. As well as my sense of distance travelling. The 6 hours door to door from Barcelona to Brussels I found quite pleasant.
I find myself noticing a lot of things on this trip. As if my cerebral self had gone on vacation (or rather in to hiding) for a while (most likely to leave more brain space to cope with the CELTA and everything that came with the last month), and is only now re-awakening. That is after a final attack on the remaining brain cells this past weekend celebrating the end of the course. I feel like things have finally started to fall in to place. Life wise. By this all-encompassing umbrella term, I mean in regard to my sense of self, emotionally, my place in the world, my skills, my goals, my awareness of the people in my life and the people around me. It's a nice feeling. Now if only I could stop being so damn poor, maybe get to the poverty line or minimum wage living or something, things would be perfect.
Post Script
Day 3 in Brussels and I still have yet to publish this blog. My bus to my plane doesn't leave until 17h30 and right now I'm in the hostel common room waiting for my new Aussie buddy and Brazilian guys to wake up. My recently created TEFL version of my CV is finally complete and waiting to be sent out. And the removal date for my braces has been set for May 2nd at 13h. yay. :)
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