Culture and Literacy

Gambetta and blue skies

Yesterday I attended a day-long conference at the Maison des Memoires (House of Memories--a repository for books, maps, and art recounting the story of Carcassonne, the Aude and its inhabitants.) As I may have mentioned before, the French are determined to keep their history very much alive and to pass the stories down to future generations.  I have come to see that as a major strength and a possible weakness.  (But that's for another essay).

The French love to have conferences.  They also never start on time; a 9:00 A.M. times means one will get down to business at around 9:40.  (Another cultural difference I am learning about). This particular conference was about how artistic practices aid in overcoming cultural illiteracy, especially when it comes to language acquisition.  Obviously, with the influx of immigrants, it's an important issue, and not just to the French.

I won't bore anyone details.  We heard from a young rap musician from Perpignan and watched a documentary about getting teenagers involved in dance.  France is facing the same problems as the US and the UK in trying to incorporate arts exposure and education into the public school system.  They haven't as tough a time--yet--as French schools are not yet required to provide the parenting that US schools must offer.  But they've the same problem with "only so many hours in a day,"  that everyone faces.

I also thought about using rap music as a tool to teach language.  How about the content of the music?  Rap is not necessarily wholesome nor healthy, especially given  how women are "spoken" of, not to mention its association with drugs and violence.  Does a culture risk something by appealing to "outlaw" images? 

What arose for me were bigger questions.  What does it mean to be French?  What does it mean to be an American, especially given the current political goings on?  Culture cannot be static--each immigrant group brings its food and music and, yes, language.  The French borrow heavily from the US for music and movies.  Thank goodness the Germans brought Christmas with them; otherwise the Puritans would still be jailing people for celebrating what has become a sacred holiday for the US. What have I brought with me?  I introduced the congregation to an "American" cake--a plain pound cake.  (No, that is NOT a part of French food culture and yes, they liked it.)  Does such a small act, repeated time and time again change culture?   

 This is happening today in the US--nobody ever celebrated Cinco de Mayo when and where I grew up.  I don't think total assimilation is ever possible; remnants of one's native culture, language, music and art will take root in one's new country.  

I also have to relate that the conference organizers had no idea what to do with me.  I wasn't a representative of any other committee or club, which I guess was "normal."  They didn't seem to know how to respond when I said I was there because I was interested in hearing what they had to say.  Imagine!  

Roses are leafing out in Gambetta

I made it easy for them in the afternoon; I cut class, and did so without a scent of guilt.  They were going to talk about the work of a photographer and plasticien, and I had already seen this person in action, so I didn't feel like I was going to miss a whole lot except for a numb derriere from sitting so long.  My brain hurt from all the French immersion and physically working so hard to understand.  The young people mumble just as much as teenagers in the US.  I would say that I "got" about 80% of what was said, and I am happy with that.  I was able to communicate with several of the other attendees, and I was happy with that.  It was the first sunny day in about a week. So--I ducked out at lunch and treated myself to a salad at one of the cafes at Place Carnot. I caught the tail end of the Thursday market, took a long walk in the sunshine, and mulled over the "big" questions the morning's activities had raised for me.  After all, it's personal.  I am trying to find my own place in a new culture and trying to become literate.  Progress comes in small increments.  

Place Carnot under the afternoon cloud cover...it rained later in the evening

Today, I am occupied with finding a missing sock in the washer, organizing the fridge shelves and practicing the new piece of "homework" for the Irish music group.  In other words, I am trying to assimilate with a joyful balance