out of my head - elise's journal

It says "Comment 0", until I publish a new entry. Why is that? Maybe I should have clicked on the "Comment 0"... maybe the comments were there even though it said "0". Nonetheless, I received and read the messages of Jac and Kass. Thanks girls for the support.

Duality of language is a tough situation depending on the region where you live. Although les francophones represent 30% of my city's population, learning English is inevitable. You have to know it to make your way around. I used to be so scared of English classes. I blame it all on my 3rd grade teacher (the year I started learning it) who once screamed at me in front of the whole class because I couldn't form a proper sentence. Horrible. I got over it though, and really enjoyed my English classes in High School. I particularly enjoy English literature. Jane Austen is one of my favourite authors (I adore the novel Emma).

What I don't like about the language is it's importance in today's world. Franco-ontariens (francophones who live in Ontario) are attracted to a language that seems "cooler" (when you're a child) and more popular... and are letting their French slide. I find this very disapointing. Very. Although I address myself in English on the web, I speak French at home, with my friends (except for one), at work and in most of my classes. I don't want to be promoting a language that may be causing the downfall of my own (ok I may be exagerating a little). But yesterday I saw it from a new perspective: I can teach those children that being bilingual is a great advantage. Why choose? Why not use both? The thing is to know when to use each language. Because you don't want one to overpower (is that a word?) the other.

Enough on that, I want to move on to a new subject (wow, I do have a lot to say today). Elizabethtown is coming out in 3 days. Yes, I'm counting down the days. :) I'm seeing it with one of my best friends from High School. We don't see each other as much anymore (University, work, boyfriends), so it will be really fun to have a movie night, just like in the old days. Speaking of friends from the past, I got into contact with a guy I met 2 1/2 years ago (by email). I haven't seen him in a while (over a year). I was discussing the subject (aka. him) with a friend last night. I ran into him today. What a coincidence!

"While I crave new experiences, I often try to avoid them."

This very quotation can be found in the section "Elise". It's not from anyone famous. It actually comes from me. I mentionned a variation of it (Although I crave change, I usually try to avoid it) to a friend of mine yesterday, and she loved it. We joked around about how I should write a book. I laughed and suggested a title: How to over-analyze your life to a point where you don't know who you are and what you want. The publishers would have to use a small font; that's a long title. lol! Let me know which variation of the quote you prefer... of if you don't like it at all. I'm very open to feedback on the subject.

Good night everyone.

# written by Elise

Comments:

This is Elise testing the comment feature. :P

# posted by

Anonymous : 10/12/2005 12:20 AM

Ok, so it might say "0 comments", but I can still se the comments. I guess there's no problem then. It's just bizarre.

# posted by

Elise : 10/12/2005 12:30 AM

Oh I love the original quote you said. Its so simple and understood. I feel the same way... I am such an over-analytical person. At times it's great, then at other times it's the worst thing to be doing all the time, it can send you insane.

I think having two languages would be awesome and I would definitely try to use both, though the reality of the world, and its surroundings of us, kind of changes that or makes it harder to do. Because; English is the most used language in the world, so many education facilities are teaching it or encouraging it... in all parts of the world... which is okay but I agree, it makes other languages slide away and thats a sad thing.

Especially said since you grew up with it and it's apart of your life. I would feel much the same. I hope you enjoy Elizabethtown, I should go and see it sometime soon once it is out. I have seen the trailer and really liked it. The comment thing is weird, very strange but the comments are able to be posted and is working atleast. jac xxx

# posted by

Jazzy : 10/12/2005 9:36 PM

Hi!!
I really enjoyed reading your entry today (I always enjoy reading your entries, but this one really got to me). I especially liked how you said "Why choose? Why not use both? The thing is to know when to use each language..."

Another thing I liked was your quote. Personnally, I prefer the first quotation...I like the way it sounds :). It's exactly how I feel. Taking two steps forwards, taking one step back. Sometimes I'd really want to dive head first in a project, but I'm anxious about all sorts of things (I especially fear not to be "à la hauteur") and end up not doing it.

Passe une belle fin de semaine, en espérant que le beau temps soit déjà rendu chez vous!! (eh non!, la température est toujours aussi maussade par ici...:( )

Kass

# posted by

Kass : 10/13/2005 4:50 PM