Magnification

I’ve been reflecting about some of the things that are magnified about my identity in France which weren’t terribly central to my identity in America. Some of these changes are cultural, while others are based on the life cycle (college student versus college graduate). In talking with some of the other assistants who have graduated, I find that we’ve all noticed some of the same differences.
- Foreign languages: how many you speak, what they are, how well you speak them
- Most of my friends back home are familiar with the basic outlines of my academic work (language use within social hierarchies) but few of them could read my foundational texts in the original French.
- In college, everyone had exams/papers to prepare for and to show off their intellect but now we just have lots of free time to indulge our personal interests.
- Rather than being the seeker thirsting for knowledge, I’m expected to be part of the fountain providing relief to parched travelers on the road to wisdom (only a slight exaggeration).
- Pleasure activities instead of work-related ones: most of us don’t have homework in addition to our day-jobs, so we’re defined by what we do for pleasure – surfing the internet, reading books, watching films, drinking wine
- Friendship background: traveling with friends in Europe is different than grabbing a drink at your favorite local bar. Excitement, drama, tension and anticipation all play out amongst the backdrop of gorgeous European cities. For friends back in the US, comparing monthly plans brings home the disconnect between our different worlds. They’re studying for exams, I’m planning trips to aforementioned gorgeous European cities.
- While I’ll be more integrated in Burkina Faso, I will be moving from a nation of high prestige and importance to one of low prestige and importance. The language that I’ll learn to speak will have far less cultural capital than French and few if any people wake up deciding to tour Burkina Faso. On the other hand, my participation in the Peace Corps carries a lot of cultural cachet, notably amongst academics.
I’ll be away this week in England with the students. Look for updates soon!