Yeah, I'm going to have to go ahead and disagree with you on that... Really? You must have fallen to the dark side in France to have missed the painfully common practice of the French (particularly the men) who regularly disrespect the word aimer. I fully agree with the presumption and the realization that the purity of the language and the singular use of the word aimer conveys the true nature of the concept of LOVE. I do, however, take particular exception in the whole of the second paragraph. I can say, without qualm or misqualification of the emotion, that I love many things. Having stated this, I concede that it is often overused by an increasingly number of people - Thank you, Paris. :)
I was ready to buy the whole argument when you brought up house and home... For all of its ambiguity, perhaps it can be seen as a nature of the culture that it is impossible for the French to separate the concept of house - the physical structure in which a family resides - and home - the place that breeds a sense of safety, love (interesting that it applies here), and family.
One question is to be raised regarding the initial adoption of these words, or perhaps the way in which they have morphed usage. After all, the French language can, without argument, be recognized as an older language. Perhaps it is for this that they need only a single, pure word to convey love. After all, maybe it isn't that their short coming isn't having a word for love, but it is that they just don't have a need to designate words that express a less resolute emotion. Is it that "like" just isn't significant enough - isn't a pure enough emotion - to justify the addition of an discrete word to a language that, in my opinion, is more centered on the subjective expression of the world than English? In this, we can see that for an anglophone, it is important to establish EXACTLY to what level something is experienced. But for the French, the degree to which you love someone - or something - does not change the fact that you love them. If like is a diluted form of love, being the innate desire for something, then wouldn't it be more appropriate for the French to use just a single word for both, and even all the degrees that separate the two? Indeed, il n'y a qu'un pas entre la haine et l'attirance.
Okay, so in summary, I disagree, but in fact reinforce your point-of-view/opinion, though I'm not sure if you clearly stated if your change of heart was solid.
I should make my own blog from my comments on yours.
no title 1. I was just thinking about how tears seem to burst through just like memories when we least expect them... and then in the next paragraph, you were crying (I was as well, but for argument's sake, I'll claim that I wasn't) at the same memories that flooded back in.
So, it seems that this particular train was your madeline cookie. Don't lick the train.
2. It compartmentalizes so much quicker than you would imagine. And it's sad.
in a manner of thought... It was indeed a lovely walk that you must have had. I think I most enjoyed the fictional stop at the local bar. In reading the interactions, I too was transported to my favorite - or perhaps most familiar - local restaurant in Montataire. Moreover, I couldn't help but to realize the similarities between every locally owned French restaurant.
These commonalities are always found... the two men at the bar, the saucy steak and fries, the dim lighting and sturdy furniture, the cleaning husband... it's culturally iconic; but it is only in a way for those with an outside perspective and an insider experience, i think. It wouldn't hold so much acclaim - even if only in my thoughts - as an icon if these scenes weren't so prevalent and identical across the French landscape. I imagine that there is something to be said about inventing the restaurant concept and the inherent cultural implications.
In any case, I guess the point is that when you come back to the United States, bring some mustard and I'll do the dishes.
Darn that slang When my Visa wasn't accepted at one restaurant in Paris (even though no one in the entire previous week of my trip ever had a problem with it), the waiter kept insisting "Il n'y a pas de puce. La puce! La puce!" as I looked at him uncomprehendingly, thinking, "OK, if I'm hearing him right, what could 'flea' possibly be slang for?" I finally figured it out, but didn't realize the machine could still take a side swipe, so paid cash.
Will you Share some pics? Emily,
It's fun reading your blog and keeping up with you a bit. That whole credit card/ debit card thing would drive me nuts...sometimes, it drives me nuts in the U.S.!!!
Anyhow, saw your dad at the Chili Challenge at RHS and he put me onto your blog.
Will you at some future point post a few pics...or are they here and I am just technologically challenged?
Take care. Just wanted to say hello and glad you are doing well!!!
Mr. M
Yeah It reminds me of all the times before I realized that all of the aforementioned store clerks just didn't know what was going on and just accepted that I couldn't use my American card. My favorite was when I was at the LeClerc and the cashier was arguing with me and wouldn't let me slide the card.
I miss Montataire.
He was wrong! You CAN go home again! It almost brought a tear to my eye just reading your emotion. Happy to hear you are there. I send my love and look forward to your sights, sounds, and smells of France.
respect and language Hello Emily,
I met your dad recently through work. We got to talking about travel and you came up. It seems respecting the language was understood as honoring the residents. I'm glad you're in France representing America for us. Keep up the good work !
Laura
How Enjoyable... Em, I have so enjoyed reading about your travels and discoveries. When I read the entries, I feel like I am walking beside you.
I also love your observations about language. I didn't realize how much I miss having someone to talk "language" with. I am envious (in a good way) of your experiences in this realm. If I had chosen a slightly different path, it could have been so similar to yours-I love language that much. You have given me great vicarious thrills...
Maman
Bread Baking I can relate to this, as someone who - temporarily - baked bread for a living. Depending on how you view it, it was either for a short period (since it only lasted a year) or a very long time, since it lasted for a year.
agree avec maman Yes good words Emily! I like the pix too. I love reading your blog. I will tell Dylan. He is quite the writer you know. Now he is working for NASA and just got this promotion to direct this multimedia project. I think he would lover to read about your insights on the French world...............chalky concrete powder......ooooh....nice girl. Love, Daria
Don't remind me Don't remind me-I live in NE Ohio and I was pretending that it was summer till yesterday, because the weather was pretending the same. I'm sure I'll be seeing my breath before long...
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder, isn't it? I'm glad that you feel confident. A beautiful girl should feel that way...
Same feelings Hey Emily!
Long time no talk. I noticed your post on facebook and wanted to check out how you were doing there.
Right now i live in Japan, and my situation is not the same as you, but you do realize all of those things after you leave "home".
Recently there was an accident here of a group of American solders raping a Japanese girl. Its really made me uncomfortable as an American the last couple of weeks. Everyone looks at you like a monster or you think you are self righteous.
Anyways, i guess its just interesting what you start noticing once your away or looking at it from another angle. Best of luck! keep in touch.
EmilieJolie
Emily Ann Wagener : Américaine-Lilloise
OOPS
***SENDS me confirmation, not sense. I was typing and talking at the same time.. never a good idea.