Christina Socci, an English major at Dickinson College, discusses her experiences as a literature student and second language writer in Toulouse, France. Christina describes how she adapted French writing conventions, developed as a writer, and imported her new awareness of writing and the writing process back to her English studies and to her work in the writing center. Listen to her podcast.
This podcast was an insightful comparison of the writing styles of two cultures. I found the paradox that was mentioned in French composition especially intriguing. Openness in writing prompts but restrictive form and organization of ideas seems contradictory to a successful paper, but has been working for French students their whole lives. Although I haven’t been abroad, I do notice differences between Spanish, the language I am studying, and English composition in terms of organization. English development from thesis to body to conclusion is very explicit, while the Spanish seem to prefer a more conical organization, introducing development before the main point. This discovery was intimidating for me, and I can only imagine how it would be if I was actually living abroad. I admire Christina’s ability to admit how difficult it was to adapt to the French style, but am hopeful for my future studies after hearing of her triumphs.
The prompt “American Feminism.” was interesting to hear about, it was surprisingly trite. But, hearing about the heavily structured format of their papers (compared to our English papers) seemed to compliment this method of using short prompts because much of the paper already relied on the prescribed structure. Very different from the more lengthy and elaborate prompts in my English writing.
This was a really interesting podcast that illustrated the differences between writing in two different languages. Christina brought into focus our discussion from Tuesday with her specific examples of her hardships in class, especially with the broad topic and methodical planning she discussed. Christina showed that it is extremely difficult to adapt to a different culture of writing, but it is still possible! I found myself comparing Christina’s discriptions of class to my own literature classes, and I was struck at how different they were. I couldn’t imagine writing a dissertation for a midterm!
I think that it’s incredible how much difference can be found between essay prompt and response format from nation to nation. I am uncertain as to why the paradox of the “American feminism.” prompt and the restrictive, focused, extremely organized paper exists, but it seems to me that it allows for a wider range of options for which aspect of the topic to choose. The problem with the essay format is that it seems like it would prevent writers from being able to develop their writing and creativity, having to write only in a few specific formats for each paper. This sounds like an incredible experience to gain a lot of insight!
First, it truly is mind blowing to consider the international students learning another language WITHIN their second language here at Dickinson. I appreciate how you did not completely discredit the French’s “weird” way of writing, but it is apparent that you learned about your own capabilities and your own values from your cross cultural experiences. This podcast was very insightful, especially since I am considering studying abroad in France.
I wonder whether the paradox of the open prompts versus the restrictive organization reflects France’s cultural values and/or the epistemological beliefs driving their educational system. Christina’s comment that the French “think differently” from Americans intrigued me, and I would be interested to learn specifics about how French culture underpins French thought patterns and writing. Additionally, Christina showed an effective example of “writing-hybridization” when she discussed how she transferred the French skillset of interrogating tacit presumptions to her English writing.
The difference between the acceptable styles of writing throughout the world is truly amazing to me. As shown through this podcast, the definition of a “functional” writing process varies greatly between cultures. The loose prewriting strategies in America would frown upon the highly structured, inflexible form used in France and vice versa. Even so, it is simple to see that the different writing processes used are conducive to creating each culture’s version of an ideal final paper. I applaud Christina for mastering both forms, a feat that is, I’m sure, very difficult to obtain.
I found it interesting that the French form of the thesis statement was a question. Her struggle really represented one an exchange student goes through, especially when it comes to what is expected by the professor. One of the assignments that struck me was the question about “American feminism”, which seemed a bit broad to me. Overall, I could really relate to her struggle and I admire her perseverance in her French writing.
I like how Christina was able to apply lessons she learned in her French writing to her English writing in order to further her development as a writer in English. It seems to validate Dickinson’s commitment to global education by demonstrating the room for growth after immersion in other cultures.
I think the main focus of this podcast bases itself on the specificity of French writing. In contrast with the Italian podcast, it seems that French demands very strict adherence to their rules. Christina describes it as “restrictive,” I think it is perhaps more strict than American writing, and requires a very careful, methodical writing process. One thing I became immediately aware of is that the American final product requires a certain format and a more strict topic, but one is taught to arrive there however they are individually comfortable. In contrast, the French seem to be required to very carefully think, but the prompts themselves are much more free. I could definitely understand how this would become complicated, especially since the American essay would appear to be the exact opposite format, with a freer process but usually more rigid topic. However, they do both appear to have certain requirements in regards to final product, with the formatting being prominent in French writing and thesis development being prominent in English Writing.
I found Christina’s discussion of French education very revealing, especially since i have been studying French for six years and have learned about the differences between our education system and theirs. I think the paradox between open-ended prompts and the expectation of highly standardized organization plays into the French attitude that students aren’t meant to be coddled or accommodated in any special way. The french schooling system places an emphasis on conformity to standards and doesn’t leave room for much individual expresion or exploration. In this respect, I think it creates a more challenging academic environment (as Christina seems to have experienced) but also sacrifices some of the most valuable elements that can be found in American education.
The French system of writing seems to have a contrast, as mentioned in the podcast: it throws extremely open-ended questions at students where students can literally approach the question at any angle, and a restrictive and regulated form of argument. I think this might be reflective of a French philosophy towards learning and thought; students are still expected to be subservient and ordered pupils (as exemplified through their ordered argument structures) but there is still the idea that the mind is this open, free space (demonstrated with the open-ended questions). Christina mentioned that the U.S. system, with its emphasis on individuality, stresses a looser argument structure, but perhaps the French still have this individuality but express it in the questions rather than the structure of the answers.
The comparison of writing styles between the French and English language made me think about my own writing style when I have to write compositions in Italian. It makes me wonder what my foreign language writing looks like to a native speaker. The way she utilized techniques she used for writing in French and applied them to English writing made me think about my own writing in English as well. It also made me think about the transition foreign writers have when writing in English.