Welcome to my first attempt at a blog. I consider myself somewhat technologically challenged, so it might take a little while for my blog to look as pretty as the rest of yours do.
My name is Greta and I am a 4th year English Literature major. I hate it when people ask me where I’m from, because I’m not really sure of the answer. On paper, I’m a Canadian citizen, but I spent nearly all of my life living abroad with my family in Singapore. When I first came to Vancouver nearly four years ago, I would tell people that I was Canadian, for the sake of simplicity. Unfortunately, the two-or-so minutes this saved me during introductions was not worth the instances in which I was quietly judged to be a bit of an idiot for not knowing the kind of things that a Canadian girl who grew up here should know. Or, for some of the interesting slang that I picked up in Singapore… And then there was the first time it snowed, and the only shoes I owned were a pair of flip flops. So, now I give people the longer answer.
Because I am a bit of a cultural concoction myself, I am very excited for the fact that this course will focus on both European and Indigenous perspectives and traditions in Canadian literature. I love learning about different cultures and really enjoy considering the same story, topic or event from a variety of view points. I hope that this course provides me with a richer understanding of Canadian indigenous people, and their perspectives on the history of this country.
In this course we will read several Canadian stories and articles. A primary focus will be the consideration of how racism has and continues to effect the content and readership of the Canadian literary canon. Social media will be utilized extensively in this course. We will be keeping of our own blogs, as well as reading and commenting on the instructor’s blog and the blogs of our peers. We shall also create an online Conference presentation. This project will allow us to consider ways in which it may be possible to influence the future of Canadian Literature. At the end of the term we will write a term paper in which we will synthesis much of what we will have learned in the course.
I am looking forward to working with all of you!
WORKS CITED:
Gung, Greg. “How to Speak Singlish.” Online video clip. Youtube. Youtube, 17th Jan 2013. Web. 8th Jan 2014.
Paterson, Erika. ENGL 470A Canadian Studies: Canadian Literary Genres. University of British Columbia, 2013. Web. 6 Jan. 2014.
“Tech Impaired Duck.” Quickmeme. N.d. Web. 7th Jan 2014.
YourSingapore. Singapore Tourism Board. Web. 8th Jan 2014.
Hi Greta!
I also moved away from Canada at an early age, so though I proclaim to be Canadian, in my adult life I’ve only really been here for the last few years, for university! My family is now spread out pretty far across North America and the Middle East, so the question “where’s home?” or “where are you from?” is a horrible one for me, too!
I’ve never really heard Singaporian slang, and the video you linked was really entertaining! It’s so interesting how quickly we can adapt to a different country, and pick up slang, though, don’t you think? I’ve been here for almost five years now, and have picked up a new accent, and a new style of speaking than I had before…do you feel the same?
Anyways, it’s so nice to have ‘met’ you through the blog, and I can’t wait to read more!
-Cat
Hi Greta!
I find it quite humorous that you mentioned you were technologically challenged, yet you hyperlinked a meme, and it was referencing reddit too! You are quite up to date in the internet world if you ask me. I also find it interesting how you grew up in Singapore; I’ve been there twice and loved my both experiences from what I remember. Have you ever been to the rooftop pool at Marina Bay Sands hotel? I’ve always wanted to go there but never got a chance to. Also, you mentioned that you enjoy considering the same story from different view points. How do you think this will hinder the ‘truth’ in a story? Do you think reading the same story from multiple perspectives will cause difficulty in sticking to one perspective in general? I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Thanks,
Fiona
Hi Greta – it is me again. I just noticed that I could not see a place to post on this page – instead had to go to your ‘Sample page” to post a comment? I wonder if you can change the settings to make this page a comment page as well? Can you figure that out – perhaps ask on our facebook page who knows how to set up the comments box here – thanks!
Oh – now the comment box is here? Hmmmmmmmm
Hey Greta!
I admit, upon reading your first name I did assume that maybe you were of German or Nordic background.
It’s so interesting to read the diversity of cultural experiences that you have acquired!
Over the years however, I’ve come to realize that maybe cultural identity and the ability to identify ourselves is more than just a black and white ordeal. It’s perfectly okay to be inspired and affected by more than one culture, and by no means does anyone have to limit their cultural identifications to one choice.
The reason I’m saying this is because even though I was born in Ukraine, Lviv, I’ve lived in New York for a couple years of my childhood. Finally, my family and I moved to Vancouver. In the end, your cultural identity may just be the experiences you have had!
For the Dialogue Assignment, I would like to ask you a question!
Not sure if this is applicable to you, but would you say you feel more of a cultural connection to Singapore, or Canada? In other words, where does your heart lie?
Thanks,
Anna.