Lingua Franca A Bi-Annual Newsletter Published by Foreign Languages at salemstate.edu/languages Volume 10 • Issue 2 • Spring 2013

“We are the World...”: Department Changes Name! INSIDE THIS ISSUE By: Elizabeth Blood, Chair We are the World page 1

As chair of the foreign languages strongly encouraged for all Departmental News page 2 department at Salem State University, majors and minors. The department Life in Lombardia page 3 I want to share some news about sponsors summer study abroad exciting changes in our department. programs in Canada, , Spain and Next Year’s Teachers page 4 Effective September 1, 2013, we will Costa Rica, and we are in the process Language of Business page 5 officially be renamed the world of creating a summer program in Berlin, languages and cultures department, . Study in other countries is Tale of Two Popes page 5 and we will be expanding our also available through the Center for Student Scholarships page 6 programs and language offerings. International Education. During the 2012-2013 academic year, We also encourage students to apply Translation Services page 6 the department expanded its language for post-baccalaureat fellowships to teach Couch Surfing in Sicily page 7 offerings to include seven languages: English abroad. Fellowships are available Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, in France, Italy and Spain and are funded Exchange Trip page 9 German, Italian, Latin, and Spanish. We by the governments of those offices. Miss Bala page 9 have also recently expanded our minor Next year, we will send three students to programs to include minors in Arabic Italy and one to France on fully funded Student’s “Amazing Race” page 10 Studies, French, Italian, Spanish, or world teaching assistantships! Peace Corps Volunteer page 11 languages (a combination of any two Our transformation is not complete, languages offered in the department). though, as we continue to explore new Poetry page 11 Best of all, beginning in fall 2013, we programs and new languages. Look for Departmental Awards page 12 will launch a new bachelor of arts in more courses in translation studies in world languages and cultures. Students the future, as we continue to grow Spanish Interpreter page 12 can still specialize in Spanish, including our department. List of Graduating Students page 12 our popular teacher licensure tracks for Spanish elementary and secondary education, but the new major also Editors: includes concentration options Jon Aske in either French or Italian. We aim to prepare students for Kenneth Reeds careers in the private sector, Web Publication: government, education, or ssclinguafranca.wordpress.com nonprofit organizations where language skills, cross-cultural awareness JOIN SALEM STATE’S and critical thinking are valued assets. Our LANGUAGE CLUBS’ MAILING programs include a range LISTS & FACEBOOK GROUPS of courses in language, Visit This Page: culture and literature. All concentrations require an http://tinyurl.com/ssulanguageclubs internship course, as well Foreign Languages as a senior thesis project on a topic of the student’s choosing. Tel: 978.542.6258 Study abroad for a summer, [email protected] semester or an academic year is

1 This year’s Psi Sigma Iota induction ceremony

¿Qué pasa? Quoi de neuf? Novità? Department News Abounds

Departmental News World Languages Video: de Literatura Hispánica international Our undergraduate communications conference on Hispanic literatures New Faculty in German: Welcome intern, Catilin Provost, is working on a in the Dominican Republic, and the to J. Doug Guy, our newest part-time promotional video for the department to CIEF international conference on German instructor. Prof. Guy holds help encourage more students to study Francophone Studies in Greece. Dr. a BA from Indiana University and an languages at Salem State. If you are a Doll and Dr. Dávila Gonçalves also MA from Middlebury College and is current language student or alum of our presented their own original poetry at the current president of the American major or one of our minor programs and numerous events in the region. Faculty Association of Teachers of German. you are willing to be interviewed for the also published many research articles He will be teaching the Intermediate video, please contact Caitlin to set up an and books this year and a number of German sequence next year. appointment [email protected] them will be honored at the University’s Faculty Research: Our dedicated Faculty Publications Celebration on May faculty continue to research, present at 2. To find out more about our areas of conferences and publish in their areas research, check out our faculty pages at of expertise. This year, faculty presented salemstate.edu/languages at the MaFLA regional conference for language teachers in Sturbridge, Phi Sigma Iota: Seventeen the ACTFL national conference for undergraduate and graduate students language teachers in Philadelphia, the (Vilma Bibeau, Melissa Carella, Bianca MLA and the NEMLA, national and Carreiro, Matthew Curley, Kelsey regional literary studies conferences in Delaney, Morgan Downs, David Gadbois, Boston, the NECTFL regional language Jeleiny Garcia Rijo, Angela Harling, teachers conference in Maryland, the Michael Hughes, Christopher Johanson, NECLAS national Latin American Studies Molly Pinto Madigan, Melida Sanchez, conference at Yale University, the Italian Patricia Sanchez, Laura Timmons, Studies conference at the University of Amanda Tower, Ai Toyoda), two faculty Pennsylvania, the ASEMA (Association members (Amanda Minervini, Julie for the Study of the Middle East and Whitlow), and four community members Africa) conference in Washington DC, (Giovanni Graziani, Paula Graziani, the JNCL and NCLIS joint meeting for Francis Mayo, Octavia Randolph) were The Department of World Languages and Cultures national committees on language policy inducted into our Phi Sigma Iota honor thanks Ronnette Wongus for her great first year working as the departmental secretary. in Washington DC, and the NEEAN society this spring. Find out more about We look forward to the next! conference on assessment at UMASS- our Honor Society at: salemstate.edu/ Amherst, the Congreso Internacional academics/23486.php 2 Future Teachers of Italian Program examples of upcoming trends and current fashion in the windows of its luxurious Participants in the Future Teachers of Italian program are placed in shops such as Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Chanel, Fendi, Stella McCartney, English-language classrooms in Italy. Beyond building their résumé, Balenciaga, Prada, Versace, and numerous they also enjoy the opportunity to live abroad for at least one year. other designers whose clothes I will never The following is an article by Joshua Brown who is currently finishing be able to afford. Milan has given me an his year in Italy. After, are the profiles of the three students who will example of a real life of luxury and has inspired not only my fashion sense but be teaching there next year. also my outlook on art, business, food, and life in general. Life in Lombardia While being immersed in the Northern By: Joshua Brown Italian culture I have received a better comprehension of not only the language, Given the opportunity to work in a but of the people who live here. I find that foreign country in which I can practice the people here are very closed in regards a foreign language, while providing a to progression throughout the world in service to the young people who reside subjects such as gay rights, religion, and there, has always been a dream and women’s role in society. I have personally aspiration throughout my life. Thanks been discriminated against and have to the 2010 special agreement between also seen the effects of discrimination in SSU and school systems in Italy that my students, colleagues, and friends. At was facilitated by the Italian Consulate first, while hereI was appalled by these in Boston, this year I was given this discrepancies, however after living within opportunity to teach in one of the best this environment I have learned to take schools in the region of Lombardia, in each experience as an opportunity to Gallarate, at Liceo Scientifico Leonardo learn and, arguably most importantly, Da Vinci. Through the academic year of an opportunity to teach. I created a bond fall 2012- spring 2013 I am teaching as a with my students of being not only their mother-tongue English teacher, preparing teacher in regards to English, but also an lesson plans, living independently in a example of someone who is accepting foreign country, and most importantly I of different ways of life. I teach them am being immersed in a culture which not to tolerate, but to accept differences I have studied throughout my career in culture, gender, sexual orientation, as a college student. Along with an religion, race, and political ideas. This experience, such as the one I am currently Joshua Brown battle has been uphill and along the way undertaking, there are many setbacks and I have ran into many problems, but I difficulties that one can encounter.I t is my students range from the mundane choose to learn from these problems and the duty of a student to learn from these differences between schools in Italy and to teach my students that they too need to experiences and to better understand the United States to utilizing fashion learn from the injustices within the world. the world in which they live. I have taken icons, such as Alexander McQueen, Italy, and particularly northern Italy, is this responsibility to balance the life of to create fictions based on a piece of full of beautiful examples of art, language, being a teacher while learning from the artwork. Working here as a teacher and culture. It harbors many years of situations in which I find myself while has given me the ability to better my history and a traveler residing here can here in Gallarate, Italy. understanding of instruction and of varied learn not only about what one sees, but Arguably the most important part of ways in which I can manipulate lessons in also about one’s self. When someone my being in Lombardy is to teach as a order to respect the needs of the students. travels abroad they have the choice to see foreign language teacher. Each day I enter Aside from teaching, there are many the country as the romanticized version of my school between 8 -10 am prepared other important aspects of living forty what they thought the country was, or to for three or five classes, which generally minutes outside Milan, Italy’s second be immersed in the real culture and learn consist of about fifteen students.T he most flourishing city in regard to financial from their experiences. I have chosen, classes which I teach vary from second success. I regularly take a five euro train while living here, the latter option. As a year to fifth year. In Italy students not into the center of Milan where I see the teacher and a student I believe I have the only go to school on Saturday, but they largest gothic cathedral in the world, responsibility to take off my rose- colored also have a full extra year to help prepare The Duomo, or one of Da Vinci’s most glasses and study to accept the world them for university and the working famous artworks, “The Last Supper”. for what it is, while growing thanks to world. I have a set curriculum which The city of Milan has immersed me in every situation I encounter. I have the I follow, based on one created by the the world of art, modern Italy, and most responsibility as a teacher to always learn European Frameworks, although I am also importantly for me, the world of fashion. from every aspect of life, and to teach given many opportunities to display what Via Montenapoleone, or “Montenapo,” these lessons to the next generation I have learned in the field of education. is known as the Corner of Fashion. so that they can be the ones to make a The themes which I have presented to This street displays the most modern change in this world. 3 Next Year’s Teachers

Tessa Allen is an undergraduate student majoring in art + design, with a concentration in art education (5-12), as well as a minor in Italian. She is passionate equally about both visual arts and language- learning. In the summer of 2010, she participated in a study abroad program, traveling to the small town of Tuscania, Italy, and living there for a month. She is involved in Salem State University’s Italian Club, serving as President since 2011. She will be graduating this May 2013, with hopes to study Italian at the graduate level.

Jacquelyn Weatherbee is a recent graduate of Salem State University, having earned her BA in theater performance with a minor in music and Italian. She is an actor, playwright, director, and Karl Etzer Limage is an undergraduate musician, student in psychology. Originally from among other Haiti, Salem State University’s language things. Ms. programs have amplified his international Weatherbee view of the world. This was furthered has a deep love through study abroad in Florence, Italy. of culture and He hopes that future students of SSU wants to get out will get to benefit from these same there and see opportunities and create memories that the world. will last a lifetime. 4 In what language does business speak? By: Kenneth Reeds

In a recent edition of Lingua Franca, the world’s top business schools and of the world does not speak English. the dean of the Bertolon School of universities have been pushing to Language acquisition reduces the Business spoke about language learning make English the teaching tongue”. number of people a businessperson and the business world. A fluent This means that regardless of their first cannot communicate with directly speaker of French and English, K. Brewer language, students are learning to speak while also honing cross-cultural and Doran recognized the importance of business in English. Or, examined from communicative skills that the dean language acquisition, stating that she another perspective and echoing the seemed to suggest were important. feels “everyone should learn a second dean’s words, those people who are Imagine competing for a job with a language”. However, at the same born native English speakers start with recent MBA graduate from the École time she also pointed out that, in her an advantage in today’s international Normale Supérieure. He or she will opinion, learning a new language is “not business world. have a graduate degree that was necessary in today’s business world”. So, the question then becomes, if conducted in English. However, thanks While perhaps seeming at least partially you’re born an English speaker and to the place where this graduate was contradictory, these two statements also you want to enter business, is it worth born, he or she will also speak French. reflect a large amount of truth. your time to study a new language? Competitively, this is an enormous English is indeed the language of Many people study business with the benefit. English is indeed the language international business. A recent Ipsos goal of earning money. With this in of business and this gives US-born poll of employees in 26 countries whose mind, The Guardian pointed out that students an advantage; however this jobs require them to speak to people the simple fact is that “a language can quickly turns into a disadvantage if it in other parts of the world reported add between 10% and 15% to your removes motivation to learn a new that two-thirds said that English is the wage”. Beyond the increased salary, language. Language acquisition language that they use most often. we are discussing a competitive place provides cross-cultural, interpersonal, Quoting the CEO of Ipsos, Darrell Bricker, where landing a job or attaining a seat analytical, and communicative skills a Reuters article concluded that “[t]he in a well-regarded MBA program are that can be essential to success in most revealing aspect of this survey is difficult tasks. T he Modern Language business. Beyond this, multilingual how English has emerged as the default Association emphasized language- business people are more likely to be language for business around the world”. learning’s potential contribution to hired and will earn more money. The Harvard Business Review agrees providing a candidate with the needed Do you want to be just another with this conclusion, declaring in an edge: “Competition for the best jobs and person with an international business article that “Ready or not, English is for admission to top-rated graduate and degree or MBA? Why not make now the global language of business”. professional schools is intense. Directly yourself unique by adding another This idea moved a while ago from and indirectly the study of languages language and studying in another opinion and observation into action and their cultures and literatures will country? as business schools around the world provide you with important job-related For reference information, and to began imparting classes in English in knowledge and skills that can give you read the articles referenced here, see the early 1990s. The New York Times a competitive edge”. Of course it is the online version of this article at reports that “[i]n the last five years, also important not to forget that 75% ssclinguafranca.wordpress.com

A Tale of Two Popes (but no Government) By: Amanda Minervini

In recent months the Catholic Church If you happened to be a tourist around was also the first Jesuit to become Pope, and Italy have been the focus of the time of the conclave, then you would and the first fromL atin America. He chose considerable news coverage. not have been able to visit the Chapel, the name Francis thinking of a Church On February 11, 2013 Pope Benedict but you could have waited in St. Peter dedicated to peace and to the care of the XVI announced his decision to resign. square for the response: a smoke signal— poor. This is why Pope Francis seems to He had been elected Pope in 2005 and black: there is no Pope; white: “habemus have rekindled some faith in the Catholic not many Popes in the history of the Papam” (we have a Pope). Church, despite the many scandals that Vatican have decided to leave, certainly After a surprisingly brief conclave, have plagued it in recent years. none in the last six centuries. A period of on March 13, the cardinals elected their However, there is a side of Bergoglio’s uncertainties, but also of hopes, started colleague from Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario personal history that would need among Catholics, whose attention was Bergoglio. He is a Jesuit born in Argentina clarification if he really wants to be the mesmerized once again by the little city- from an Italian family and he decided to heir of St. Francis, the man of peace state within the Italian capital. call himself “Francis.” In the long history and of the poor—not the Francis loved Cardinals started congregating for of the Church, Cardinal Bergoglio was by Italian Fascists in the name of his the election of a new Pope, which takes the first Pope to ever pick the name of endurance of pain, his perfect obedience, place in the marvelous Sistine Chapel. Francis, in honor of Francis of Assisi. He or his trips to the Orient (that the Fascists continued on next page 5 Three Students Win Summer Study Abroad Scholarships By: Elizabeth Blood, Chair

This year, foreign languages launched a new summer study abroad scholarship program to encourage students to participate in our summer programs in Spain, Italy, and Quebec. We would like to congratulate three undergraduate students who were each awarded $250 scholarships towards their study abroad this summer based on their excellent essay entries: Taylor Crampton (Spain), Megan Forrest (Spain), and Kimberleen Toussaint (Quebec). Each of these students has different motivations for learning a second language. Taylor Crampton, a nursing major and honors student who has been studying Spanish since elementary school, is looking forward to the challenge of living and studying in Oviedo, Spain this summer. “As a

future nurse,” Taylor writes, “my advanced understanding of the Spanish language will The Two Papas only help me. I will be able to better communicate with patients of Hispanic origin in order to provide better, more personal patient care.” tried to replicate, talking of “a New A music major, Megan Forrest has always been drawn to studying Spanish. After Crusade,” when they started their hearing a student speak about his summer study experience in Costa Rica at a residence colonial project in Ethiopia and hall event last year, Megan decided that this might be something she would be Somalia). In fact, soon after Bergoglio interested in. “I think that this trip would be a great opportunity to learn about a different turned into Pope Francis, newspaper culture and way of life,” Megan writes, “I think that it is important to branch out in the articles from around the world world, and to not always stay in the same corner.” started asking questions about his Kimberleen Toussaint, an economics major of Haitian ancestry, is hoping to relationship with the Argentinian develop fluency in French, a language spoken by her parents and grandparents.H er fascist regime. interest is personal, but also professional. “I would like to go to Quebec to be immersed After the resignation, Pope in the culture and the French language so that I can truly learn. I want to come home Benedict XVI became “Pope speaking French so that I can speak to my grandmother and ban English from our Emeritus,” and a quite sensational household,” says Kimberleen, “I also aspire to minor in French and have the ability to picture portrayed the meeting of the converse in French during an interview. Being able to speak another language would be two Popes, who called each other beneficial in the job market.” “brothers.” Meanwhile, the “brothers of Italy” (“fratelli d’Italia”), as the national anthem calls them, waited Translation and Interpretation Services: for months for the formation of a new SSU Partners with Salem Public Schools Government after the elections held By: Elizabeth Blood, Chair on February 25th. They can rejoice about their two Popes, but many wish Last year, foreign languages was contacted by the Salem Public Schools. They were to have a Cabinet and a functioning looking for interpreters to help with parent-teacher conferences and had an urgent State. There is no clear majority, need for interpreters in Arabic and French. A culturally and linguistically diverse city, though, and the alliances are so 27% of the students in the Salem public schools come from families where the primary frail, they can fall apart any second. language spoken at home is not English. These families speak 36 different languages. Right now, the Parliament is holding Most are Spanish speakers or speakers of Portuguese, and the schools generally have meetings for an important decision: access to interpreters and translators in those languages. Where they needed help the election of the new President of was with the “low-incidence” languages, and we were able to assist by developing a the Republic (who is elected by the resource list of bilingual students and faculty to provide interpretation services when Chambers, not directly by the people, needed. and who stays in office for seven “We often struggle to find translators for our low-incidence languages, meaning years). Yet, rather than agreeing on those that are spoken by much smaller numbers of students—Arabic, Albanian, Tagalog, possible candidates, so far they have Haitian Creole, Chinese, Somali, and so on. Being able to contact someone who is fluent only managed to upset each other in these languages through Salem State University is a wonderful benefit for our English and a good chunk of the electorate. Language Learners,” says Nancy Meacham, ELL Coordinator for the Salem Public Maybe irreparably. We will see. Schools. “It is so gratifying to see the relief on parents’ faces when the meet a translator 6 and realize they can now communicate to translate different types of documents, developed a resource list of speakers of fully with their child’s teacher or school,” ranging from report cards to a document many different languages. To date, we says Meacham. about new systems being implemented in have been able to provide assistance Meacham also highlights the the school. I also attended parent-teacher for families who, in addition to Arabic importance of cross-cultural conferences,” says Bambara. “It was a and French, speak Albanian, Russian, understanding: “Culture and language great experience to be the link between Bengali, Chinese, Urdu, Vietnamese, and are so closely linked, and having parents and teachers. I felt very useful Portuguese. Also, according to Bilingual translators who can bring that cultural explaining to parents how their children Outreach Specialist Alma Pimentel, expertise and sensitivity is crucial are progressing learning English. It fiveSSU students answered our call to to positive communication between reminded me of my own experience in a assist with parent-teacher conferences students, teachers, and their parents.” way.” Bambara, who has been accepted in Spanish at the Bentley Elementary This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Joseph into several prestigious graduate School in March. Hitti, an Arabic instructor at SSU who is programs for International Relations in In a letter to the foreign languages also a professional translator. Dr. Hitti, France and Switzerland, hopes to use department written last month, Dr. a native of Lebanon, was able to help his language skills in the future. “This Stephen Russell, Superintendent of out with the initial urgent request for gave me a sense of what it would be like the Salem Public Schools, thanked the an Arabic interpreter, working at Collins to work in an international environment students and faculty of Salem State Middle School and Bates Elementary where people communicate in many for their willingness to assist Salem’s School for an Iraqi family who has different languages.” multicultural families: “Having access children in both schools. He highlighted Since the initial contact with the to Salem State professors and students the need for interpreters to understand Salem Public Schools, foreign languages who are fluent speakers of these [low- both cultures in order to facilitate positive incidence] languages has been an communication. “For me,” Hitti says, “the invaluable benefit to our students and interesting thing about interpretation is their families...Thank you sincerely that it always puts me in situations I’ve for your efforts in connecting this never been in before. This time, it was resource at Salem State University dealing with refugees and the education to our work with Salem’s English system. It’s actually a personal reward for Language Learners.” me to be able to help people and to be an Foreign languages has also assisted advocate for new immigrants.” with volunteer translation projects for Brice Bambara, a 2012 SSU graduate Lifebridge and the Boys and Girls Club with a major in political science and in Salem this year, and we plan to a minor in foreign languages, also continue to expand our translator/ volunteered to help with interpreting interpreter resource list in the future. for the Salem schools. An international If you are a student, staff, or faculty student from Burkina Faso, Bambara member who is bilingual and would like speaks fluent French in addition to several to be contacted for paid or volunteer African languages. He was asked to help work in translation/interpretation with interpreting and translation for next year, please send your contact French-speaking African families at the information to Dr. Blood Bentley Elementary School. “I was asked ([email protected]).

Couch surfing in Sicily By: Richard Strager

“Vai più piano, Eduardo!” I shouted. cheapest and coolest way to travel around for the day. I assumed we’d be going by “Go slower!” How did I end up here, the world without having to pay for a car, so when he handed me a helmet and speeding along this narrow Sicilian place to stay. In addition, the site provides told me to hop on his motorcycle, I was coastal road under the glare of a scalding travelers with the unique opportunity to taken aback. But, he assured me that he’d August sun, sitting behind this 65-year-old get to know local people and perhaps to been riding motorcycles his whole life silver-haired Italian gentleman, perched be shown around by them. and it was the best way to see the coast. on the back of his classic Moto Guzzi Eduardo, a retired oil refinery inspector, So I jumped on board behind him and motorcycle which was almost as old as he was full of energy and bravado. He had roared out of the city leaving behind the was? lots of free time on his hands and enjoyed chaotic urban sprawl of Catania and up I’d only met Eduardo for the first spending it hosting travelers from all over into the surrounding hills along the coast- time the day before. He had replied to a the world and introducing them to his hugging cliff roads, heading toward the request I’d placed on the Couch Surfing beloved Sicily. When he offered to take fashionable resort town of Taormina. Little website looking for accommodations me on a tour of the north-eastern coast did I know we’d be covering 75 miles that for the couple of nights I was hoping to of Sicily, I accepted without hesitation, day over the course of 12 hours. Eduardo spend in Catania, Sicily. Couch Surfing, in in the spirit of adventure. I felt lucky to had also failed to mention how much he case you haven’t heard of it, is the easiest, have my own personal Italian tour guide enjoyed weaving in between traffic, riding continued on next page 7 down the center stripe of two-way roads, showing guests around their town or terrified.I was thoroughly enjoying the and his preference for stopping at red city. There are also those on the website breathtaking views and the cooling, lights only as a last resort. who don’t have a bed or couch to offer, buffeting blasts of wind that swirled Couchsurfing,org is a website that but are eager to meet for a cup of coffee around me, vibrating my body to the seeks to create and promote a culture of or a glass of wine, or to invite you to a core. I was also cringing at the speed helping and hosting travelers for free. party or cultural event. Others might with which we rounded those hairpin The ‘couch’ part is a bit misleading. A be able to put you up for a night or two, turns. At times I’d be gazing in awe at simple couch is certainly one type of but not have any free time to spend with the gorgeous pristine turquoise of the lodging that people might offer, but in you. It really varies from place to place Mediterranean Sea which stretched my three experiences staying with people and person to person. While a lot of for mile upon dizzying mile far below in Italy last summer, on each occasion I details are covered in the posted profiles us, at other times I’d be seeing my life was given my own room, own bathroom, of those seeking to host, flexibility is a flashing before my eyes.Y et, at a certain internet access, and at least one home must if you want to participate. It’s free point, I consciously loosened my grip, cooked meal. In exchange, I was only to sign up and there is no obligation let go of my fear and relaxed, finally just asked to spend some quality time with or even expectation that you offer enjoying the moment. I felt appreciative whoever was hosting me, sharing travel reciprocity in terms of hosting the people of this opportunity to discover Sicily stories and chatting about the world from who host you. In addition, each profile from a very unusual perspective, and the sundry to the profound. In my case, also contains personal recommendations was ultimately thrilled by this ride of a I intentionally chose hosts who didn’t from past guests which provide a way to lifetime. seem to speak any English since I much evaluate which hosts might be the most So strap on your helmet, hold onto preferred to use my Italian. Most people reliable and worthwhile to contact. The your seat, and take a spin around the on the website, however, appear to be hosts also get to rate their guests. world for free using the couchsurfing. bi-, tri- or quadri-lingual, which is not that Meanwhile, griping tightly to the org website. Set up your profile today unusual in Europe. Some hosts, in fact, back of the motorcycle, I found myself and get ready for some guaranteed are very likely angling for a chance to continuously bouncing back and forth unpredictable adventures. hone their English speaking skills while somewhere between exhilarated and Do you dare? 8 Exchange Trip Miss Bala and Operation Fast and Furious By: Vilma Bibeau By: Michele C. Dávila

As part of my teaching duties at According to criminal statistics, in 2012 there were 30 assassinations per day in Billerica Memorial High School I assist , 70% of which were committed by weapons purchased in the United States with the international exchange program. (Univision). This is not a commonly-known fact in the United States. One of the reasons Over the past two years I have been may be because it has not yet been depicted in a Hollywood movie. But in 2011, writer/ very fortunate to travel to Europe and director Gerardo Naranjo filmed the movie Miss Bala (Miss Bullet), based on true events, experience an international exchange in which there is a glimpse of the violence in the warzone that exists on our southern trip with my students. In our first trip, in border. The website Rotten Tomatoes shows the film receiving 87% favorable reviews, 2012, I traveled to Spain with my students. but there are very few people that have seen it in the United States. Here I will talk This year, assisted by a chaperone, I briefly about the movie and about its historical context, giving details about O“ peration brought them on a trip to Italy. Fast and Furious,” established by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms The exchange program is a and Explosives (ATF), and its arms trafficking to Mexico. “relationship” between two schools from Miss Bala is the story of Laura Guerrero, whose dream to become Miss Baja California different countries. At Billerica Memorial suddenly becomes a nightmare when Lino Valdez, the capo of the region, takes a High School, where I teach Spanish and continued on next page Italian, we have a trip for each of the four languages we offer; Italian, Spanish, German, and French. It has been the practice that the “sister” school sends their students to visit us and stay with our students and families during September. After, in this year’s exchange, the groups from our school visited the students and their families in Italy (February) and France (April). Every year we alternate countries. Thus, next year we will exchange with Spanish and German students, giving all of our language students an opportunity to enjoy this opportunity. The direct contact between our students and the host families was an extraordinary experience for all involved. My students were not just happy to be in an amazing country, visiting fantastic places, but they were thrilled to use their language skills in an authentic setting. My favorite reaction from the kids was: “Mrs. Bibeau, I can speak Italian and I understand what they say!” And my reply is: “I know. That’s what it’s all about!” Being a foreign language teacher is an incredible job that allows you to share the world with your students. You have the opportunity to open a window to the world for them. With their acquired language skills the students are now able to enter into the international stage, where they can broaden their horizons and open their minds to other perspectives. I believe that these exchange programs are great opportunities to expose students to a world of possibilities in terms of learning a language and its beautiful culture. They may forget other things, but they will never forget a memorable trip like this and their new friends.

9 shine to her and unwillingly Laura American who in return gives her high- massacres that outraged Mexico because starts to participate in Mexico’s violent caliber arms. The main contact the drug many of the victims were innocent war. At the end she wins the crown in traffickers have in the United States is people. The Mexican government started a ridiculous and obvious way in front someone who has the advantage of investigating the increase in cartel warfare of the cameras, without undergoing the possessing military-style weapons for and the American arms since the Aliviane normal procedure. This scene is a replica sale. Who is this guy? The movie does Massacre in 2009 in a rehabilitation of the famous case of Laura Zúniga, Miss not say, but if we track the firearms we center, where 17 were killed, and the Sinaloa 2008, who was arrested when she can begin to understand. Salvarcar Massacre in 2010, with 16 was found in a truck full of arms outside It is now known that from 2006 to 2011 young men murdered. According to an of Guadalajara, Jalisco. the United States Bureau of Alcohol, investigation by Univision aired in 2012, In the movie, Laura also loses her Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) the operation became only questioned reputation when the police, in connivance ran a series of operations, including by the United States when DEA agent with the drug smugglers, chooses her as Operation Fast and Furious, in which Brian Terry was killed provoking the the scapegoat for the staged attempted they allowed American firearm dealers “gunwalking scandal.” Jake Tapper, murder of an army coronel, and is to sell weapons to illegal buyers from a journalist for ABC News, stated that presented in the news as a prize of the south of the border. The purpose was to Operation Fast and Furious started nine war against crime. In the last scene we track the guns to the Mexican druglords, months after President Obama started see Laura being dumped alive out of a car and consequently, dismantle the drug office, although similar programs had in a solitary street. trafficking in the area. I t is estimated that been started during the Bush presidency. Laura is both accomplice and victim more than 2,000 firearms were sold, of As a result of the scandal, for the first because she has two paradoxical reasons which only 710 had been recovered by time in congressional history the House for staying and helping Lino. The first 2012. None of the cartel “capos” have of Representatives voted on June 19, 2012 is that he promised her the pageant been arrested. “to hold Attorney General Eric Holder crown, something Laura really desired. Operation Fast and Furious began in in contempt for refusing to turn over The second reason becomes the decisive October 31, 2009 when four individuals documents tied to the botched Fast and factor for her staying on: the gang knew purchased AK-47s in Arizona. The Furious gun-running sting—a discredited where she lived and could kill her father ATF’s Phoenix office was in charge of operation that has become a sharp point and brother if they so desire. As a result, the investigation and chose the name of contention between Democrats and Laura seems to have no emotion during of the operation because the suspects Republicans in Washington.” In the end, the film; her face is impassive and quiet. were based in an auto-repair shop and the different operations were stopped. There is another important scene in the participated in street races, just like the If you want to understand what it is movie that the American movie reviewers Vin Diesel movie franchise. The Sinaloa like to live in a state of siege, you do not did not mention. The capo sends Laura Cartel and its biggest enemy, the Juárez need to go to the Middle East. Miss Bala across the border to the United States Cartel, are the two warring groups that reminds us that in a place as close as our with thousands of dollars strapped to have benefited most from the firearms, southern border, whole communities live her torso, and there she meets with an and were the perpetrators of two under constant threat of violence.

The Students of Italian 303 “amazing racing” through Salem By: Rayanne Menery

The students of the Conversation in Italian Class (Italian 303) were racing through the city of Salem one evening in March while finishing a scavenger hunt completely in Italian. Some students planted the clues before class, while the rest of the students were trying to catch up all the way to the end of the hunt. We ventured from the Friendship ship, in which students had to call a cell phone number by counting the number of the masts, to finding a clue in the hand of the statute of Sabrina the witch. The students used their Italian skills to navigate through the city while also using a GPS system, Morse code and utilizing employees at some local establishments such as the Hawthorne Hotel. continued on next page 10 After finding a clue under one of the benches in a park, the students found the last clue at the Bella Verona Ristorante where they were treated to an authentic Italian meal while speaking in Italian. The students in the scavenger hunt were Marshall Jespersen, Damon Jespersen, Christine Bancheri, Andrea Capoilupo, Anna Lucia DeLoi, Victoria Parker and Philemon Awah Ngeh. All enjoyed themselves while dressed in costume as they deciphered the clues. Who knows? Maybe you will see another group in upcoming weeks venturing throughout the city. I was extremely proud of the enthusiasm and the Italian echoing through the streets of Salem. It was a nice review of the Imperative tense as well!

Returned Peace Corps Poems from Dr. Doll’s Literature Classes Volunteer Shares Jarchas are brief poetic jewels dating as far back as the 11th century. Experiences They are the first poems written inM ozarabe, an Arabic-influenced version of Hispano-Romance spoken in the south of Spain in the Middle Dr. Laurie Lopez Charles, a returned Ages. They are characterized by notes of desire, longing and sensuality. Peace Corps Volunteer, spoke on campus Written by men in the voices of women who yearn for the return of their on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 to language beloveds, jarchas are poignant glimpses into the emotional realm of men students. Dr. Lopez Charles served in and women in early Spain. Togo, West Africa in 1999-2001 just after completing her Ph.D. in Psychology. Here are a few selections written by students in this semester’s Later, she returned to the Central African undergraduate (SPN401) and graduate (SPN706) classes in Spanish Republic with Medecins Sans Frontières. literature. Today, she runs a family therapy clinic in Lynn and works as a freelance consultant training psychologists and therapists in From SPN401 post-conflict areas in French-speaking Africa and other locations around the Ya habibi ayenee Cuando me despierto te quedas a mi lado world. Dr. Lopez Charles explained how tus labios son rosas La brisa de la mañana lleva tu olor language skills are an asset for students creciendo en el jardín. Como al-misk y el jengibre interested in applying to the Peace Corps Tus ojitos reflejan el sol. Mi morenito está aquí and how the Peace Corps can help you to further develop your language skills in a --Alison Sabean --Christina L. Hamlin meaningful way. Students interested in the Peace Corps can consult peacecorps. gov to find out more. FroP m S N706

Sin ti habib no puedo Mi corazón salta cuando pienso ma bon, mi bello del color negro, como tu pelo. ma bokella grita por ti Cuando no puedo verte e tu corazoncito ¿gime por mí? quiero comer fresas, como tus labios. ¿Dónde estás, mi habib? No sé. -Betsy Ramos -Gabriella Mirabella

¡Meu sidi, amor lindo! Su pecho peludo, una almohada de animal, tanto anhelo, un reposo, un oasis en el desierto dentro de su abrazo mortal.

-Sara Amancio 11 Foreign Language Students Graduating Departmental Awards 2013 in May 2013

Excellence Karl Limage (ITL) The following students will be graduating Ryan Walsh (ITL) Ruth Cooper (LAT) from SSU in May 2013 with a Master of Philemon Awha (ITL) Kristen Sanfilippo (FRE) Arts in Teaching Spanish, a Bachelor of Jeffrey Robinson (FRE) Ciara Tavares (FRE) Arts in Spanish, or a foreign language Matthew Curley (FRE) Nicholas F. Martinez (FRE) minor in either French, Foreign Melissa Carella (SPN) Chelsea L. Gaudet (FRE) Languages, Italian, or Spanish Angelica Greene (SPN) Emily L. Doucette (FRE) Angela Harling (SPN) Makalah L. A. Moore (FRE) Nilsa Huynh (SPN) Jacob T. Crawford (FRE) SPANISH MAJORS Patricia Sanchez (SPN-MAT) Álvaro Jose Witt Duarte (GER) Cherie A. Mann Aviel Valenzuela (SPN-MAT) Amanda Tower (SPN) Christina Maria DiLiegro Katie Hanchette (SPN-MAT) Kelsey Delaney (SPN) Melida E. Sanchez Rosa de la Cruz (SPN) Vanessa Rose Risti Kayla Fields (SPN) Achievement Alise Rittershaus (SPN) Naomi Deckert (ARA) FRENCH MINORS Courtney Welch (SPN) Miki Nakamura (CHI) Ernstsherley C. Blanc

Takumi Matsuoka (CHI) Cassandra M. Cirillo William Winn (CHI) Service to Christopher Tyler Dubois Cynthia Su (CHI) department or Nicole B. Freeman Amie Dibbern (ITL) community Michael Joseph Hughes Gabriella George (ITL) Tessa Allen (ITL) Stephen James Lacey Caitlin O’Toole (ITL) Marta Marucci (ITL) Erik Weissinger Laura Howard (ITL) Mikeneil Paul (FL) ITALIAN MINORS Tessa Renee Allen Kelly J. Duggan Cristina Paterno

SPANISH MINORS Melissa Marie Carella Amy Elena Castellano Nicholas E. Cristoforo David Allen Gadbois Socrates Joel Garcia Christina Leigh Hamlin Jaclyn Leigh Keefe Adam K. McQuarrie Laura Elizabeth Sawulski

FOREIGN LANGUAGE MINORS Matthew Jerome Curley Chad Whitman Freeman Iris Hoxha Darlene Rodriguez Mario R. Rodriguez Catia R. Simas

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING SPANISH Spanish Interpreter Visits Foreign Languages James M. Dickens Katina McClain Dr. Leonor Figueroa-Feher, Program Manager for Training at the Office of Jennifer M. Scott Court Interpreter Services, Boston MA, spoke about interpreting and translating Sara H. Amancio as possible careers on Monday, February 25. The lecture was sponsored by the Samuel Martinez foreign languages department. Anastasia Kolokithas 12