Language Biography and Analysis

Paper Summary:

The goal of the exercise is to elicit a language autobiography, an account that focuses on the language experiences of someone who has grown up with more than one language. The paper explains that these language experiences may be tied to different speakers, places or both. The person selected was a woman who emigrated from Greece immediately following WWII. The paper also includes a transcription of the interview.

From the Paper:

"Me: First, let me say how much I appreciate your taking the time for this interview. Yia-Yia: It's my pleasure. When Kali asked me if I'd be interested in speaking with you, I thought it would be a good experience for both of us. Me: It's interesting that you should say so. Why is that? Yia-Yia: We Greeks can be very insular, even when we live in other countries. It's always good to have the opportunity to clear up some misconceptions, especially when most Americans only have information about the Greek culture through church festivals. Me: Believe me, I'm glad to have the opportunity. So, my first question for you is, what languages do you currently speak? Yia-Yia: I speak mostly Greek and English, of course and some French. I learned some French by staying in Rheims with family after the war."

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