Using Authentic Online Target Language Reference Resources -

The Cross-cultural Semantic Research Project 
accompanying Section 4 of the Paulsen, J. (2001) IMEJ article


Janice B. Paulsen
Webmaster, Le quartier français du village planétaire
University of Richmond


1. Semantic inquiry and cross-cultural exchange in the Cultura Project:

Documents linked from the Cultura Project MIT Web site and described in the LLT Cultura Project article [Furstenberg et al 2001], as referred to in the  Paulsen, J. (2001) IMEJ article, section 6:2, clearly demonstrate the effective step-by-step methodology of this seminal cross-cultural "pedagogy of the electronic media" initiative. For the purposes of this semantic research project, we begin by considering the French and American students’ total engagement in the process of discovering, analyzing and trying to process the surprisingly different French and American conceptualizations of Individualisme/ Individualism encountered through their cross-cultural communication project activities.
 
Observe in this first Cultura document - http://web.mit.edu/french/cultura/pic6.html, the juxtaposed French and American Individualisme/ Individualism word associations created by participant responses to the step 1 questionnaires, noting in particular  the repeated French use of the negative égoisme in contrast with the positive American associations of freedom and creativity:


These seemingly antonymic word associations give rise to the following animated cross-cultural forum exchanges  - http://web.mit.edu/french/cultura/article/individualism.html :

They also inspire the French student Eric B. (as he indicates in the last post #11 in the following screen capture) to create Web page charts synthesizing the results - http://www.int-evry.fr/lfh/projetscooperatifs/Individualism/individualism.htm.

All of these documents demonstrate the manner in which the Cultura methodology not only sparks student curiosity and desire to communicate with target language peers, but also motivates deeper inquiry and exploration of the culture-laden complexities of language learning.

In the Cultura forum exchanges, as noted in posts 7 and 9, the participants had begun to request and give undocumented definitions from their source cultures. Since few online reference resources were available in 1997 when this project was initiated, we propose in this paper (and demo) to explore the important insights which documented online semantic research, using quality electronic reference tools, can bring to these  cross-cultural initiatives. French students of English could do a search on Individualism in American online dictionaries and encyclopedias, and the American students of French could research Individualisme using authentic online French language  references such as those described in section 4 of the New Era Trends and Technologies in Foreign Language Learning IMEJ article. We suggest that such semantic research --carried out, documented and communicated online-- can build upon the potential of the Cultura cross-cultural communication initiative by taking advantage of the information arm of the Internet technologies.
 

2. The Semantic Research Project Script and Demo:

This is the updated, expanded HTML version of the script and screen shot images for the Wake Forest IMEJ QuickTime Semantic Research Demo, Exploring Cultural Differences of Seeming Cognates Using Online Target Language References, which accompanies section 4 of the Paulsen, J. (2001) IMEJ article. The QuickTime Movie demonstrates the manner in which the professor might choose to introduce such an online target language semantic research project in the electronic classroom or in online courseware. Because the demo is slow to download for modem users, this more detailed Web version of the total project is also being made available.  Both versions demonstrate how such academic research opens wide the doors into the whole realm of the literary, political, economic and social  history, and the belief systems of the target culture. Coupled with the ground-breaking cross-cultural communication of the Cultura initiative, such information research can  motivate increasing  communication exchanges, deeper cross-cultural research, dissertations, and life-long learning.


2.1 Introduction - Exploring Cultural Differences Using Online Target Language References:

Cognates – that is, words that are essentially the same in two different languages – often carry connotations that reflect cultural differences embedded in language. Authoritative target language dictionaries and encyclopedias now available online make it possible for students to research word meanings in more depth, enabling them to come to a greater understanding of these cultural differences. Intrigued by the Forum exchanges in the Cultura Project, let us see what we can uncover, using culturally authentic new era online  reference tools, that might help further explain the differing French and American students' conceptualizations of individualisme/ individualism.

2.2 From the American Heritage Dictionary (4th edition 2000 - http://www.bartleby.com/61/3/I0110300.html), we begin with the (American) English language definition of individualism:

 
The American Heritage first definition (1a "Belief in the primary importance of the individual and in the virtues of self-reliance and personal independence”) clearly indicates how highly the American culture values individualism. The second definition (2a "A doctrine advocating" economic freedom further expresses the valued position in the American culture. Definition 3a describes individualism as a “quality,” which term is generally perceived in English (as well as in French) to be positive.
 
These positive American connotations of individualism stand in evident contrast to the cultural implications of  the French conceptualizations, as we shall see.

2.3 Beginning with a search for the definition of individualisme in the Dictionnaire universel francophone en ligne (Hachette) - http://www.francophonie.hachette-livre.fr/, let’s see what light can be shed on the French term:
 

individualisme n. m.
    1. Théorie, conception qui voit dans l'individu la réalité, la valeur la plus élevée.
    [= Theory, concept which places the highest value in the individual.]
    2. Cour. Égoïsme.
    [=  Egoism, the current French usage synonym for individualisme]
Note that in the Web version the wording of the definition is hyperlinked. For example, clicking on l’individu reveals, in definition 3 (see below), that the individual is considered “separately/ individually” in relationship to the collectivity. The individual and the State, the individual and Society. Finally, note that again, the final usage (#4) is pejorative. Any person that one cannot name or that one scorns. Who is that individual? A sinister individual.
individu n. m
1. Tout être organisé, animal ou végétal, qui ne peut être divisé sans perdre ses caractères distinctifs, sans être détruit. 2. SC NAT , BIOL Être concret qui entre dans l'extension d'une espèce. Le genre, l'espèce, l'individu. 3. Être humain considéré isolément par rapport à la collectivité. L'individu et l'État, et la société. Syn. (Réunion) monde. 4. Cour., péjor. Personne quelconque que l'on ne peut nommer ou que l'on méprise. Qui est cet individu? Un sinistre individu.
Clicking on Égoïsme reveals that this word is characterized as the exclusive love of one’s own person, the disposition to seek exclusively one’s own pleasure and personal interest. A quotation is given from Honoré de Balzac, the famous 19th century French writer: “Self-centeredness is the poison of friendship.” Altruism and generosity are the French antonyms of égoisme. The negative imagery evident in the French cultural perception, so contrary to the positive conceptualizations in American society, thus becomes clearer.
égoïsme n. m
    Amour exclusif de soi; disposition à rechercher exclusivement son plaisir et son intérêt personnels. "L'égoïsme est un poison de l'amitié" (Balzac).
Antonyme. altruisme, générosité.
2.4 Let’s further our investigation by exploring the detailed synonyms for individualisme available in the highly respected  CNRS Dictionnaire des synonymes - http://elsap1.unicaen.fr/cherches.html
 
 
Noting that the 7 synonyms are in alphabetic order, each hyperlinked and further enlarging the semantic field, we begin by clicking on anarchisme:
individualisme : anarchisme, égocentrisme, égoïsme, indépendance, libéralisme, non-conformisme, particularisme.
anarchisme : anarcho-syndicalisme, individualisme.
and discover that individualisme in this anarchic sense represents the individual against society, in the sense of unionism, for example.
égocentrisme : autisme, autolâtrie, centre, égoïsme, égotisme, endurcissement, individualisme, moi, narcissisme, personnalité.
Synonyms of egocentrism include autism, self-idolatry, egoism, egotism, hardening/ rigidity, individualism, focus on “I.” narcissism, and unique personality.
égoïsme : amour de soi, amour-propre, autolâtrie, avarice, égocentrisme, égotisme, endurcissement, exclusivisme, indifférence, individualisme, ingratitude, insensibilité, inserviabilité, moi, narcissime, narcissisme, particularisme, personnalité, sécheresse, vanité.
Here is the egoism we met as the current equivalent in the Hachette dictionary. Notice how it moves us even further into the negative (or “vice”) category, adding to the synonyms of egocentrism above, love of oneself, self-love, exclusiveness, indifference, ingratitude, insensibility, unwillingness to help others, lack of feeling for others, and vanity.
indépendance : affranchissement, autonomie, émancipation, franchise, individualisme, indocilité, insoumission, liberté, non-conformisme, originalité, sécession, séparation, séparatisme, souveraineté.
With the synonym independence, one of two words (independence and egocentrism) which appeared in both the French and American word associations, we begin to move into the political and social economics domain (feeling like we are heading into the American Revolution and the Civil War), with affranchisement (freedom/ emancipation, autonomy, emancipation, rebelliousness, insubordination, liberty/ freedom, non-conformism, secession, separation, separatism, and sovereignty
libéralisme : capitalisme, individualisme, laissez-faire, largeur, libéralité, libre-échange, tolérance.
And with liberalism we arrive firmly in the political science realm with capitalism, laissez-faire, liberality, free-exchange and tolerance.
non-conformisme : anticonformisme, indépendance, individualisme, isolement, originalité.
With non-conformism, in addition to the American values of independence and originality, comes the French sense of deliberate isolation.
particularisme : attitude, autonomisme, caractère, coutume, égoïsme, individualisme, originalité, particularité, propriété, séparatisme.
Particularisme translates into pecularity/ oddness/ strangeness/ privateness and gives the additional synonyms of attitude, character, custom, (private) property, separatism (from the collectivity).
2.5 Searching further, we go to the site of the Quebec Office of the French Language for the French Canadian definition of individualisme in the GDT (grand dictionnaire terminologique) of the Quebec "Office de la langue française"   - http://www.granddictionnaire.com/_fs_global_01.htm.
 

 
Here, surprisingly, though this site offers English language equivalents, we find no English equivalent for individualisme. The official French Canadian terminology dictionary classifies the concept solely in the political and social economics category, and defines it as a moral (in the sense of a social custom and/or societal value) attitude which privileges personal interest. This French-Canadian definition further emphasizes the demarcation between the French and American political and economic institutions and policies.
Domaine(s) : économie politique et sociale1 / 1
individualisme n. m.
    Déf. : Attitude morale qui privilégie l'intérêt personnel.
2.6 The recently digitized "most marvelous of all French dictionaries," Trésor de la Langue Française Informatisé - http://zeus.inalf.fr/scripts/tlf_click2/showps.exe?p=main.tlf
 

gives detailed search results, with additional complex research possibilities, on the definitions and usage in context of the French concept of individualisme, echoing the French cultural interpretations discovered thus far. Furthermore, this "Treasure of  the French Language" opens up deeper research projects exploring the concept of individualisme contextualized in the works of the French writers such as Henri Beyle/ Stendhal, Zola, and De Gaulle,  cited in the “Visualisation en contexte” portions, as illustrated below:

Recherche complexe –La requête :
http://zeus.inalf.fr/scripts/tlf_click2/nouvreq.exe?6;s=467983395;nat=nouveau
Visualisalisation selective : http://zeus.inalf.fr/scripts/tlf_click2/visusel.exe?94;s=467983395;b=12;nat=complexe;r=2
Visualisation en contexte Solution 6/7 - http://zeus.inalf.fr/scripts/tlf_click2/visusel.exe?101;s=467983395;r=2;nat=complexe;sol=5;
Visualisation en contexte Solution 5/7 - http://zeus.inalf.fr/scripts/tlf_click2/visusel.exe?100;s=467983395;r=2;nat=complexe;sol=4;
 
 
Having observed that our semantic inquiry has taken us into the realms of French cultural history, literature, politics and economics,  we conclude this preliminary semantic search by exploring the concept of individualism/ individualisme as perceived by the American and French cultures in their free online Web Encyclopedias.

2.7 We begin our encyclopedia search on individualism in the Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001 - http://encarta.msn.com. In the image below is "Encarta's Best Match" for individualism - http://encarta.msn.com/find/search.asp?search=individualism&x=14&y=12, which chooses as its primary characterization the doctrine of individualism in political and economic philosophy.

It is to be noted that the Encarta Encyclopedia offers 43 free (plus 6 additional Premium Subscriber only) online search results for individualism. A perusal of the classification of the search results freely available online, listed below,  quickly alerts us to the complexity and deeply embedded cultural history of our subject under investigation:

2.8 Doing a search on individualisme using the freely accessed French Atlas, WebEncyclo - http://www.webencyclo.com/recherche/recherche_mots.asp?motcle=individualisme, brings up similarly complex, culture-bound and thought-provoking results:


Selecting the first choice, the individualisme option, from the 55 articles resulting from our EncycloWeb search -http://www.webencyclo.com/articles/articles.asp?IDDoc=00001458&&& , we obtain (again) a political science article, a portion of which is shown in the screen capture image to follow.

This article, from the Politique/ droit et société > Sciences politiques section of the WebEncyclo, is headed by the definition of individualisme as the “Attitude d'esprit ou courant idéologique qui affirme la valeur irréductible de l'individu” (“the mental attitude or ideological current which affirms the irreducible value of the individual”, or as we would say in English, "which affirms the primacy of the individual").

The first sentence states that in the strict sense of the term, the concept of individualism did not appear until modern times, and that it is, so to speak, the essential element of this era. It is not the purpose of this demo to offer a full translation of this French article, leaving that for the students to discover. However,  it is worth noting that in the concluding paragraph of the article, the topic sentence states that the notion of individualism remains nevertheless ambiguous, being more likely to be characterized by the values of individual independence than those of individual automomy. In France, the article further concludes, while some applaud the celebration of the present, others stigmatize its negative effects (societal atomization, cult of the new, consommation at any price, conformity, political disaffection) and stress that these phenomena risk, paradoxically, weakening ("fragilizing") this major conquest of modern times which is individual liberty.

 
Food for thought in this new era...


3. Conclusion

If students dig deeply enough, follow up on research leads and continue to discuss (electronically and/or in-person) cross-cultural insights with target language peers, they may indeed be enabled to get inside the mentality of and learn from other cultures, profiting and growing richer from the best insights of each. This has always been the goal of the liberal arts foreign language requirement. The cross-cultural "pedagogy of the electronic media" coupled with these new era technologies and research tools can make its achievement an ever more attainable reality for today's  technology literate students.

4. References:

  1. as referred to in section 6.2, Paulsen, J. (2001) "Toward a New Era Pedagogy of Foreign Language Instruction."  New Era Trends and Technologies in Foreign Language Learning: An Annotated Bibliography,  Interactive Multimedia Electronic Journal of Computer-Enhanced Learning 1. 05 April 2001, Wake Forest University.
  2. as included in section 4, Paulsen, J. (2001)"Authentic Online Target Language Reference Resources." New Era Trends and Technologies in Foreign Language Learning: An Annotated Bibliography, Interactive Multimedia Electronic Journal of Computer-Enhanced Learning 1. 05 April 2001, Wake Forest University]
  3. Furstenberg, G., Levet, S., English, Kathryn, & Maillet, Katherine. (2001). Giving a Virtual Voice to the Silent Language of  Culture. Language Learning and Technology 5.1. January 2001. pp. 55-102.
  4. Furstenberg, G., Levet, S., English, Kathryn, & Maillet, Katherine. (2001). Cultura Project WebCT Home Page.
  5. Hoecherl-Alden, Gisela. (2000). Turning Professional: Content-based Communication and the Evolution of a  Cross-Cultural Language  Curriculum. Foreign Language Annals 33.6, November-December 2000. American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages. Allen Press, Inc., Lawrence, KA, pp. 614-621.
  6. Paulsen, J. (2000). New Technologies for the 21st Century Foreign Language Classroom, ASCD Curriculum-Technology Quarterly 10.2. Winter 2000, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Alexandria, VA, pp. 1-4.
  7. Paulsen, J. (2000) Les Bonnes TICES en et du français - FL Tech Strategies That Work  (online version of  the Faculty  Seminar presented at  Wake Forest University,  12 June 2000.
  8. Paulsen, J. (1996). Making Foreign Language Study REAL via the WWW Global Village. In Warschauer, Mark, ed. Virtual Connections: Online Activities and Projects for Networking Language Learners. Ed. M. Warschauer.  Honolulu, Hawaii: University of Hawaii Press. January,  pp. 318-320.


Last update: 13 July 2001
emailJanice B. Paulsen,  (jpaulsen@facstaff.richmond.edu).
Copyright © 2001 - Janice B. Paulsen, Webmaster:
Le Quartier français du village planétaire.

University of Richmond