I have recently learned a new word. Although it looks like two words, we're going to pretend that it is only one. We're going to think of it as a string or a compound because both of these words work together to describe one single entity out in the world. There is much evidence to suggest that the basis of language is actually phraseological and not based on single words. I may have already told you that. I may be off on a tangent now. Oops.
The word is : Unol Daleithiau. I know what you're thinking, "But that isn't in English." I know, its Welsh. But, this will hopefully all make sense in a minute. If you wanted to say something like, "I'm from the States," this is a good word to know. You say: "Dw i'n dod o yr Unol Daleithiau." This is something I never would have said before I moved here. And, not just because it is in Welsh.
I'm sure this a rant I've been on before, but its one that I think is powerful and interesting. It is interesting how people describe themselves because it is indicative of how they see themselves. It is also indicative about how people in the immediate vicinity see them. Its not all internal; its not immutable. And, that to me is what makes it interesting.
I would have never identified myself as being, "from the States" before moving here for a number of reasons. First off, I've lived most of my life in the States. So, saying you're from there while you're still there is a bit redundant. Yes, honey. We know. Which state? Often more importantly, What city or township do you call home? Also, how often do you hear anyone say that when there are other ways to say it that are, I don't know, less phraseological and more succint like "I'm from America." or even, "I'm American."? Well, this might have to do with the cringe factor of being called "American". And, that just makes things so much more interesting.
I suppose at this point I should say something about how there is nothing wrong with being American. The United States is a lovely country full of helpful, charming people. Its an exciting democratic republic where occasionally portions of the population turn up at polls and allegedly elect the leadership and help to set and drive policy. I love my homeland. And, I miss it. But, these things aren't the point at the moment.
I personally shy away from the term "American" because it references the continent. I am not the citizen of a continent, but of a country on a continent. While this is a pointless distinction, it is one that I make nonetheless. I also shy away from the term "American" because in the past five years, at least inside the U.S., it has come to be used with much frequency by a certain subsection of the population and to describe that subsection. You know, "True Americans" . The people who are "real patriots". The ones that support the government 100% and had bumper stickers on the vehicles that said things like, "First Iraq, then Chirac." The ones thar are willing to give up a little bit of freedom and are okay with legislation like the Patriot Act that was voted on without reports from the House or Senate and with very little debate. (Which, by the way, is Congress not doing its job. We elect to pass effective legislation, which they aren't doing if they are hastily voting on things without conference reports or debate.) The ones that inspire music like Green Day's American Idiot. When I think about what home means to me and when I think that for most people, my home is America, I shudder to think that I am classed with these people.
Outside of the States, "American" doesn't necessarily have the political connontations that it may have at home. People who don't live in the States don't necessarily know about the bumper stickers or individual pieces of legislation. Although, they do know about our elections, which seem to get crazier and less verifiable every time they occur. My point is, that the further from the States you get, the more "American" seems to be a geographical marker first, and a political marker second. And, that is sometimes hard to reconcile with the notions built in your head from life inside the nation. And, that's where language as a marker of identity and language as a tool of communication don't gel. Do I say what will me the most accessible to my audience or do I say what I feel is more descriptive and truer representation of what I am? And, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the situation. It depends how well you're planning on getting to know the other speakers. It depends on your mood. It depends on a bunch of hard to pin down, non-linguistic factors. And, it goes both ways. In Welsh, I say I'm from the states, mostly because it is hard to say I will master it! But, in English I'm from the States. Or, I'm from Iowa City, Iowa. Or, even just Iowa. Sometimes, I'm even just from a city about three hours west of Chicago.
