Can You Find Your Identity Through A Heritage-Language? | Susan Poulin | TEDxPortsmouth

Writer and performer Susan Poulin is Franco-American. French is her first language but she only spoke it until she was 4. Although proud of her heritage, she didn't know a lot about it. Since her 40s she's been trying to find her identity through relearning her lost language. Selected by Portland Magazine as one of the “Ten Most Intriguing People in Maine,” award winning writer and performer Susan Poulin is a leader in bringing a female voice to New England storytelling and humor. She is the author of eleven plays, six of which feature her alter ego, Ida LeClair, “the funniest woman in Maine.” She writes the popular Maine humor blog and podcast, Just Ask Ida, and is the author of Finding Your Inner Moose: Ida LeClair’s Guide to Living the Good Life and The Sweet Life: Ida LeClair’s Guide to Love and Marriage published by Islandport Press. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Tehui1974]

I enjoyed listening to that presentation. I can relate to most of the experiences that Susan talks about. I'm of Māori ethnicity, the native population of New Zealand (where English is the dominant language), and I have a similar relationship with the Māori language, that Susan has with French. To paraphrase a quote "You may not know your heritage language, but your heritage language knows you". Don't be too hard on yourself Susan.

[@Djieff]

"My memories need subtitles"... that really hit hard... good luck on your rediscovery of french, welcome home Susan

[@joseevachon385]

Great talk, Susan! I hear your story in many places around New England, and I definitely heard this from PA Dutch people when I lived there for 12 years! You´re right that heritage and language resonate with all cultures; all it takes is 3 generations to lose the language (in your mind but not your heart, as you said!). Congrats again on reaching this bucket list :D

[@BethBoynton]

Thank you for this fun and engaging way to look at how deep the impact can be of silencing someone’s native voice and the resilience of the human spirit. This talk would be a great way to stimulate discussion about inclusion, dignity, voice, diversity in a group.

[@abitibiwood]

Beau témoignage Madame Poulain ! Très émouvant de vous entendre. Lorsque vous parlez français, votre accent est très semblable à l'accent du Québec. Même si vous avez oublié les mots et les phrases, votre oreille à enregistré les sons... et votre coeur à conservé précieusement les émotions... ❤️

[@Christian_Martel]

Félicitations, très touchant. La famille de mon arrière-grand-père a passé 10 ans à Lewiston, Maine. Tout le monde travaillait dans l’usine de textile. Certains sont revenus au Québec, certains sont restés. J’ai des cousins lointains tout partout dans le Maine.

[@luclafor]

Extraordinaire! Merci pour votre témoignage

[@lizkorabek-emerson6900]

Love this talk! So insightful and heartfelt. And inspiring!

[@sueveal4856]

So entertaining, Susan! Thanks for sharing this TEDx with the world. 💖

[@itachi_the_man]

Great job- you hit the nail on the head so many times! French lessons and random conversations will have a different approach.

[@lisamichaud6451]

Kudos Susan! The shared story of so many! Merci!

[@jpenfiel]

Can I ever relate! It's like you can read my mind. Great talk!

[@FiremarshalM1]

Lovely, entertaining and refreshing.

[@SpeakWritePlayinEnglish]

This was a great and inspiring speech!

[@Picklekicker]

Awesome talk I am kid of jealous what a cool way to discover your roots. I meet you in Boothbay, read your book finding your inner Moose and am a big fan. Great talk...

[@poolyleproductions]

Thanks so much!

[@roberthoule7230]

Have been a long time fan, Susan, but I have an exception to your pronouncing 'th' theory. My Canadian American mother could never pronounce Natalie because she grew up with a friend named Nathalie...just sayin.

[@pegaaronian1476]

I was lucky to be in the audience when you presented your Franco-American Ted-X talk, Susan, and loved hearing it again tonight with Rich, whose first (and lost) language was Armenian. He too mourns the loss of that link to his family heritage, but feels a connection whenever he hears Armenian spoken.