Poet Francisco Alarcón

Summary

In this video, Francisco Alarcon, a bilingual poet, shares his passion for helping children explore poetry in both English and Spanish. With his unique background as a bilingual Mexican-American, Alarcon inspires young minds, particularly at the Oyster Bilingual School in Washington, D.C., to embrace their linguistic identities. Through his writing and interactions with kids, he emphasizes the importance of expressing themselves in their own languages, exploring their dreams, and finding empowerment through poetry. Alarcon’s message is clear: it’s okay to be bilingual, to celebrate your heritage, and to find your voice in both languages.

Takeaways

• 😀 Francisco Alarcon is a bilingual poet who publishes his work in both English and Spanish, embracing the beauty of bilingualism.
• 😀 Alarcon uses poetry to help children express themselves and embrace their identity in both languages.
• 😀 Alarcon’s dog, Cholot, is introduced as a metaphor for bilingualism, as it 'speaks' both English and Spanish.
• 😀 The audience of third graders at Oyster Bilingual School in Washington DC is bilingual, just like Alarcon, fostering a relatable environment for the children.
• 😀 Alarcon's background of being born in Los Angeles and moving to Mexico reflects his own bilingual and bicultural experiences.
• 😀 The idea of bilingualism is emphasized as a bridge between two languages and cultures, where each language is viewed as a window to a broader understanding of the world.
• 😀 Poetry, according to Alarcon, is an empowering tool for children, allowing them to connect with their emotions and identities.
• 😀 Alarcon believes that it’s important for children to embrace their own languages and dreams in their poetry, without constraints or judgment.
• 😀 He advocates for the acceptance of being bilingual, Latino, and having a different skin color as part of being American.
• 😀 Alarcon encourages young writers to find their own voice and write from their own experiences, emphasizing the importance of self-expression and imagination.

Q & A

Who is Francisco Alarcon, and what is unique about his poetry?

Francisco Alarcon is a bilingual poet who publishes his poems in both English and Spanish. His poetry aims to connect with bilingual audiences, especially children, and encourages them to write poems in the language they feel most comfortable with.

How does Francisco Alarcon use his poetry to engage with young audiences?

Alarcon engages young audiences by helping them write their own poems, encouraging them to express themselves in whatever language they love, and showing them the power of bilingualism. He emphasizes the importance of being bilingual and how it connects them to multiple cultures.

What role does Francisco Alarcon's dog, Cholot, play in his presentation?

Alarcon introduces his bilingual dog, Cholot, as an example of bilingualism in action. Cholot communicates both in Spanish and English, reinforcing the theme of bilingualism in Alarcon's work.

Why does Alarcon mention the concept of the 'border' in his story?

Alarcon mentions the 'border' to highlight his personal experience of growing up between two cultures, as his family moved from Los Angeles to Mexico. For him, the concept of the border doesn’t exist, symbolizing the fluidity between cultures and languages.

What is Alarcon’s perspective on the relationship between language and the universe?

Alarcon believes that each language is a 'universe,' offering a different window to view the world. The more languages one knows, the more access they have to diverse perspectives and opportunities in the world.

How does Alarcon view the representation of Latinos in literature?

Alarcon expresses frustration about the lack of books about Latinos in libraries and bookstores, emphasizing that it is important for children to see themselves represented in literature. He stresses that being bilingual, Latino, and dark-skinned is perfectly acceptable and American.

What does Alarcon say about the role of poetry in empowering children?

Alarcon believes poetry is a powerful tool for empowerment, particularly for children. He feels that through poetry, children can express their emotions, connect with their cultural identity, and gain confidence in their voice.

What is the significance of the exercise Alarcon conducts with the third graders?

Alarcon conducts an improvisation exercise with the children where they quickly write poems, allowing them to experience the immediacy and creative freedom of poetry. This exercise highlights how easy it can be for children to express themselves through writing.

What advice does Alarcon give to young writers?

Alarcon advises young writers to find their own voice and not be afraid to write in their own language about their dreams and experiences. He encourages them to see poetry as a magical way to view the world and express their ideas.

What impact does Alarcon hope to have on children through his poetry workshops?

Alarcon hopes to inspire children to embrace their bilingualism and cultural identity, and to empower them through the creative process of poetry. He aims to help them discover their unique voice and view the world with a sense of possibility.