Call Me Miss Communication!

I had to calm down before I could write this. I'm a lyricist. Words are important to me and because I have studied a few foreign languages, so are the meanings of those words. In order to translate from one language to another, it is vital to understand what is meant, what is intended. I find imprecision irritating. Consequently, the notion of finding your way whilst talking, even though I do it myself, is uncomfortable. 

I feel just as strongly about opinions. It is not necessary to have an opinion on every topic. However, once you have drawn your conclusions and embarked on a direction, it should not be taken lightly. It is absolutely fine to change your opinion. Indeed, it is vital, it is how we grow intellectually. Have an opinion. Own it. Support it with ideas and conclusions. Should a better, more plausible idea come to light, by all means adopt it. 

As a rule, I am not an 'either/or' person. However, presenting one argument, changing direction when challenged and then returning to a previous position without explanation is ridiculous. I am used to presenting cogent arguments that can stand up to inspection. Safe to say I seem to be entirely out on my own in that respect. It's like being a musician in a sea of dance specialists. Using the same language but almost deliberately misunderstanding. 

One day this course may have more non dancers which will ease communication. Cross fertilisation often occurs when people from different places and traditions meet and enjoy a common activity. I recently made a film about just that, which I'll post at the end. If we were meeting face to face I think that notion would have more success, for me anyway. As it is, I find I end most discussion groups with a mixture of frustration and irritation.

Here's the link, should you wish to watch:

The Venues That Changed Everything

To Be Or Not To Be An Equivocating Iconoclast?

Couldn't get into Sunday's Skype, so was immensely frustrated when I couldn't join this evening's Academic Writing Skype. Though on the outbound journey I had continued to take part in an NHS governors' meeting on Teams, Skype was not willing to offer me the same courtesy on my return. Joining half way through was better than nothing. I did at least get something of an answer. 

Music writers, the ones I have read, don't use academic language to speak of. Peter Thomas suggested some work written by a Music lecturer at Mdx. Not any different, but I did get a lead from it on Google Scholar. I'll spend some time with the texts I found tomorrow. I then remembered I have three music-related friends who have PhDs, so looked up some of their work. Once again, it's not language they use. 

I hold no fear of complicated language, if I could find it relating to my subject, I would happily use it. I think my only hope is via Somatics. I'm sure therein will yield a rich seam of complex language, even if the discourse is relatively simplistic. 

I do find myself torn. The notion of dressing uncomplicated ideas in complex language looks more like self aggrandisement than good communication. Peter Thomas said there are differing schools of thought surrounding definitions of some of the academic terminology. This then goes against the idea of using this language for specificity. It does not make for ease of communication if I am then providing my own definitions. However, he did say that it is important to use appropriate language for the subject about which you are writing. If that can be agreed upon, I shall take that and run with it.

Iconoclast it is then. Unequivocally. 

A Thorn Among Roses

This evening we had a Skype with Module 3 focus. Long silences, which seem to be par for the course. It seems the point was to have us understand why we use the language of research. When explained at the end it made perfect sense. I did feel slightly cheated though. However, I accept that this is the way information is imparted and not everybody speaks another language, so the following analogy would be lost. 

When my children were at school, the household language was a kind of Franglais. We all spoke French and English, but some things were described more succinctly in one of the two, so we favoured that. French nouns in English sentences were commonplace. As the children grew older and their world became more Anglophone, English dominated. Adesola was talking nuance. The English word 'kitchen' and the French word 'cuisine' are both describing the same room. However, the perception is different. A kitchen is somewhere that work is done, cooking, cleaning and so on. La cuisine is where recipes are dreamt up and meals are created. Art versus toil.

The language of research is used as a standardised form of describing the process. I would've accepted that upfront. Now, of course, I've got to go out and find a research glossary, so I can transmogrify anything I write. I have been reading, but I haven't come across anything that encompasses my enquiry using language I wouldn't use myself. Suggestions appreciated. Any treatise on the language used to describe Soul (music) not in plain English? Anyone?

Screen If You Wanna Go Faster

On Monday this week I had seven (7!) 'virtual' meetings; telecons, video calls and plain old phone calls. In the world 'before', that would have been a ridiculous notion. And, in reality, it was indeed ridiculous. One call ran over and then I was late to the next two. Mind you, the second of those I had little interest in and it finished on time, so...result! It seems so long since the Skype on Sunday, I can't really remember what I said. In my journal I wrote there were silences, so, once I'd finished my dinner I joined in to fill the void. Whatever I said I believed at the time, yeronna.

I've just commented on Adesola's post about Connectivism. Social media for me comes with the territory. I can cope with it, as I'm a shouty person with opinions. I try hard not to make stupid statements, or to post things as fact if I have no other source. However, I saw this cartoon...

And this seems to be how we draw conclusions these days. Boris does badly at PMQs because, apart from ineptitude, he doesn't have his 'chaps' in the seats behind 'hear, hear-ing' him on. It's social distancing's fault. The misnomer irritates me and I've probably said it before. We are, of course, physically distancing. All this screen time is our effort to avoid social distancing, it's the antidote. It reminds me of an Asimov story, which I think was The Naked Sun. It's science fiction, at least it was when it was written. People stay in their homes and 'socialise' by a kind of projection. The end of your room disappears and is replaced with your friend's room with your friend in it. Like a whole wall is a giant Zoom meeting with one other person, or several. 

Only one Zoom today, but it was being recorded so I had to 'dress up'. I've really got out of the habit and it seemed such a faff. With Black History Month approaching, it seems I'm more 'gob for hire' than 'flavour of the month', but I'll get over it. It's not like I've got much else on.

I'm back teaching next week, doing a face to face class. To be honest I'm a bit anxious about it. We'll see how it goes, fingers crossed, sanitiser at the ready. Don your masks, get set...go!

It's OK, I've Done This Before!

I'm getting straight in with my first blog of the new term. Partly so I don't forget what just happened and partly so I don't forget. It seems a long time since the start of last term. I was in Australia for one or two Skypes. Mind you, I've participated going through security at airports and hotel rooms more than once. I'm fairly certain the current pandemic will ensure my continued presence in my own home. I'm a singer and it's not just my international gigs that have been cancelled, they all have. Just out of interest and by way of encouraging interaction, what's happened to everyone else? As we're all over the world, I'm interested if anyone is getting to perform or teach at all?

Lots of information was imparted during the Skype and though I've definitely been there before, the memory's a bit hazy on detail. So it was welcome. Since we're all based outside the university, we can't help but draw on our experience, both in our own lives and our practice. Reflection is, for me, a very important part of this course. It has become more obviously important as time goes on. I'm in Module 3, so nearing the end of my studies, hopefully. I say that as I have no idea what the immediate future holds. None of us have. But I'm beginning to feel I know what I am doing. I may feel differently with a week to go until deadline, of course.

One thing that was touched on that I feel it's necessary to address is the notion that we are living in a 'post truth' society. History has always been written by the victors, so there is always another story to be told. We are beginning to hear these other stories and that is a good thing. However, when that 'post truth' notion is used to describe science, I have a problem. Scientific knowledge is not immutable. As you uncover more about an unknown, facts change. What was true beforehand may no longer hold. This doesn't mean we can throw the baby out with the bathwater. I'm putting it out there that my tolerance of crackpot, tinfoil hat theories has worn thin. I have to engage in social media, it's part of my job. The nonsense I have come across is startling. So people, think what you like, but please don't invite me into your wardrobe. I don't believe in Narnia. I'll always try to be nice. At first.

If you want to know more about me, here are a couple of recent(ish) links. The first is when at the height of #BLM protests the university posted a video of a single we released during lockdown, which was good of them, here it is:

'Stand Together' - Dub Pistols ft Rhoda Dakar

And this is how I've been amusing myself with no gigs, my radio show 'Pork Pie & Mash Up'. Produced at home, because the studio was shut. Though that may be changing:

Pork Pie & Mash Up - September

So that's me. What's your story?

Sunday Morning Skype. Early.

9am Sunday morning. No evening option and I'm not a morning person. First Skype from my bed. The over arching theme was 'change'. As soon as the Skype session was over, all I could think of was how many psychotherapists it takes to change a lightbulb. The answer should be one, but the lightbulb has to want to change. My inner cynic says if psychotherapists can't even do that, they should call an electrician.

I have been trying to challenge my bias against spirituality, which I always take to be part of a system of faith. Under this umbrella I would also toss anything you have to believe in for it to work; psychotherapy, mindfulness and Feldenkrais are right there with major world religions. It seems effecting change on long established value systems will require robust and cogent arguments. These I have yet to encounter. Possibly a blind alley, so I'll move on.

After Module One I don't know that my practice itself changed, but the value I placed on it certainly did. My experience really was worth something and maybe I did walk a little taller. I've never been one to rest on my laurels and have always espoused the 'onwards and upwards' maxim. But, pausing a moment to take stock is not an act of vanity. I feel the whole world is doing so right now. So many of us in lockdown, isolation and this new phrase, social distancing. What we mean is, of course, physical distancing. Does using the phrase 'social distancing' affect our concept of what we're doing? It doesn't change what we're doing, in reality, but perhaps if we used the phrase 'physical distancing' people would grasp it more readily. Anyway, many of us currently have time to reflect on the big picture. What sort of world will we have after the pandemic? What sort of world do we want?

Bizarrely, though I have had lots of gigs and teaching cancelled, I seem to have too much to do. Nothing's changed there then. I recently moved and so am trying to find a new corner to work in. However, 'stuff' has to be sorted through and let go of first. And I still have a drum kit in my living room.

Does the lightbulb want to change? Get a grip, it's a lightbulb.

Post Module 2 Skype

Yesterday I had a plethora of information about Module 2. In the morning I had a Skype session with Adesola, my supervisor, and in the evening there was an open Skype with a Module 2 focus. I have to say I now have a much better handle on how to go forward.

The MORE form looks very official and very daunting. It's set up as a safeguarding tool both for researchers and those who may be included in a study, to avoid any unnecessary harm. It is slanted towards science subjects, but does cover safeguarding vulnerable participants in the arts sector as well. My form is mostly finished, as I started it last term. I had to defer on account of being on tour for so long. It does take a long time, but isn't nearly as complicated as it seems at first. My advice is get stuck in and get it done. Planning your research project is much more work and will take longer.

So that's me, head down, getting on with it. I am, however, looking forward to the Community Skypes, which I hope will keep me on track. I know that those on Module 3 have a group chat and plan group Skypes. Perhaps this is something we could also consider? Although this is a distance learning degree, I went along to the Hendon campus to catch one of the Module 3 presentations last year. It was good to put faces to names, but, more importantly, speak to some of the students and pick their brains a bit. I know this won't be possible for everyone, but the more contact we have with each other, the better, I think. It's a virtual classroom, but a classroom nonetheless.

See y'all at the next one!

♫ Looking Down On Creation ♬♪

It's The Carpenters, to save you wondering. Yes, Karen Carpenter had a wonderful voice, no I didn't like the songs. It's an oblique reference to a topic that arose in this evening's Skype Sunday. I admit to zoning out here and there, but one thing that reeled me in was the discussion of bias. My own bias is that opinions are a good thing. Inevitably, your bias is influenced by your upbringing, lifestyle, social status and many other things and your opinions derive therefrom. However, whilst always acknowledging my bias, my opinions can change a great deal. For me, this is because opinions depend on information and evolving circumstances. I cannot understand why they would not. Retaining the same opinion, given new, pertinent information, is idiotic. That also is my opinion. I have a declared bias against wilful ignorance.

Adesola and Helen joined us for the second half of the Skype session. This was a new arrangement, to me anyway. There was a lot of talk about research and Adesola questioned the relationship between bias and control. For me it works thus; first acknowledge your bias, then accept it will influence how you react to information, however do not let it stifle the responses of others. Do not consciously let your bias control the outcome of your research. Unconscious bias? Who knows? I'll do my best!

We also touched on the current global pandemic and what we can do to assuage the isolation of many of us trapped at home. Apart from the usual instability of freelancers, this illness has wiped out work for many of us, or is about to. Having recourse to an online study community will at least keep our minds occupied. The suggestion was to have more informal Skype sessions. I will certainly look forward to this, as guilt will force me to do my bit and keep me on my toes.

So, with my MORE form put to bed, I think, next stop essays. There are always drawers to sort out, so I can always find a distraction, but I'm determined not to leave it to the last minute. Again. Pray for me, Karen!

Getting Back In The Saddle

Although it wasn't really that long ago, last term seems so far away. I spent most of it on the road and, consequently, here I am revisiting a module I really had no time to get to. I remember trying to contribute to a Skype session from an airport security queue, which of course went so much faster than it would've done, had I not been on the phone... So, here's to getting back in the saddle and not falling at any fences this time.

When I get a moment, I'll have a good read of the handbook to remind myself of the task ahead. I've done some reading and fleshed out some ideas, so I'm out of the gate. Let's go with the riding analogy until I really am flogging a dead horse. Time management, or at least having time to manage is my goal for the next few weeks. I'll be home in a couple of weeks, so will try in earnest not to leave the country for the next few months. That should see me break this module in and before long I shall be on the home straight. Too much? Nah, or neigh? No, even. Early essay planning. The MORE form takes longer than you think, beware. And taking my own advice, I shall use some of my time with my supervisor earlier rather than later.

So, those are all my good intentions. Let's see how I do! I'll leave you with the backdrop to the last few days here in Oz. See you at the finishing post!