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Article: How long does it take to become a native?(THE HOME FORUM)
- Article from:
- The Christian Science Monitor
- Article date:
- July 22, 2005
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 The Christian Science Publishing Society. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Ruth Walker
In an interview with Scott Simon on National Public Radio's "Weekend Edition" two weeks ago, singer-songwriter Carole King described how she was born in Manhattan, lived briefly in Queens, but really "grew up" in Brooklyn. "And I've lived in Idaho for 28 years now, which I think almost makes me a native," she concluded.
Hmm. Almost, but not quite. Being a native of a given place isn't an attribute you develop over time. You can settle in a place, make it your adopted home, and sense your attachment growing deeper with each passing year - but you can't become a "native" later in life.
Am I being too doctrinaire? The language ...