Joan Conolly: A humane scholar
I cannot miss the chance of honouring a human being who has meant so much in my life. I met Joan Conolly at some conference, and we proverbially clicked immediately. After visiting Bloemfontein to present a paper at one of our translation day seminars, I invited myself for a study visit with her at DUT. Not only did she wine and curry me, she also taught me how to think about oralate people and oralate culture, and the universe, and alternative ways of looking at life, and... She Joussefied me – to the extent that I can be anything-fied. All of my work is currently infused with the notion of the physicality of speech and language, of human being. I am most probably making a fool of myself arguing against absolute constructivism and the absolutist implications of deconstructivism. This is Joan – opening eyes for alternative possibilities.
Later on, during a very uncomfortable spell of office politics at work, she became a mentor, a wise one in my little community. Her advice remains in my memory. She said: Whenever I spot a juggernaut, I fly below the radar. Thanks to Joan, I have managed to survive life by avoiding a number of juggernauts since, although I should admit that I have this irrational thing about getting at juggernauts – and I do get crushed ever so often.
What is good about Joan is that she is not afraid to show her own weaknesses. This ability makes it possible for people to connect to her, because, though inhumanly knowledgeable, she is a mere human.
I know you are not going to do nothing, but I do hope that you will find the absence of a permanent battle with the establishment refreshing. I do hope that you will be able fill your days with things that are meaningful to you – and maybe take things a bit slower, just maybe.
Joan, thanks for sharing. Thanks for caring. Thanks for daring.
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