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Eui-Young Chon ’04 (Seoul, South Korea) is working as an EXCEL Scholar with Christian Reyns-Chikuma, assistant professor of foreign languages and literatures, to research the literary work of a francophone writer of both Japanese and French lineage.
“We are working on the text, La Dame de Beaute, written by Kikou Yamata. Yamata is a francophone writer whose father was Japanese and mother was French. Such hybrids were rare during the early twentieth century,” says Chon, a double major in music and French. “We are analyzing how Yamata consciously and unconsciously employs literary techniques to communicate her aesthetic — one that was heavily influenced by her Japanese upbringing.”
“Yamata is really an exceptional writer,” says Reyns-Chikuma. “Being of a mixed race in the upper middle class was not at all fashionable. It’s interesting to note how she dealt with her heritage and how she served as a sort of ambassador for both cultures.”
He adds, “Eui Young is very sensitive to aesthetic issues and analysis of forms. She has a great sensibility for this kind of work.”
Chon was initially attracted to the topic after course work with Reyns-Chikuma that involved analyzing the techniques of literary aesthetics of another 20th century francophone writer. She also has worked with Olga Duhl, associate professor of foreign languages and literatures, on a medieval French text.
“I am very interested in aesthetics,” says Chon. “This research offers a great opportunity to explore literature that integrates both fields of my interest. I am also interested in learning about Yamata’s multicultural philosophy and comparing her world with mine. I think it will have an interesting effect on the way I perceive things, and subsequently influence the art that I produce as a musician.”
“Professor Reyns-Chikuma makes sure that I keep pace with my other academic work, especially in music, as it requires a lot of time for practice,” she adds. “I am very thankful that I have the opportunity to work on this kind of research at Lafayette. At Lafayette, the close relationship that the students can have in working with their professors allows them to work with great depth and focus.”
Chon also is undertaking an independent study in harpsichord playing, learning the instrument through weekly lessons with Nina Gilbert, director of choral activities.
“Playing the harpsichord requires a lot of careful listening and musicianship,” says Chon. “I think my skills on the violin will also benefit from this keyboard playing, because both instruments train for precision.”
“I am glad to be working with Dr. Gilbert because she is very energetic and experienced with teaching music,” she adds. “I think it a rare opportunity to be able to learn the harpsichord in college.”
At the 16th annual Multicultural Student Awards and Diversity Recognition Reception last year, Chon received the Inspiring Student Leader Award, presented to a student who toils behind the scenes to make certain that student programs are successful, taking the initiative, accepting and carrying out responsibility, and completing tasks without fanfare.
Chon also is undertaking an independent study in harpsichord playing, learning the instrument through weekly lessons with Nina Gilbert, director of choral activities.
At the 16th annual Multicultural Student Awards and Diversity Recognition Reception last year, Chon received the Inspiring Student Leader Award, presented to a student who toils behind the scenes to make certain that student programs are successful, taking the initiative, accepting and carrying out responsibility, and completing tasks without fanfare.
Chon is concert mistress for the string ensemble, plays for chamber groups (quartet and trio), sings in the College Choir, and is a student assistant for Skip Wilkins, assistant professor of music. She is a member of International Students Association, Asian Students Association, Cercle Francais (French club), and Lafayette Christian Fellowship. She also has been a program coordinator with the Landis Community Outreach Center and elementary school tutor.