by Jill Funke

It is natural for the human spirit to be interested in history, as what happened in the past gives people a better understanding of their culture and ultimately themselves. Language and communication is one aspect of culture that can be very interesting. Consider the history of phrases and clichés that are uttered on a daily basis, and yet most people are too busy to reflect upon their origin. To some people, what we say and the methods we use to communicate is intriguing. Allen Ouellette is one of those people. As a child, during his travels and through employment, Allen has learned a great deal about other cultures and languages. Working for the State Department, this Larchwood resident’s position required him to relocate several times during his tour of duty. Transferring to these different locations provided Allen with the opportunity to meet new people, as well as study the way they used the English language, and any other languages that were prevalent in the area. Having taught English at the University of Maine, Allen is no stranger to linguistics and the development of language. It is a subject that fascinates him to this day, as he finds himself intrigued by different dialects whenever he travels.

While working for the US government, Allen lived in Maine, Nebraska, Georgia, New Mexico, Vienna and Sioux Falls. His job duties included interviewing refugees and immigrants, and he often relied on the talents of interpreters to help communicate in those languages in which he wasn’t fluent. Allen says that he developed a much deserved respect for translators and their communication skills. Moving to South Dakota was the placement that put Allen as close as he could be to his son Eric and his family in Minneapolis. Eric’s job then transferred him to Sioux Falls, prompting him and his wife Stephanie to move to the community of Larchwood. When Allen retired, he and his wife Alice decided to move from Sioux Falls to Larchwood so they could be even closer to their grandchildren.

Retirement provided Allen the time and opportunity to finish the book he titled Mutt Contay Saw. He says that the research he completed for his book was really a labor of love. In a thirty year time span, he compiled notes that he protected until he retired. As time went by, Allen wrote small portions of Mutt Contay Saw: About French (and English) in New England. He knew what topics he wished to cover, including the beginning of language. Allen also wanted to remind readers about the fact that the French and English languages came from the same sources, making them linguistic cousins. While living in Maine, which borders Quebec, Canada, Allen and his family heard both English and French spoken on a regular basis.

When he retired, Allen sat down and began to assemble his notes and the paragraphs he had already written. After completing the editing process, Mutt Contay Saw: About French (and English) in New England was ready to be published. Allen decided to self publish, and located a printing company that allowed him to download his manuscript, dictate different sizes and settings, and produce the finished product that he sells today. Anyone who is interested in purchasing a copy of Mutt Contay Saw: About French (and English) in New England can visit iuniverse.com, or stop by Barnes & Noble in Sioux Falls.

Allen and Alice have three grown children and are the proud grandparents of three grandchildren. In October, the Ouellettes will celebrate two years of living in Larchwood. They are glad that they settled here, in a quiet place where the people are friendly and Allen has the opportunity to pursue his other interest of wood working. Alice stays busy helping daughter-in-law Stephanie with her business the Scrap Shack, which produces items for crafters and those who make scrap books.