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animator
DCHP-2 (Sep 2016)
In contrast to the earlier borrowing from French (OED-3; 1914 or earlier), where an animateur is someone who organizes prestige cultural events (OED-3, s.v. "animateur"), animator relates to a broad range of occupations in CanE.
1n. — Entertainment
a guide at a historical site dressed in period costume acting as a historical person (see Image 1).
Type: 3. Semantic Change — The general definition "a person who (or thing which) animates, gives life, enlivens, or inspires" (see OED-3, s.v. "animator" n. (1)) has become specialized in the Canadian context. In CanE it refers to those who animate the past by wearing costume in historical sites, parks, etc.
See also COD-2, s.v. "animator" (3), which is marked "Cdn".
See also COD-2, s.v. "animator" (3), which is marked "Cdn".
Quotations
1984
In the fur loft, the visitor spots an animator sporting the famous "arrow sash" of the voyageur and, turning the tables, asks the wearer where he's from.
1985
Dressed as soldiers, artisans, fishermen, merchants and their wives, the animators recreate the spirit of 1744 when the Fortress of Louisbourg ranked with Philadelphia and Boston as one of North America's great trading centres.
1989
"It was one of the most popular myths in this province and it has had a lot to do with the general fear of the Mohawks," says Victoria Stewart, an animator at the Lake St. Louis Historical Society, who helped organize the two-day event commemorating the massacre.
1994
Near the pier, buildings of an old fishing station have been preserved and are open to the public. Friendly animators take visitors back in time and convey a feeling for the risky lives of fishermen and their families in such isolated settlements
1995
There will be food, craft shows and historical interpretations with costumed animators, including Sir John A. Macdonald himself.
2004
Then, too, you can learn about the 19th century photography techniques and have your portrait done in costume, see how our foot-operated press is used to produce printed materials, watch a woodturner carve wonderful wooden items, witness a rug-hooking display and enjoy a ride on two horsepower vehicle tours while animators provide commentary.
2005
The day was exciting and informative thanks to the following guest speakers: Julie Rioux and Robert from Making Waves, Rose Stewart from the RESPECT program, Marilyn Noble animator/facilitator for the Community-Based Committee Concerned About Bullying, Stacey Brown, youth justice project co-ordinator, and Const. Shawn Waller from District 2 RCMP.
2n. — Quebec and New Brunswick; often in compound nouns, often Education
organizer, counsellor, or group leader.
Type: 1. Origin — Animator has come into Quebec English directly from Quebec French in the last quarter of the twentieth century, often in phrases related to particular occupational titles. It is found in the second language English of Francophones, but, crucially, also in first-language English speakers in that province. As the quotations illustrate, the range of this versatile term is very wide.
See also ITP Nelson, s.v. "animator" (3), which is marked "Quebec".
See also ITP Nelson, s.v. "animator" (3), which is marked "Quebec".
See: animateur
Quotations
1988
As students head back to classes soon, the experiment of providing John Rennie High, in Pointe Claire, with a pastoral animator - a sort of chaplain, with the emphasis on counselling - will limp into its second decade, its future cloudy.
1989
According to Danyelle Brodeur, Dorval's cultural animator, bringing such an exhibit to Dorval allows for more people to appreciate the museum's pieces. "It brings the museum to people's homes instead of them having to go downtown."
1992
Dagenais, 30, is an animator with a group called Mouvement Sensibilisation a l'Enfance Maltraitee. The St. Jean sur Richelieu-based group offers a variety of programs to help diagnose and assist abused children.
1994
After graduating from exercise sciences and administration from Concordia University 3 1/2 years ago, Martin was hired as a recreation animator for the city of Beaconsfield - her home town. [. . . ] Along with the city's athletic director, Martin is responsible for things like the gym and arena programs, special events like blood-donor clinics, fitness week and putting together the city newsletter.
2005
But what exactly is a spiritual animator? Quebec's education ministry provided this definition: Along with members of the school team, they provide guidance to students, create conditions and offer activities that are favourable to spiritual life and community involvement.
2010
Dawson Community Centre is looking for a "scrapbooking animator" to lead sessions with the parents of the centre's Parent and Tot program.
2010
When it comes to Sweet 16 parties or bar mitzvahs, Kagan has learned that girls like party games more than boys, so getting both genders involved should be a priority. "A DJ and animator are sensitive to this," he said, "so ask your clients what their needs are."
References
- ITP Nelson
- OED-3
- COD-2
Images
