Don Pardino: «To write well is to think of others»

Professor Don Pardino has become one of the characters More popular of social networks on the internet. And now he just made the leap to paper and takes out his first graphic novel, or comic of a lifetime: Professor Don Pardino against the marmosets. It is a true honor that he has granted me this interview and I'm grateful.

For teachers, proofreaders, copywriters, writers or anyone interested in the good use of the language, his teachings in the form of didactic and fun cartoon at the same time they are a delight that honors also to great authors from the Spanish comic.

Interview with don Pardino

• ACTUALIDAD LITERATURA: Do we know who Don Pardino is and where his love for grammar, spelling and linguistics in general comes from?

DON PARDINO: Don Pardino is a character who was born to star in traditional comics in the style of lifelong comics and it ended up being kept in a drawer for a while. Months later, the idea of ​​making vignettes for teach spelling and grammar with the motto «The letter with humor enters». His aesthetic, with a white beard and glasses, made him perfect for the role. So he got out of the drawer and got to it. And until today.

• AL: Does Don Pardino address a specific audience or can we all learn from him?

DP: In the beginning, it was designed so that teachers they will use it as a resource in his classes, but everyone can take advantage of his teachings. On social media, Contrary to popular belief, there are lots of people interested in spelling and grammar. That alone explains why it started to gain popularity. At the moment, interact with teachers, proofreaders, translators, journalists and anyone that you feel uneasy about these issues.

• AL: How does Professor Don Pardino document himself for his teachings?

DP: Using as many sources of consultation as possible, from the Spelling and Grammar of the RAE even manuals Fundéu or Instituto Cervantes. And, of course, well-founded digital resources, such as Language Blog, From Castilian or the social media accounts of ASpelling or No Faults. Looking at the same aspect from so many points of view helps to synthesize more or less complex linguistic aspects in a humorous cartoon.

• AL: Do you remember the first book you read?

DP: For the first book you have to go back to the EGB. It was titled The house that grew (1976), written by Jose Luis Garcia Sanchez and illustrated by Miguel Ángel Pacheco. This book gave way to Verne, Conan Doyle, Mark Twain, CervantesBuero Vallejo, Jane austen, Melville… I want to imply with this that a lot of importance must be given to children's and young people's literature.

• AL: In this comic, Don Pardino meets Don Miguel de Cervantes, whom he will lend a hand to to undo a great mess. And it sure has more favorite writers. Can you mention them to us?

DP: For content, Conan Doyle. By shape, Virginia Woolf. They are two classic authors that invite multiple re-readings without getting tired. And I would also quote an author who writes about teachers in a humorous tone: David lodge. I recommend it.

• AL: The tribute to great authors like Ibáñez or Escobar is evident. Would you have liked to be or look like some other character from the most classic Spanish comics?

DP: All of them, but if I have to choose, a Sir Tim O'Theoby Raf. His drawing exudes ease and dynamism. And the backgrounds are magnificent, with that English villa, those country mansions and that pub.

• AL: After this first jump to paper and the good reception, will there be more adventures?

DP: I don't even know how this comic got published. The intention was to publish only on social networks and on a blog, but many people wrote asking if there was a book. Then the occasion arose, and the idea of ​​seeing Don Pardino in school libraries and bookstores was the engine that made him move forward.

There will only be more adventures if people enjoy really the first comic and if they express their wish for more. And if the publisher wants, of course.

• AL: What more important reason would you give to make us better aware of the good and correct use of language in these times of so much virtual communication?

DP: The main reason is that writing well is thinking of others. Putting an open sign is like using a turn signal: I know I'm going to turn. I don't put the indicator on for myself, but to make driving easier for the other. Well, the same thing happens with linguistic rules.

• AL: Is the moment of crisis that we are living difficult for you or can you stay with something positive?

DP: It is being very difficult. The truth is that I don't see any positive aspects. I only wish that this situation ends as soon as possible and that we can recover. And, above all, that interpersonal relationships return to what they were.

• AL: And, finally, Don Pardino's maxim is "the letter with humor enters." Any more?

DP: Put a concealer in your life.