Tag Archives: French culture
Let’s start at the very beginning… Posted by Tim Hildreth on Jul 26, 2022
As they say, it’s a very good place to start. It turns out, it’s also a good place to end. After 6 years … and over 300 posts! … this will be my last blog for Transparent Language. All good things… My French journey began way back in 1981 when I was in the 7th…
What’s in a name? Posted by Tim Hildreth on Jun 28, 2022
When I first moved to France in the 1980’s I stood out for many reasons, among them the fact that my name is Tim Hildreth. When I lived in France, everyone (or so it seemed) had very “classically” French names like Pierre or Paul, Marie or Monique or Jean. Things have changed a lot in…
Stereotypes Posted by Tim Hildreth on May 3, 2022
Prejudice and stereotypes (les préjugés et les stéréotypes) are almost always bad … except when they are the source of a humorous campagne publicitaire from the French financial company Cofidis. This week we look at some pubs that highlight common misconceptions that people make about other people. Don’t judge … A book by it’s cover! In French…
10 … 9 … 8 … Posted by Tim Hildreth on Dec 28, 2021
Christmas has come and gone and the new year is at hand. Sadly this December 31st’s festivities in Paris will be muted again à cause de Covid. “Il y aura une interdiction des rassemblements festifs ainsi qu’une interdiction des concerts et feux d’artifice [… et] la vente et la consommation d’alcool sera aussi prohibée.” The…
Coming Home Posted by Tim Hildreth on Nov 9, 2021
As I write this (lundi 8 novembre), French astronaut Thomas Pesquet is on his way home from the International Space Station. As he journeys from space to the earth, let’s look at his journey. From space to the earth Back in April the French astronaut Thomas Pesquet and three other astronauts left Cape Canaveral in…
Hugs & Kisses from France Posted by Tim Hildreth on Nov 2, 2021
I went down a little bit of a rabbit hole this week after I realized that the French word embrasser – which I’ve always known to mean kiss – literally means to take in one’s arms (see the word bras/arm right there in the word!). And when you dig in a bit, there’s a lot more to hugs &…
AOP’s vs. Nutri-Score Posted by Tim Hildreth on Oct 19, 2021
I came across a story for all you foodies out there – a news story especially of interest to those of you (us!) who love to eat but also care about your health. Discussions set to be held today (mardi, 19 octobre, 2021) will pit some of Europe’s most recognized AOP’s against a European-wide Nutri-Score…