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French Language – Learning New Words Posted by Tim Hildreth on Mar 5, 2019
As I read, listen to the latest news from France, and explore new music, I like to jot down ideas for blog posts. Sometimes (like last week) those items come together in a cohesive story. Sometimes, like this week, they’re a real méli-mélo. Méli-mélo Méli-mélo is a great little expression that means a mish-mash, a mixed bag…
French Culture – Saving History Posted by Tim Hildreth on Feb 26, 2019
One of the things I always loved about living in France was just how much history was … everywhere! On my very first visit to la Bretagne my host brother took me to see le Mont Saint-Michel and to the ruins of an ancient château fort in the middle of the woods. For a kid…
French language and culture – the past as prologue Posted by Tim Hildreth on Feb 19, 2019
I’ve talked about nostalgia before. I’ve also shared mid-century songs from French yé-yé singers like Katty Line and Jacqueline Taïeb . But as the movement known as les gilets jaunes enters its third month, I had to share this new oldie I came across. Plus ça change… / The more things change… While les gilets jaunes don’t have…
Here and Now – More useful French expressions Posted by Tim Hildreth on Feb 12, 2019
Last June I wrote a post with common terms for describing où et quand (where and when) things happen. This week we’ll explore some more useful time and place terms (and enjoy a new song from the French musician/group Yelle). Ici ou ailleurs Français English ici here là there (or here, depending on the context)…
French Politics – A voting debate Posted by Tim Hildreth on Feb 6, 2019
In an earlier post on the protests in France by les Gilets Jaunes (the Yellow Vests), I talked about President Emmanuel Macron’s plans for a grand débat national (a great national debate) to uncover what is driving the ongoing unrest. One of the topics that has emerged from those discussions caught my attention. Le vote…
French Culture – Recent News Posted by Tim Hildreth on Jan 29, 2019
This past month has had its share of news. Some of it happy, some sad, but as we say au revoir (good bye) to janvier (January) and look towards le mois de février (the month of February), a few in particular are worth pausing on in this week’s review of recent news out of l’Hexagone. Tintin a 90…
French Music – More from Calogero Posted by Tim Hildreth on Jan 22, 2019
Calogero has quickly become one of my favorite French singers. He has a way of combining great melodies with powerful language that evokes emotions, memories, and plein de sentiments (lots of emotion). Like Voler de Nuit which I shared previously, the song below is from his great 2017 album Liberté chérie (Cherished freedom). On a tous …