Archive for 'Culture'
Hillary pour PrésidentE ?? Feminizing Job Titles in French Posted by Josh Dougherty on Apr 16, 2015
This post has no political agenda, but Hillary’s announcement got me thinking. You may have learned that certain job titles are always masculine in French, regardless of whether a woman holds the position. The example I always think of is le professeur (professor/teacher). Women certainly have a history in education instruction, so why is there…
Just Add Water – Le Pastis Posted by John Bauer on Apr 15, 2015
Au Sud de la France (In the South of France) there is a famous drink that isn’t wine. It often brings up thoughts of the Mediterranean sun for les Français. C’est le pastis! Un apéritif à base de réglisse parfumé à l’anis (an anise flavored licorice based apératif, or pre-dinner drink). The name pastis vient…
Voici Mon Numéro, So Call Me Maybe! Posted by John Bauer on Apr 10, 2015
Do you know how to appeler quelqu’un (call someone) in France? Do you understand how the French say and write les numéros de téléphone (phone numbers)? Les numéros de téléphone around the world are not always the same. Un numéro de téléphone français could just look like a series of random numbers if you’ve never…
La vie en rose: Expressions with Pink Posted by Josh Dougherty on Apr 9, 2015
This week’s post’s title comes from a very famous song by French songstress Edith Piaf. This song has known international success – I would say in part to its catchy chorus. I chose the title because we’re going to continue with colorful expressions. Last time, we looked at le vert, and this time, we’re going…
Top 5 Francophone Albums Posted by Elizabeth Schmermund on Apr 6, 2015
Listening to music is a great way to learn another language. Why? It is easier to memorize melodies and lyrics together than to just memorize sentences. Something in my brain is triggered when I hear music and, although I wouldn’t say that I have a great memory, I remember every note and lyric of the songs…
Prends garde à toi! “Carmen” by Stromae Posted by Josh Dougherty on Apr 2, 2015
Yesterday, Belgian singer/songwriter Stromae released le clip (the music video) to his new single “Carmen.” Stromae (verlan for maestro) came to major popularity with his song “Alors on danse,” which topped the charts in France and Belgium and peaked at 19 in the USA. A remix of this song with self-proclaimed music god Kanye West…
April Fish! Fous d’Avril! Posted by John Bauer on Apr 1, 2015
Humor can be a bit hard to understand in another language, whether it’s a knock knock joke, or an inside joke that you’re not in on. Heureusement (fortunately), April Fool’s Day exists in France. That said, it has a different set of traditions and a very different name: April Fish or in French, Poisson d’avril…