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Tag Archives: Belgique

DON’T Speak French—Talk to the Hand! Posted by on Sep 13, 2013

If you plan to go to Belgium to practice your French, better stay out of the small city of Menin, near the French borders—unless perhaps you got some good skills at expressing yourself with your hands. As of recently, the local authorities have decided that from now on it would be inacceptable (unacceptable) for anyone…

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Beware of the “Père Fouettard” (Whipping Father)! Posted by on Dec 6, 2012

Last week, many families around the world celebrated la Saint-Nicolas! The kids who were sages comme une image (behaving very well) throughout the year were showered with lots of cadeaux (gifts)—compliments of Saint Nicolas. The naughty little garnements (brats), however, the ones who did not listen to their parents, who failed to do their devoirs (homework) and so on, those earned a special visit by…

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Poisson d’Avril (April Fools’): Would You Like Fries with That? Posted by on Apr 1, 2012

It’s no big secret: Despite the persistent legends surrounding them, the so-called “French fries” are almost as “French” as the “French onions“, the “French toast“, and even the “French Kiss“: In other words, they are not! But whether or not you uphold their fairly established Belgian origin, and consider les “frites” as a “faux French” dish, for…

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Jacques Brel: Quand on a que l’amour (When We Only Have Love) Posted by on Mar 29, 2011

The special week consacrée à (devoted to) Jacques Brel on the French Blog continues! * * * Une peinture (a painting) of the great Belgian singer * * * A worthy interpretation of the famous Jacques Brel chanson (song) by la magnifique Patricia Kaas * * * Jacques Brel: “Quand on a que l’amour“ *…

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French Slang Expressions with the Letter E Posted by on Jun 11, 2010

In the “E” section of the B.A.-BA de l’Argot, we get to know today four French slang words used rather frequently; j’ai nommé: – s’Éclater; – s’Emballer; – s’Embrouiller; – s’Engueuler; – Épingler. * * * * s’Éclater: The verb “éclater” means literally “to burst.” But figuratively speaking, its reflexive form, “s’éclater” means “to have an awesome time”, or…

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The Burqa Ban in Belgium Posted by on Apr 30, 2010

Aujourd’hui, on va aborder (today we’re going to tackle) un sujet assez chaud (a pretty hot subject). I know this blog is about la langue et la culture françaises, and I hope you’re learning both from reading it. Today’s topic is at the center of la discussion actuelle (the current discussion) on French culture and…

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