Tag Archives: French culture
French Music – France Gall Posted by Tim Hildreth on Feb 20, 2018
A few weeks ago I posted about the passing of the French singer France Gall. In researching her life and work, I came across this cute song that I wanted to share with you this week. Not only is it a catchy tune, but it has lots of great vocabulary, cultural tidbits, and even a…
French Vocabulary – Drinks Posted by Tim Hildreth on Feb 6, 2018
Everyone knows the French love to eat. But they also love to drink. John’s recent post on sharing a drink with friends got me thinking about vocabulary for drinks. Commençons avec un peu de vocabulaire (Let’s begin with a little vocabulary) Quand j’ai* soif, je bois. (When I’m thirsty, I drink). The verb for to…
French Culture – Current Events Posted by Tim Hildreth on Jan 30, 2018
The last few weeks have been busy in France. There are a number of notable passing and other news updates that I thought would be good to share this week. Some are happy, some sad, but all are making waves on the French airwaves over the last few weeks. Paris sous l’eau (Paris beneath the…
French Culture – Afro-Caribbean Edition Posted by Tim Hildreth on Jan 16, 2018
Last week we looked at some of the influences that France’s former colonies had on French culture. This week we’ll continue that exploration with a song that features influences from Africa and the Caribbean. Performed by Guadeloupe zouk* artist Jocelyne Labille and Congolese singer Cheela with help from French hip hop artist Passi (born in…
French Culture – Mali Edition Posted by Tim Hildreth on Jan 9, 2018
France, like a number of European countries, once controlled large areas of land outside of continental Europe. At the height of its colonial power, France had colonies from Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, to the Caribbean and the new world, and into large parts of Africa. Many of those former colonies make up what…
French Culture – New Year’s Traditions Posted by Tim Hildreth on Jan 2, 2018
On this deuxième jour de janvier (second day of January), I’d like to start off by wishing everyone une très bonne année! (a very Happy New Year!) New Year’s provides the French with not one, but two more chances to do what they do best . . . celebrate! Like most festive French holidays, New…
Le réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre (New Year’s Eve) Posted by Elizabeth Schmermund on Dec 29, 2017
The new year (le nouvel an) is fast approaching. After a less than stellar 2017, I for one will be saying vive 2018! In France, as elsewhere, New Year’s Eve (called le réveillon du jour de l’an) is typically celebrated with friends. It’s common to celebrate the new year with champagne and fireworks. But did…