Tag Archives: French culture
DON’T Speak French—Talk to the Hand! Posted by Hichem 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…
Shopping at Montmartre Posted by Hichem on Jun 1, 2013
Today, you are graciously invited to join une petite dame sympathique (a little friendly lady) to go on an exciting shopping spree. Where at? Montmartre, Paris’s most picturesque (and therefore “touristy”) neighborhood! Bonjour, today we’ll join Ines de la Fressange (could be her real name) for a little shopping at Montmartre, Paris’s most artistic neighborhood…
Belgians Finally Poking Fun Back at the French Posted by Hichem on Mar 3, 2012
More than 100 years of countless many French blagues (jokes) at the expense of Belgians, and the compatriots of Jacques Brel never felt like retaliating against the shenanigans of their misbehaving southern neighbors… Well, not until recently, that is! Were they only biding their time? Here’s something pretty funny for you: Although this can sound a bit strange or…
L’École des Stars Posted by Transparent Language on Dec 28, 2009
Over 2000 candidates from all over France tried out to be one of the 32 kids aged 8-12 to compete in the French TV children’s singing contest broadcast on Direct 8 called L’Ècole des Stars. This year, the winner was 9-year-old Léo from la Loire. He performed the songs ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and ‘Le…
French Cuisine – Fromage Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 31, 2009
A few things happened to me when I lived in France that made me begin to understand one of the major points of French culture – le fromage! First of all, as a student who had to go out and get her own groceries for lunch, one of my first excursions was to a supermarket…
French Culture – Musée du Louvre Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 23, 2009
One of my favorite places to immerse myself in French culture when I visit Paris is the Louvre. Every time I walk up to the former royal fortress, I am filled with awe, despite the long lines of tourists around me. At the same time, I feel proud that an American’s work of art is…
The French Love to Strike Posted by Transparent Language on Nov 18, 2008
I remember when I was living in Paris, it seemed like there were always grèves all around the city. We would have to walk every so often in the mornings to class as the metro was not running (the SNCF loves to go on strike). The American Embassy would constantly warn us that we should…