The Bilingual and Audio e-Magazine for Expatriates in France, French Students and Francophiles

December 2008 — January 2009 6 € Issue Number 16 Page 2 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16

From the Editors “Before you move, make an effort to learn the language…” “Learn French! Any time spent learning to speak French before you settle in France will be very worthwhile. Also, be prepared to continue learning the language, at whatever level, once you are here…” “To have a basic knowledge of the French language… it is so very important.” “Integration within the local community… could only be facilitated by learning to speak the French language better…” “LEARN THE LANGUAGE! …” The successful expatriates we interviewed for the main feature of this issue speak in nearly a single voice when they reply to our question: “What crucial advice would you give to those contem- plating settling in France?”

It is quite possible to adapt fully to life in France, to the extent that one could easily envisage staying there for the rest of one’s life. And, through authentic testimonies, this is what we hoped to demon- strate in this issue rather than focusing, as is frequently the case, on the difficulties most expatriates face when they arrive. However, there is really no magic formula: integration is possible only for those who make the effort to learn the language well enough to be able to communicate, to under- stand and to be understood. Seeking refuge in the numerous groups and associations of expatriate communities might seem more comfortable, but it never leads to full integration, which means feel- ing at home in and sustained by your adopted country.

Since its creation exactly two years go, in December 2006, French Accent Magazine has evolved from time to time in order to adjust to its readers’ needs and wishes, but it has remained faithful to its two main objectives: to help English-speaking expatriates who have chosen to live in France, or another French-speaking country, to adapt to it and to help anyone willing or needing to improve her/his French to do so through bilingual articles, grammatical explanations, scenarios, vocabulary lists, etc. We will most likely continue to make some adjustments in the next few months, perhaps reducing the number and length of articles to make the magazine more manageable, but the grammatical arti- cles and the audio scenarios will always remain, as we know, and you have confirmed it to us, how useful they are in your tremendous efforts to improve your comprehension and pronunciation. And we will continue to cover highlights of French society and life in France, as well as a short presenta- tion of the “French Scene”, since integration and culture are inextricably linked.

As this issue appears on the eve of the end-of-the-year festivities, we wish you a wonderful holiday season, and a very satisfying and integration-conducive 2009.

And for those of you who live close to London, we invite you to visit our stand at the forthcoming major event for expatriates: The France Show! (see page 4). We will be more than pleased to answer any questions and/or explain our objectives and our way of trying to serve you as much as we can. French Accent Magazine

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Cover photo: Debbie and Alastair Johnston, who have successfully To download all the audio files of the magazine: created a gîte d’hôte (www.demipiste.com) in Chamonix. click HERE © Richard Mouillaud Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 3

Sommaire

Interactive French

Tu m’aimes? Non, mais je t’aime bien… Page 5 - Plus 2 Scenarios Page 5 Two dictées Page 7 Learn to Love the Subjunctive (part II) Page 8 - Plus a Scenario Page 9 Le coin des branchés: A few useful & interesting expressions Page 10

Real Life

End of the Year Celebrations in France Page 13 - Plus: A Few Words and Expressions Page 14 Janvier, le temps des soldes… Page 15 - Plus a Scenario: To Go or not to Go… Page 16

This is France

Expatriate Success Stories Page 17 - Six Testimonies Page 17 - How Children Integrate Page 22 - Max & Lili Page 24

French Politics

The Socialist Party: Women Have Their Say Page 25

The French Scene

Amélie Nothomb, Literary Star Page 27 A Song: Parachute doré, by Alain Souchon Page 29 A Children’s Story: Le père Noël est enrhumé Page 31 A Selection of Books Page 32 A Literary Text: La madeleine de Proust Page 33

Mots croisés Page 12 Une recette de cuisine: la galette des rois Page 34

Page 4 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16 2009

French Accent and Learn French at Home at The France Show, London, 9-11 January 2009

FF or the second year run- ning, the team of French Ac- cent Magazine, and the foun- ders of Learn French at Home, will be present at the most important event for Franco- philes in London, and soon- to-be expatriates.

According to the organizers, over 30,000 visitors are ex- pected again this year. The France Show provides a very French atmosphere and a large selection of entertain- ing attractions with music, dances, demonstrations, etc. Photos taken during the January 2007 France Show. The hall will be filled with book shops, restaurants, food and wine stands, real We will be pleased to answer ments, criticisms and/or estate, travel and tourism any question you have about suggestions... information, and a Language the contents of the magazine and Culture section, where or how to access it on the You will also be able to take we will have our Stand web. And we will be very part in our special draw for a (L127). appreciative of your com- free subscription or French lesson, and to discover the discount prices we will make available to all the France Show visitors.

Location: Earls Court. All details on: www.thefranceshow.com

Opening times: Friday and Saturday: 10am- 6pm; Sunday: 10am-5pm Entry fee: £10.

Visit us at stand L127 to meet the editors of French Accent Magazine, find out more about our services, try your luck in our draw and benefit from great dis- count offers!

The editors Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 5

Interactive French — Tu m’aimes ? Printable Non, mais je t’aime bien ! version HH ave you ever seen a and according to the adverb I like Robert child in France plucking one you choose to qualify your petal of a daisy at a time while love, it can actually end up When you wish to express saying “Je t’aime, un peu, beau- meaning “to like” instead of that you like someone, then coup, passionnément, à la folie, pas “to love”. This is where it can you have a few options. To du tout” (I love you, a little, a become confusing and tricky. say that you “like” or are lot, passionately, madly, not at How do we simply say to a “fond of” someone, it would all), the last petal determining friend “I like you”? Let’s clar- then be appropriate to use your degree of love for that ify how the verb aimer is used aimer , BUT you need to add person? and also have a look at some an adverb, such as bien, or other options: Examples: beaucoup. Strangely enough, As you probably already Je vous aime OR je t’aime ! = I these adverbs make aimer less know, using the verb aimer in I love Robert love you! strong, so that they can be reference to a person means J’aime Robert ! = I love Robert! used with friends rather than “to love” that person, but love When you wish to make a To say that you’ve fallen family and lovers. can be expressed in varying declaration of love to some- madly in love: degrees just like when you’re one, the verb aimer is most J’aime Robert à la folie = I’m plucking the petals of a daisy, appropriate. madly in love with Robert Cont’d page 6 1st Role Play—Beginner Level Une mère et sa fille vont choisir ensemble un cadeau d’anni- A mother and her daughter are going to select a birthday versaire pour une copine de la fillette. gift for a friend of the little girl.

La maman : Tu l’aimes bien, ta copine ? The mother: Do you like her a lot, your friend? Charlotte : Oh oui, je l’aime vraiment beaucoup. Je veux lui Charlotte: Oh yes, I like her very much. I want to give her faire un très beau cadeau. a beautiful gift. La maman : D’accord. Tu sais un peu ce qu’elle aime ? The mother: OK. Do you know somewhat what she likes? Charlotte : Oui, je sais qu’elle aime lire. Elle aime bien aussi Charlotte: Yes, I know she likes to read. She also likes little les petites poupées. Mais elle adore surtout les figurines de dolls. But she loves figurines of princesses. princesses. La maman : Oh, mais ce n’est pas facile à choisir, surtout si The mother: Oh, but it is not easy to chose, especially if elle en a déjà beaucoup. Tu ne crois pas qu’elle apprécierait un she already has many of them. Don’t you think she would livre ? like a book? Charlotte : Peut-être. Je sais que les contes lui plaisent bien. Charlotte: Maybe. I know she likes tales. La maman : Quel genre de contes ? The mother: What kind of tales? Charlotte : Ceux qui se finissent bien. Tu sais, quand le prince Charlotte: The ones with a happy ending. You know, when rencontre la femme qu’il aime et veut l’épouser… the charming prince meets the woman he loves and wants to marry her… La maman : Ah, c’est très romantique ! The mother: Ah, that is very romantic! Charlotte : Oui, mais je suis sûre qu’elle aime ça ! Charlotte: Yes, but I’m sure she likes that! La maman : Eh bien, allons voir à la librairie. The mother: Well, let’s go to the bookstore. Charlotte : D’accord. Mais si je ne trouve pas quelque chose Charlotte: OK. But if I don’t find anything I like I’ll look qui me plaît je chercherai une jolie poupée que j’aime. for a pretty doll that I like. La maman : Dis, ce n’est pas pour toi… The mother: Hey, this is not for you… Charlotte : Oh, je sais bien ! Mais elle aime presque les mê- Charlotte: I know! But she likes almost the same things mes choses que moi. that I do. Page 6 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16

Tu m’aimes? (cont’d) I like chocolate Nous aimons la ville = We like la, des). You cannot say j’aime When you wish to say that you the city du chocolat when you’re just like or love something. making a “like/love” state- Aimer will be appropriate to Note that with aimer and ment. Therefore, you can say Examples: use again. other verbs of feelings such je préfère le chocolat, je déteste le J’aime bien Robert = I like as préférer (to prefer), apprécier chocolat, etc. If you wish to Robert Examples: (to appreciate), détester (to replace the word le chocolat by J’aime beaucoup Robert = I like J’aime le chocolat = I like choco- hate) you will always use the “it”, you can use the regular Robert a lot late definite article (le, la, les ) and Je t’aime bien = I like you Tu aimes la vie = You love life not the partitive article (du, de Cont’d page 7 2nd Role Play—Intermediate Level Lors d’un dîner chez des amis, un Français rencontre une An- A French man meets an English woman, who has been liv- glaise qui habite en France depuis trois ans. Il lui pose quel- ing in France for three years, at a friend’s dinner party. He ques questions sur sa vie en France. asks her a few questions about her life in France.

François : Alors, mon ami m’a dit que vous habitez en France François: So, my friend told me that you’ve been living in depuis trois ans ? Vous vous plaisez ici ? France for three years! Do you like living here? Helen : Oui, j’aime beaucoup ! Helen: Yes, I like it a lot! François : Je suis curieux - qu’est-ce qui vous plaît en François: I’m curious – what do you like in France? France ? Helen : Oh, beaucoup de choses me plaisent ! J’aime la cam- Helen: Oh, I like lots of things! I like the countryside, the pagne, les gens, la cuisine et j’adore la qualité de vie ! people, the food and I love the quality of life! François : Ah vraiment ! C’est marrant parce que les Français François: Oh really! It’s funny because the French like to aiment aller en Angleterre pour le travail parce qu’ils gagnent go to England to work because they earn a better salary over mieux leur vie là-bas ! Les Français en France aimeraient être there! The French in France would like to earn more for mieux récompensés pour leur travail… their work… Helen : Oui, c’est vrai que le marché du travail me plaisait Helen: Yes, it’s true that I liked the job market in England plus en Angleterre, mais en Angleterre tout était très cher, more, but over there everything was very expensive so I was donc je gagnais plus d’argent mais j’en dépensais plus… Et making more money but I was spending more also… Then, puis, je n’aimais pas vivre seulement pour le travail ! Et main- I didn’t like living for work only. And now with the finan- tenant avec la crise financière, c’est très difficile ! cial crisis - it’s very difficult! François : C’est vrai – vous avez certainement raison ! Mais François: That’s true – you’re most probably right! But pourquoi vous êtes venue dans le nord de la France, vous ne why did you come in the North of France, wouldn’t you préférez pas le sud ? rather be in the South? Helen : Oh non, le nord me plaît plus… J’aime bien les gens Helen: Oh no, I like the North better… I like the people ici ! J’aime la nature, les espaces et j’aime bien être assez près here! I like the nature, the open spaces and I like being de l’Angleterre - j’y retourne souvent parce que j’ai mes en- close to England – I go back often because I have children fants là-bas. over there. François : Ca me fait plaisir d’entendre que vous aimez autant François: I’m really glad to hear that you like our region so notre région ! C’est vrai qu’elle est belle ! Souvent, l’image du much! It’s true that it’s beautiful! Often, the image of the nord n’est pas très positive. Remarquez que c’est mieux main- North is not very positive. Well, actually it is better now tenant, grâce au film Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis – vous connais- thanks to the movie Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis – do you know it? sez ? Helen : Oh oui, j’adore ce film ! Je l’ai vu 3 fois ! Je crois que Helen: Oh yes, I love the movie! I saw it three times! I je suis tombée amoureuse de l’acteur principal, le responsable think I fell in love with the main actor, the manager of the de la Poste ! – hihihi ! post office – Hi hi hi! François : Ah ah ! Oui, il est charmant… François: Ha ha! Yes, he’s charming… moi aussi ce film m’a beaucoup plu ! Au Me too, I liked this movie a lot! By the fait, vous voulez un peu de vin ? Vous ai- way, would you like some wine? Do you mez le rouge ? like red? Helen : Bien sûr, j’adore le vin rouge – Helen: Of course, I love red wine – it’s c’est une autre raison de mon amour pour another reason for my love for France! la France ! Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 7

Tu m’aimes? (cont’d) thing in a polite way. Simply Vous vous plaisez = you like To adore/ to truly love saying je veux can be a bit Ils se plaisent = they like direct object pronouns (je abrupt and less polite than je Adorer is used to express a l’aime), but the French have a voudrais. The French will also A few examples: true love for something but it strong tendency to replace “it” use aimer a lot in the condi- Robert me plaît = Literally it is not quite as strong as aimer with the indefinite demonstra- tional which also means “I means “Robert pleases me” when expressing love for/to tive pronoun ça. would like”. This is how we but really what you’re saying is people! use it: “I fancy/like Robert” (it could J’aimerais un verre d’eau avec mon be expressed either in a ro- Examples: café svp ! = I would like a glass mantic or a friendly way) J’adore la peinture = I truly love of water with my coffee La maison me plaît = I like the the painting please! house J’adore la soupe = I truly love Le film me plaît = I like the the soup Another popular alternative movie J’adore la mer = I truly love the for “to like” = (se) plaire. Nous nous plaisons ici = We like sea Examples: it here J’ai adoré ce film = I truly loved Aimes-tu le chocolat ? Oui, j’aime Plaire literally means “to Paris te plaît ? = Do you like this film ça ! = Do you like chocolate? please”, but in French it really Paris? J’adore les romans d’amour = I Yes I like it. means to like something or truly love romance novels Est-ce que tu aimes lire ? Oui, someone. The French use it J’adore Robert, il est drôle ! = I j’aime ça = Do you like to read? a lot as an alternative to aimer. really like Robert, he’s funny! Yes I like it. Here is how it is used and BUT conjugated: J’aime Robert = I love Robert I would like Tu me plais = I like you (stronger than adorer) Ça me plaît = I like it The French tend to use je Il me plaît = I like him voudrais = “I would like” when Elle me plaît = I like her they want to ask for some- Nous nous plaisons = we like Céline Anthonioz

Try this exercise! - 1 Fill in the blanks with the correct ‘verb’ and the proper conjugation in the present tense (sometimes two op- tions are possible): aimer – aimer bien – adorer – plaire

1) J... ______mon nouveau travail, tout le monde 6) Je n... ______pas bien prendre le métro mais ce est gentil. n’est pas grave puisque j... ______lire ! 2) J... ______mon patron, il est en général assez 7) J… ______les romans et l’auteur Amélie No- compréhensif et encourageant. thomb 3) Le quartier ______, il y a de bons restaurants et 8) J… ______bien ! de bonnes boutiques. 9) Globalement, mon travail m... ______beaucoup ! 4) J... ______ma collègue, elle est très sympa et elle Je suis contente !! apporte très souvent de succulents biscuits aux pépites de 10) J… ______le champagne ! C’est ma boisson chocolats. préférée. 5) Je les ______! La seule chose négative, c’est le long trajet que je dois faire tous les jours pour aller au travail. (Solutions page 31)

Deux dictées au choix

We provide two dictées to chose from, according to your level in French: one for beginners, and another one for intermediate level French. Click on the link below to listen to each of them. Then try and write it without making any mistakes. You can compare it to the original text on page 31.

N.B.: It would be a good idea to read all the articles of this issue of French Accent before doing the dictation, as you will recognize many expressions.

Beginner level: Intermediate level: Page 8 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16

Learn to Love the Subjunctive (part II)

Pensez-vous qu’il soit intelligent ? pression of a personal opin- Elle a la plus jolie voix que le AA s we pointed out in the Je ne trouve pas qu’il fasse plus ion, but this is one of those monde ait jamais entendue. last issue of French Accent, the fascinating exceptions in the subjunctive is an important French language: and integral element in the Il semble qu’il tienne beaucoup à French language. Nobody choisir le plus beau cadeau pour sa Elle a can really call themselves flu- femme. la plus ent in the language until they BUT: Il me semble que j’ai oublié jolie voix have mastered at least the mon portefeuille à l’hôtel. que fundamentals of the subjunc- le monde tive, and feeling confident un- In the rather lengthy list of ait jamais derstanding and using the conjunctions that require the entendue. subjunctive is very often a subjunctive (see the link be- matter of adopting a good, Il ne croit pas qu’elle low), there are some interest- positive attitude about it. The puisse finir à temps. ing exceptions. Among the subjunctive is not only essen- most commonly used con- tial, it is actually fun and fasci- junctions that require the sub- Note also that while there is a nating. froid ici. junctive are avant que, past tense of the subjunctive Il ne croit pas qu’elle puisse finir jusqu’à ce que and pour (formed simply with the sub- Armed with a new way of ap- à temps. que. junctive of the auxilliary verb proaching the subjunctive, You will, nevertheless, find in Nous le ferons avant que tu par- être or avoir plus the regular let’s take a look at some of the spoken language that tes. past participle of the verb you the really interesting ways it is many French will choose to Je t’attendrai jusqu’à ce que tu sois are conjugating – see the ex- used, as well as some of the use the indicative in the libre. ample above) there is really seemingly illogical exceptions. above situations. Pour que vous le sachiez, j’ai no future tense; the present donné les clés à Marie-Claire. subjunctive is also used to ex- The verbs penser, croire, The expression il est prob- press a future event. trouver and espérer, al- able que falls more into the However, the one notable ex- though you might be tempted realm of something that is ception is the conjunction And finally, be sure not to to think that they express a sure or certain and, therefore, après que, which takes the in- confuse the forms for the im- subjective attitude, take the takes the indicative. How- dicative. You will, neverthe- perative of the verbs être, avoir indicative: ever, adding a peu to the less, find some people who and vouloir with the subjunc- Je pense qu’il est intelligent. equation brings us back to use the subjunctive. tive. They are spelled exactly On trouve qu’il fait plus froid ici. the subjunctive: Nous partons après que tu finiras the same, but the usage is to- Il est probable que Paul vient ce tes courses. (Note that après que tally different: On soir. usually calls for a future tense). N’ayez pas peur ! = Don’t be trouve BUT : Il est peu probable que Again, see the link below for afraid! vs. Il est important que Paul vienne ce soir. other conjunctions that take vous ayez un bon niveau de fran- qu’il the indicative rather than the çais = It is important that you fait Il est possible que, on the subjunctive. have a good level of French) plus other hand, suggests doubt The subjunctive is also used Soyez sages, les enfants ! = Be froid and takes the subjunctive: when the existence or validity good, children! vs. Je suis ici... Il est possible que nous partions of something is in doubt. This désolé que vous ne soyez pas à avant vous. (It’s possible, but is often the case when you use l’heure. = I’m sorry that you not certain). the superlative, since it really aren’t on time. Nous espérons que tout ira bien isn’t sure that whomever or Now, just keep repeating to (espérer normally triggers the Il semble que takes the sub- whatever you mention is actu- yourself, “I love the subjunc- use of the future). junctive, whereas Il me sem- ally the best or biggest or the tive, I love the subjunctive, I ble que takes the indicative. most important: love the subjunctive”… However, when penser, This really defies logic in a Je cherche un mécanicien qui sache croire or trouver are negated sense, because one would réparer ma vieille Simca (You or used in the interrogative, think that il me semble que don’t really know if it is possi- they take the subjunctive: would be much more an ex- ble to find one). Roger Stevenson http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa111799.htm A very complete list of the verbs, expressions and conjunctions that require the subjunctive. Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 9

Subjonctive (cont'd) A Scenario Read and listen to the following scenario and try to identify all the verbs in the subjunctive.

Anne-Marie essaie d’encourager son mari Stéfan à préparer Anne-Marie is trying to encourage her husband Stéfan to get leur départ pour les fêtes de Noël chez ses parents. Mais ce ready to leave for the Christmas holidays at her parents, but n’est pas si facile... it’s not very easy…

Anne-Marie : Tu te dépêches un peu, Stéfan ? Il faut qu’on Anne-Marie: Can you hurry up a bit, Stéfan? We have to parte dans une demi-heure et tu n’as même pas fini les valises ! leave in a half hour and you haven’t even finished packing the suitcases yet. Stéfan : Calme-toi, ma chérie ! N’aie pas peur ! Je ferai les vali- Stéfan: Calm down, my dear. Don’t be afraid. (Don’t worry) ses après que j’aurai fini de manger. I’ll do the suitcases when I finish eating. Anne-Marie : Mais, tu es à table depuis 45 minutes ! Tu pas- Anne-Marie: But you’ve been sitting there for 45 minutes. ses toute la matinée à lire ton journal tranquillo*, et mes pa- You’re spending the entire morning calmly reading your rents veulent absolument que nous arrivions pour 2 heures. newspaper, and my parents really want us to get there by two. Stéfan : Mais sois raisonnable, mon chou, et arrête de rouspé- Stéfan: Be reasonable, sweetheart and stop complaining! I ter ! Je ne peux même pas commencer les valises avant que tu can’t even start on the suitcases until you choose the clothes choisisses les vêtements pour les gosses. for the kids. Anne-Marie : Mais comment tu veux que je choisisse les vê- Anne-Marie: But how do you expect me to choose the tements quand tu ne les as pas encore sortis du sèche-linge ? clothes for the kids when you haven’t even taken them out of the dryer? Stéfan : Je ne les ai pas sortis ? Oh flûte ! Excuse-moi. Il est Stéfan: I haven’t taken them out yet? Rats! Excuse me. It’s possible que j’aie oublié ce petit détail. possible that I forgot that little detail. Anne-Marie : Oh la la ! Tu es le mari le plus distrait qu’il soit. Anne-Marie: Oh my oh my. You are the most absent- Bon, il faut qu’on se dépêche. J’espère qu’on arrivera à tout fi- minded husband there ever was! Alright now, we have to nir à temps. Mes parents n’aiment pas du tout que nous arri- hurry. I hope that we finish everything on time. My parents vions en retard. don’t like it at all when (that) we arrive late. Stéfan : D’accord, mon petit lapin. Je finis juste cet article et Stéfan: Okay, honey. I’ll just finish this article and then I’ll puis je fais les valises. Tu peux m’aider un peu et sortir les vê- do the suitcases. Could you help me a bit and take the tements du sèche-linge pour moi ? Penses-tu que j’aie le temps clothes out of the dryer for me? Do you think I have pour une autre tasse de café ? enough time for another cup of coffee? Anne-Marie : Ecoute Stéfan. Je pars dans dix minutes, que tu Anne-Marie: Listen, Stéfan. I’m leaving in ten minutes, le veuilles ou non. J’espère que tu auras fini les valises et que whether you like it or not. I hope you will have finished the tu partiras avec moi et les enfants, à suitcases and that you leave with me and the kids, unless you moins que tu préfères rester tout seul à prefer to stay home alone for a whole week! la maison pendant toute une semaine !

* short for tranquillement.

Try this exercise! - 2 Now try your hand at filling in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs in parentheses: 1. (venir) (être) Il est peu probable que Pierre ______le français, l’anglais, le russe et le japonais. demain. Sa mère m’a dit qu’il ______malade. 7. (avoir) Il me semble qu’Amélie Nothomb ______un 2. (partir) Nous regrettons vraiment qu’elle ______style très intéressant. toute seule hier soir. Alain voulait qu’elle ______avec 8. (revenir) (prévenir) (comprendre) Je ne suis pas sûr qu’elle lui. ______avant demain soir. Voulez-vous que je la 3. (faire) (pouvoir) Il est bien dommage qu’il ______? J’espère qu’elle ______ce que vous aussi mauvais temps. Je vous prête ma voiture pour que vous allez lui dire. ______rentrer. 9. (partir) Nous commencerons à manger après qu’il 4. (être) Nous continuerons jusqu’à ce que tout ______: ______terminé. 10. (obtenir) Paul partira pour le Mexique pourvu qu’il 5. (dire) Je voudrais qu’il me le ______tout de suite. ______son visa. 6. (savoir) Je voudrais bien embaucher un traducteur qui (Solutions page 31) Page 10 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16

Le coin des branchés A “corner” that fills a lot of space in French expressions: Click here

Le coin = the corner Un coin tranquille = a quiet place Un bon coin = a good spot Le coin jardinage/artisanat, etc., du magasin = the gardening/handicraft, etc., part of the store. Le bistrot du coin = the closest or neighborhood bistrot. Au coin de la rue = at the corner of the street, the intersection. A tous les coins de rue = everywhere, very ordinary. Des gens comme lui, on en rencontre à tous les coins de rue ! = People like him, one can see them everywhere! Les gens du coin = the locals. Cultiver un coin/lopin de terre = to cultivate a small peace of land. Le coin fenêtre = the seat closest to the window in a train or a bus. Le coin des branchés = our column! designed only for those who are branchés (who are in the know…). Un coin de paradis = an idyllic spot. Un coin d’ombre = a small place with some shade. Voyager aux quatre coins du monde = to travel to every corner of the world. Vivre dans son coin = live in ones own world without interacting much with others. Une soirée au coin du feu = a cosy evening at home close to a fireplace. Le petit coin = the loo. Au coin ! = in the past, what was said to children who didn’t behave at school (they were asked to go stand in a corner of the classroom facing the Translate into wall). 50 languages En boucher un coin = to surprise someone to the extent that he/she in 1 click: here! doesn’t know what to say. Enfoncer un coin = to contribute to dissention between people. Regarder du coin des yeux = have a furtive and discrete look at someone so that the person doesn’t notice it. Le petit coin… This very special place. Surveiller du coin des yeux = to Picture published in “Le grand livre du petit coin”, verify discretely someone’s work. Editions Horay. Reprint in 2008. Un sourire en coin = a discreet, and ironic, smile. Coin-coin = quack (of a duck). Also used sometimes to imitate the sound of a klaxon.

Roger Stevenson

Advertise with us! Coin-coin...

Click HERE Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 11

A highly successful programme among expatriates. Lessons, with a TESTIMONIALS French native-speaking private teacher, are geared to the stu- dent’s level and needs and focuses on everyday practical living in “The best method for me France. It offers a wonderful scheduling and location flexibility, as for progressing in the lan- the lessons can be taken at any time and any place. guage. Tired of classes and groups of mixed abil-

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Each programme includes a lesson via Skype one contact with a tea- cher, this was the ideal (www.skype.com) or on the telephone with a answer.” native-speaker French teacher located in Peta, Normandy, France France, Switzerland or North America. After each lesson, the student receives personalised “I really enjoy the lessons homework and has the opportunity to practice and my neighbours and their French via our on-line forum. friends in my village com- ment on my progress, so • Teachers it's great.” Alana, Aude, France They all have a diploma and have experience teaching French. They are very patient, friendly and encouraging. They understand the frustrations The lessons are very en- and the difficulties of learning a second language. They adapt to their stu- joyable and we laugh dents’ levels and objectives. They make sure that the lesson is performed a lot about the oddities of each other's language and in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. the different ways in which language is used. • Students If you want to make pro- gress with your learning. The French learning programmes are adapted for I'm certainly enjoying expatriates living in France, tourists, students, the experience.” Francophiles, business professionals and for chil- Peter, Northants, UK dren (from 6 yrs. up). So far, hundreds of students have experienced our French learning pro- “I like the flexibility of grammes, and they all enjoy real progress as learning this way because every lesson is personalized. I can have weekly lessons regardless of where I am • Advantages in the world. I am also learning French quicker Flexibility: lessons can be taken from home, the than other methods or office, hotel room, etc. The student can change the lessons because it is eas- date and time of the lesson on a weekly ba- ier for me to schedule them. Even my 9 year old sis. son has commented how Personalized: every lesson is prepared my French is improving according to the student’s level and objec- and he is fluent!” tives. Constant feed-back is given during Paul, Dordogne, France and in between each lesson. Affordable: it is one flat fee per lesson “A brilliant concept and which includes a follow-up homework as- one that I am enjoying signment. There are no extra fees! immensely. The hour long phone call absolutely flies by, before I know it, 5 French Learning Programmes to choose from! the teacher is setting my

homework, which I can Learn French at Home then do at my conve- +33 (0)8 70 40 81 17 (local call cost in France) nience and e-mail to her www.learnfrenchathome.com for correcting.” [email protected] Marian, Essex, England Page 12 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16

Click HERE for a more Mots croisés readable version:

The words for the Crossword Puzzle are taken from the articles in the current issue. Printable version

Vertical

1. quand les magasins bais- sent leurs prix 2. auteur de "A la recherche du temps perdu" 3. s'adapter 6. 3e personne au singulier du subjonctif du verbe "pouvoir" 9. donner 11. un bagage 12. ce qu'on offre à quelqu'un 13. lieu de travail 16. fixer à l'aide d'un adhésif 18. fille 19. bien aimer 21. ______les rois 24. l'angle de 2 murs 25. une pâtisserie célèbre 26. comme de l'or 28. avoir un rhume 31. avoir de l'affection pour

Created with ElipseCrossword—www.elipsecrossword.com Horizontal 20. un dessert

1. il faut que vous aimiez le ______! 22. 24h 00 4. écrivaine belge 23. équipement qui aide à freiner la chute 5. celui qui décide des dates des soldes 27. téléphone cellulaire 7. _____ sages, les enfants ! 29. le ______de Noël 8. chanteur français 30. personne qui s'installe dans un autre pays 10. groupement politique 32. nouvelle secrétaire du PS 14. celui ou celle qui gagne 33. personnage dans un livre pour enfants 15. le 25 décembre 34. la surprise dans une galette des rois 17. dîner du 24 décembre Solution on page 35 Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 13

Printable Real Life — End of the Year version Celebrations in France

The French Way gather for the Réveillon* (the a turkey, or a chapon (a large, of Celebrating late Christmas Eve meal) and neutered chicken), or lobster. they exchange gifts – except And the most traditional des- that when there are small sert is the bûche de Noël CC hristmas with the family, children who still believe in (Christmas log), a cake in the New Year’s eve with friends… Le Père Noël (Santa). In shape of a log and filled with This long-standing custom that which case, presents are originated in a time when relig- handed out on the morning (Cont’d page 14) ion was rather important, is of the 25th, placed in shoes still pretty much respected in (and not in stockings hung modern France. Nowadays, from the mantle like in some countries) that have been left for most French, except the A “chapon” around the Christmas tree, or Muslim population, Christmas and the traditional sometimes in front of the is still very much celebrated, “bûche de Noël”, fireplace. but as is the case in many are among the basics. other countries, it has little to do with religion; nearly 80% of The menu for most Réveillons the population are baptized will very often include huîtres Catholics, but estimates put (oysters), saumon fumé the number of practising (smoked salmon), Catholics at between 8 and boudin blanc (a sort 12%. Christmas still remains of white pudding the most important family made from poultry gathering of the year, much and cream), or foie like Thanksgiving in the US. gras as the first After the Christmas tree has course. The main been decorated, the families course will be either

Holiday Greeting Cards

Even though many beautiful Christmas cards are available in shops throughout France at that time of the year, the French do not usually send cards for Christmas. Except for those who might want to send a special greeting to a family member who is far away, Christmas cards are rarely used, with the exception of devout Catholics who cele- brate it as a purely religious event. Instead, French people send New Year’s cards, and you will notice that you can find many more of this kind of card everywhere. The tradition is not to send them until after the end of the year, and custom dictates that you can begin mailing them around 2-3 January and that you should really try and finish sending them before the end of the month. Of course, today, many people send cybercards or e-mails. Nevertheless, a “real” card is still highly appreciated and will usually elicit a similar reply. Page 14 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16

End of the Year on the bottles of champagne Réveillons of the end of the (cont’d) are popped and when all the year. In such case, first, don’t guests exchange wishes for hesitate to tell them that you very different ingredients the New Year, and kisses, will be unable to eat oysters (chocolate, dried or exotic traditionally under a branch or foie gras (unless you are…), fruits, praline cream, etc). of mistletoe (supposed to be and also to bring one of the Most French will continue a lucky charm) hung on the specialties from your country celebrating Christmas through- wall or attached to a door or and region. For Christmas it out the whole day of the 25th, the ceiling. The arrival of the is also nice to bring a little with another large meal at New Year is frequently cele- present for your hosts, pref- lunch time. Practising Catho- brated with friends only, and erably something typical from lics usually have a very late the party can last the entire your country, and something Christmas Eve as they attend night, with dancing and for the children. While for midnight mass, and are sup- drinks, all of which is punc- the New Year’s party the best posed to wait until after before tuated by the sound of fire- thing to bring would be either starting the Réveillon (a tradition works being set off outside. a good bottle of wine or that is less and less respected). champagne, or sweets. Don’t And another celebration as- be surprised by the length of On New Year’s Eve, the same sociated with Christmas tra- the dinner or Christmas type of late dinner, also called dition starts in early January: lunch. The number of hours a Réveillon, takes place in the the fête des rois (see page 34). that the French can remain evening of the 31st – which is around a table is impressive. also referred to as La Saint- If you are invited Just consider it as a very Silvestre. Again, you will most to celebrate with pleasant way to sample exam- probably find oysters and French friends ples of French food and cul- other shell fish, as well as the ture, and to improve your same type of main meal on the It is not uncommon that ex- knowledge of the language! table, but not the bûche, which patriates who have become is typical of Christmas. Of very good friends with * Réveillon comes from the course, the diner lasts at least French families will be in- verb réveiller (to wake up or to until midnight, when the corks vited to either one of the two remain wide awake). A Few Words and Expressions

Noël = Christmas Réveillon = late feast/dinner for Christmas or New Year’s eve Sapin de Noël = Christmas tree Père Noël = Santa Le Père Noël est passé ! = Santa has been here! Distribuer les cadeaux = to hand out the presents Offrir des cadeaux = to give presents Joyeux Noël ! = Merry Christmas! Joyeuses fêtes = Happy end of the year celebrations! Bonne année ! = Happy New Year! Bonne et heureuse année = A very happy New Year! Advertise with us! Tous mes vœux/meilleurs vœux = Best wishes (for the New Year) Bonne santé ! = Have good health! S’embrasser sous le gui = to kiss under the mistletoe Faire un vœu = to make a wish Faire la fête toute la nuit = to party the whole night Le Nouvel An = the New Year Les résolutions du Nouvel An = New Year’s resolutions

Click HERE Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 15

Janvier, le temps des soldes...

since it depends on the stock On the opening day of the II f it’s January, it must be in the shops (20 to 40-50%), sales, you very often see huge sales time! In France there are but by the 2nd and 3rd weeks crowds waiting outside the only two official periods when you can almost find half- main department stores and sales are permitted, one in price discounts everywhere, appliance merchants waiting summer and one in winter. and sometimes, albeit more to storm the place once the That can also give you an idea rarely, up to 60 or 70%. doors open. And the ambi- of just how popular these two ance is really fun, especially in time periods are with consum- This year, we can expect to women’s departments. It ers. We can easily guess that see prices fall a bit more rap- looks like a mass therapy ses- this year, with the financial and idly, so that the shopkeepers sion where everyone lets economic crises, most people can be sure to be able to sell loose and works out their will have waited eagerly for the their goods while the cus- frustrations. January sales (the biggest of tomers are more careful with the two scheduled sales) to their spending, and more start buying anything. hesitant. Annick Stevenson

Winter and Summer Sales

The date of the sales has al- ways been the decision of the perfect (préfet) of each depart- ment, upon recommendation from the Government. How- ever, the Minister of Economy has just announced on Decem- ber 7th that the winter sales will be the same for the whole country. They will always start on the first Wednesday of January and the summer sales on the 3rd Wednesday of June. They last for 5 weeks. For January 2009, they will start January 7th.

During the first week, you have to take the time to check things out carefully, and the Not only the prices go down, the financial means of the consumers too... discount is not always great, © Chimulus. Published in 20 minutes, June 25th, 2008.

A Few Comparative Websites

Holding sales on the internet is increasingly common in France too. It is always interesting to be able to compare prices on several websites, such as the ones below: www.priceminister.com Probably the most well-known, with more than 8 million members. www.achetezfacile.com www.kelkoo.fr www.leguide.com www.twenga.fr http://fr.shopping.com/ www.touslesprix.com Page 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16

A Scenario: To Go or Not to Go, That is The Question

C’est le grand jour : Suzie se prépare à aller This is the big day. Suzie is getting ready to go faire les soldes. Elle aimerait que son mari do the sales. She would like her husband to l’accompagne, mais il se fait tirer l’oreille. accompany her. But he is being stubborn.

Suzie : Bon, tu viens ? Suzie: OK, are you coming? Marc : On va où, déjà ? Marc: Where are we going, you said? Suzie : Faire les soldes, tu sais bien ! Suzie: To do the sales, you know! Marc : Ah oui ! Mais tu es sûre que tu as be- Marc: Ah yes! But are you sure you need me? soin de moi ? Suzie : Il faut bien au moins que tu essaies Suzie: You need at least to try on a few things, quelques vêtements, je ne peux pas tout ache- I can’t buy everything for you myself. ter pour toi. Marc : Bon, d’accord. Mais on ne peut pas Marc: OK. But can’t we wait a few more attendre encore quelques jours ? days? Suzie : On peut, mais il n’y aura peut-être Suzie: We can, but you may not find your size! plus ta taille ! Marc : Ce sera moins cher aussi… Marc: It will be less expensive, too… Suzie : Peut-être, mais s’il n’y a plus rien, ce Suzie: Maybe, but if there is nothing left, there n’est pas la peine. Bon, moi j’y vais en tout is no need to go. Well, I am going anyway. I cas. Il faut que j’habille la petite. Ça vaut vrai- need to buy some clothes for the little one. ment le coup, les soldes, pour les enfants… The sales are really worth it (to buy) for chil- dren… Marc : Ah oui, bonne idée ! Je te laisse aller, Marc: Oh yes, good idea! I’ll let you go (You c’est plus important d’acheter des vêtements go on ahead), it is more important to buy pour elle. Je te rejoindrai plus tard. clothes for her. I’ll join you later. Suzie : D’accord. Mais ne traîne pas trop, il y Suzie: OK. But don’t wait too long, there will aura de plus en plus de monde. Et je dois aller be more and more people. And I must also voir aussi pour moi… see for myself… Marc : Ah ah, tu n’as plus rien à te mettre* Marc: Ha ha, you have nothing to wear, right? n’est-ce pas ? Suzie : Comme tu es drôle ce matin… ! Suzie: How funny you are this morning…! Ecoute, tu fais comme tu veux. Moi, je pars, Listen, do what you please. I’m going, I don’t je ne veux pas rater les bonnes affaires. J’en ai want to miss the good deals. I am fed up with assez de faire du lèche-vitrines** sans pouvoir going window shopping and not being able to Click HERE jamais rien acheter. buy anything. Marc : Eh bien vas-y. Je t’accompagne, et Marc: OK, go. I’ll accompany you, but I’ll t’attendrai dans le bistrot en face. Tu m’appel- wait in the bistrot across from the store. You les sur mon portable si tu trouves quelque call me on my mobile if you find something chose que je dois vraiment essayer ? that I really must try on? Suzie : Oh la la… ! D’accord, allons-y. Suzie: Well, really…! OK, let’s go.

* This is a typical French way of saying things: women always say “Je n’ai rien à me mettre” (I have nothing to wear), even if they have a full wardrobe. But they usually say it with humour, just to jokingly annoy their hus- band, as they always react… ** Literally: window licking. Solde: a tricky word

– When feminine, la solde is the salary of military or civil servants. – When masculine, le solde is the balance that one has to pay after one has already paid a deposit. – When masculine plural, les soldes are the sales. But you will hear many French people make the mistake and use it, with this meaning, as if it were feminine. Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 17

Printable version This is France — Ces expatriés qui ont Expatriate Success réussi leur intégration : Stories témoignages

made it! Therefore, they sont donc la parfaite dé- II n several previous is- are the perfect demonstra- DD ans plusieurs numé- monstration que oui, on sues, we have devoted a lot tion that yes, one can to- ros, nous avons consacré peut s’adapter totalement à of space to the personal tally adapt to a foreign une large place à des témoi- un pays étranger, pourvu stories and interviews of country, given a little ef- gnages et interviews d’expa- que l’on fasse un peu d’ef- expatriates who explain in fort, especially in learning triés qui ont décrit longue- fort, surtout pour appren- depth the many difficulties the language and under- ment les difficultés qu’ils dre la langue et compren- they faced in adapting to standing the culture. ont eues pour s’intégrer en dre la culture. life in France. In this issue, France. Dans celui-ci, nous we have chosen to give the We have asked each of the avons choisi de faire parler Nous avons demandé à floor to those who have interviewees to, first, intro- ceux qui ont parfaitement chacun de se présenter, de really managed to integrate duce themselves and their réussi leur intégration dans décrire le milieu dans le- into a new culture and so- environment in a few une nouvelle culture et so- quel ils vivent, en quelques ciety. Their experiences il- words, second, to reply to ciété. Leur expérience dé- mots, et de répondre à cinq lustrate that it was, of five questions (see box). montre que celle-ci n’a pas questions (voir encadré). course, not without pitfalls, Please find their replies on été, certes, sans écueils, obs- Leurs réponses figurent obstacles, and various the following pages. tacles et divers problèmes, dans les pages qui suivent. problems, but still, they mais ils y sont arrivés ! Ils Our questionnaire

1) Why do you like living in France so much? 2) At what point did you realize that you truly felt at home living in France? 3) What are the things you were not prepared for when you moved to France? 4) What adjustments/changes did you have to make in your life in order to successfully integrate? 5) What crucial advice you would give to those contemplating settling in France?

Fiona Hopkinson we couldn’t live there permanently We have lived permanently in because it was too France since 2004. When we quiet outside of the arrived our children were holiday season. aged 8, 10 and 12. We had lived in the South of England, We decided to in- near Newbury, for 13 years, dulge our passion but we found the pressure of for skiing and whilst just living there really detri- Chris continued to mental to family life. My hus- fly part-time I would band is an airline pilot and run a catered ski was based at Heathrow. In chalet. We found a 2003 he had the opportunity plot of land in Les to work part-time and so we Contamines Mont- decided to make a permanent joie and had a chalet move to France. For years built*. It all hap- we had a holiday home in pened very quickly, Burgundy, but we knew that from finding the Fiona Hopkinson: “We decided to indulge our passion for skiing.” Page 18 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16

Success Stories whole pace of life is much the level required is much so that you know where you slower. There is less traffic higher than I already had. The are going and why. Don’t (cont'd) on the roads. The French issues we had to discuss were fool yourselves that it is going don’t appear to be as con- too important to risk any mis- to be easy – it isn’t – and ac- land in August 2003 to our sumer driven as the Brits and understanding. In the first cept that you will not, initially first clients arriving in De- there are restrictions on the year, I wrote out a party invita- at least, have the support net- cember 2004. Starting and number of hours worked so tion for my son (who was 8) work of friends and family running the business has been that there is more time for to hand out to the children in that you had in the UK. an endless challenge, but we family activities. The school his class. He gave it to the France isn’t so different from have loved every moment of system concentrates on the teacher who promptly cor- the UK in many ways, but it. It’s been a great way to get basics so knowledge is nar- rected it and returned it to embrace the differences involved in the village and lo- row and intensive rather than me!! rather than hanging onto old cal activities. wide and shallow and as a re- habits. Make the decision to sult the children are allowed 4) We had to slow down. We stay for a minimum amount Life has changed in many to enjoy their childhood with- came from the South of Eng- of time – it is too easy to give ways since we came in out the pressure of constant land where the pace of life was up at the first hurdle. 2004. My husband now testing. The medical system incredibly fast and furious. I LEARN THE LANGUAGE! works in Geneva so is home is second to none. We pay to was quite self-contained and But above all, keep your every evening, whereas before visit the doctor but the result my husband initially com- sense of humour. Even when he would be away for up to is no queues and living in a muted back to the UK for you feel humiliated and you 10 days at a time. Our two small community they quickly work, but the changes were can’t find the words, a smile sons have gone back to get to know that if you ask to really for the children. We or a laugh will keep people school in the UK – one of see them it’s because you spend much more time to- onside and it will at least them because he wants to really feel ill! Referrals to gether as a family. Initially make you feel better! By join the military in two years specialists are quick – often a this meant having them home learning to laugh at myself I time and the other because he matter of days. for lunch every day and now have made friends and gotten is dyslexic. But they have lots they have school 3.5 days per help from many unexpected of friends here and both still 2) When talking to a Brit who week! The French appreciate, sources… and I now know train with the local ski club owned a 2nd home here and and respect, people who work how to write out a proper throughout the year. My who was becoming stressed hard. Once our neighbours party invitation! daughter is in 3ème. She because she wanted some- realized that we were trying wants to study for a BAC S at thing done immediately, I hard to make a living running the local lycée. She is horse found myself thinking, “but a business they warmed to Ann Bennett mad. All the children played this is France. Things don’t us. I suspect that initially they musical instruments and did happen that quickly!” Also, thought we were rich Brits Peter, my husband, and I the riding exams (gallops) when watching the football come to take rather than to have been living in France for through our local stables. and rugby world cups, I real- give something to the commu- 2 years, having moved from ized that being a Scot by nity in which we live. Also, central London. We live in a We have a horse, two Dalma- birth, English by marriage we were asked, very bluntly, village called Noeux-les-Auxi tians and a lodger! In the and French by adoption, I how long we intended to which is a small village of summer we were asked to really didn’t care who won. stay. The implication was that approx 185 inhabitants in Pas look after an American ski we would take jumper who was training with 3) The level of language re- what we could our ski club. In turn that led quired. We had a holiday and then on to us being asked to house home in Burgundy and for leave. It is a teenager who has moved to years we had spent all our only by con- my daughter’s school in order summer holidays passing the stantly being to train with the club for this time of day, and the odd eve- present at academic year. Its been great ning, with our neighbours, community for my French and his Eng- being ill, having cars repaired, events and vol- lish! and dealing with build- unteering to ers. So, when we arrived I help where * www.skicontamines.com thought my French would be needed that we sufficient and would naturally have proved Replies to questionnaire: improve. However, I quickly we are here for realized that when dealing the long-term. 1) Personally, I find living in with important issues – such France much more relaxing as your children’s education 5) Really do Ann and Peter Bennett: “We realized we felt at than life was in the UK. The and setting up a business – your research home when we went to the July 14th celebrations...” Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 19

Success Stories people who are always ready both very pleased indeed that 5) Before you move, make an to stop for a chat or to help. he was being treated in Tou- (cont'd) effort to learn the language, Crime rates are low. Traffic louse and not a large NHS and be prepared to adapt to jams unheard of and children hospital! His treatment is on- de Calais. Peter and I retired the French lifestyle. Try to get and teenagers are generally going and cannot be faulted at the end of October 2006 involved as quickly as possible well behaved and polite. in any way. Peter is 62 and I am 56. I with your French neighbours. And, of course, there is the took early retirement from weather – yes, it does rain, 2) I don’t think we suddenly the Natwest Bank where I Sarah Rundle and it can be as grey and felt that “this was it”. We had worked for all of my cloudy as it is in England, but have grown into our new way adult life. We bought the My husband, Robin, and I are when the sun does shine, of life and everything that was house from a friend of the both in our sixties. We lived which it does frequently, it is a little strange to begin with family in 2003 and used the and worked in Cornwall until so much warmer, especially in has become familiar, includ- house as a holiday home until we retired. We had always the winter. Very often in the ing French bureaucracy which the end of October 2006. We been a family who loved winter we can have a coffee can be a little daunting at live with our cats Jessie and France and both our daughters or eat our lunch outside. first! However, help is always Cassie and 2 dogs Megan and speak French, one fluently, Zola. and for different reasons both of them moved to France with Peter is Welsh and I am Eng- their families in 2004. We lish. We have been married were becoming more and for 11 years and both have more frustrated with the way two children from our previ- in which life in England was ous marriages. I have a son changing and so we took the Sean, 32 and a daughter hard decision to leave Corn- Sarah Olivia, 21. Peter has two wall and retire to France. We Rundle: daughters, Kirstie who is 35 rented a house for a while and “We and Holly who is 33. We also then bought a small old farm- have have two grandchildren be- house in a tiny hamlet in the always tween us, Callum who is 3 Gers in southwest France loved and River who is 6 months. where we now live with our France.” two golden retrievers. We Replies to questionnaire: spend many happy hours walking with them in glorious 1) We enjoy the wide open countryside. spaces and the relaxed way of life, such a change from our For work reasons our older previous life in central Lon- daughter and her family have don. now moved to the French Added bonuses for us are the at hand and a smile, patience speaking part of Switzerland. Pyrénées which we can see in and a handshake go a very 2) We realised we felt at Our younger daughter and her the distance and which pro- long way! home in France when we husband and children are well vide beautiful walks both in went to the July 14th celebra- integrated here in France in the summer and winter. 3) I think we were prepared tions in the village this year. both work and school. We for anything but maybe found All the villagers made us feel have a son who is married to a Although we live in a very ru- some things a little harder very welcome and we took lovely American girl and they ral community, we have all than we thought we would! full part in the celebrations. live in Scotland at the mo- the “mod cons”, including To begin with we were not ment, but their work could high speed internet which is too clever at organising our- 3) Lack of the French lan- move them anywhere in the still not available where we selves around the shops clos- guage made it difficult dealing world too. lived in Cornwall. ing for two hours at lunch- with the necessary bureauc- time and that can still catch racy, such as going to the Replies to questionnaire: The Health Service in France us out! However, things are doctors and not being able to is excellent and very different changing and some shops in explain your illness and symp- 1) In this part of rural France to the NHS. It is not totally the larger towns now stay toms. the French way of life and val- free but it is fast with hardly open all day. ues are very similar to those in any waiting lists and has been 4) The main adjustments the England that we remem- of enormous benefit to us. Neither of us realised how lit- were to get to grips with the ber twenty years ago. Our ex- My husband has recently tle French we knew and have language, which is essential. perience is of very friendly been quite ill and we were both found it much harder to Page 20 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16

usually manage to remember Success Stories that! (cont'd) On a personal note, when I learn the language than we first arrived in France I joined thought it would be (mostly a local French class with due to our ‘old’ memories!). mixed abilities and a teacher However, the joy and excite- who spoke no English at all. ment of having a long con- This way of learning was not versation with an old man in for me and my life changed the woods about mushrooms when I found Learn French At (which I did the other day) Home. I feel so much more and realising that you have confident now. The teachers understood all he said and, have endless patience, even even better, he has under- when you make the same stood you, is wonderful. mistake over and over again. The lessons are fun, totally Alexia and Stephen Richardson: “Life over here is quiet 4) It is vital to accept the non intimidating and struc- and of a gentle pace.” French way of life and the tured in a way that you work way things are done. French hard in an enjoyable way. administration and the way it Above all you can laugh. years. We live on the outskirts naturally your not so good works is very different from of a mostly small, charming days where you miss your that in England, and you have Alexia Richardson town: Huelgoat. It truly is family and friends. I think to learn to accept that and not beautiful, full of history and for us it would have been fight it as we have found We are Steven and Alexia legends. We are 50 minutes around the two year mark. some other people do. We Richardson. We are originally from Brest Airport, so it’s per- The first two years we had so personally find that the ad- from Clitheroe, in the Forest fect. The house we have used many English friends and ministration in most things of Bowland It is beautiful, so to be a water mill, so we are family over we didn’t have works very well indeed. why leave? Well, we have surrounded by water. time to think. Also we had a three horses, two dogs and bit of work that needed com- 5) Learn French!! Any time two cats and wanted our own pleting, so time just flew by. spent learning to speak land so we could have our Replies to questionnaire: French before you settle in horses with us. Land is so ex- 3) I have to say that thanks to France will be very worth- pensive in Lancashire, and so 1) The land we have here is Steven we were quite well while. Also be prepared to one afternoon we decided we amazing. We have fields for prepared. When we were continue learning the lan- should look further a field… the horses, forests, woods, and younger, we had been to guage, at whatever level, once so France it was. It had been a river flowing through the France on many occasions. you are here. Very often it is a dream of Steven’s for quite grounds. Deer and wild Steven had done lots of read- also an opportunity to learn a while, so the decision was ducks. It is magical. Life over ing up about the different sys- the history, customs and cul- made. We sold our house in here is quiet and of a gentle tems. On a light note though, ture which can be fascinating. the UK immediately in May, pace, it just isn’t as stressful, I had forgotten that the shops and by October we were liv- especially for my husband. close for two hours at lunch, It is very frustrating to watch ing in France, with the zoo, Since we have lived here, we and, of course, no shops on a your grandchildren becoming drinking the gorgeous French haven’t been in a traffic jam Sunday afternoon. totally fluent in six months wine. once. Of course, you can’t with hardly any effort on their forget the food and wine, es- 4) Before we came over I part at all! However, we have Steven has his own accoun- pecially the cheeses and bread. started to learn French via the found that our much slower tancy practice in Manchester, computer. Even though it progress is stimulating, excit- and travels to The UK every We have made some fantastic was only 0’level every bit ing, interesting, sometimes third week. I used to work friends, who have taken us un- helped. You sometimes have extremely frustrating, but al- for British Airways, but now der their wings, and have tried to come out of your comfort ways fun! Be prepared to have a wonderful life playing on many an occasion to help zone when you live in a for- have a go. The French are out!!! and of course, cleaning. me learn French, even eign land. I used to get so hugely appreciative of those I travel back to the UK every Breton… Steven fortunately nervous just doing the normal who “try” and enjoy talking two months, so I can see speaks good French. day-to-day things, but now I to you. We often find that if family and friends. just try my best. Of course, we make a mistake the person 2) This is a bit of a difficult the French people will laugh gently repeats it to you cor- We live in Brittany, and have question, as we found at first with you, but they will always rectly as part of their reply – I done so for just over three you had your up days and then help you if you try. I now Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 21

Success Stories tively participating in the vil- the temptation to run for months of our first visit, we lage life. cover within the local expatri- found ourselves living in St. (cont'd) ate community. Julien d'Eymet, having sold Replies to questionnaire: our house, notified family, have weekly lessons with Vin- 5) Have integration as your schools and busi- cent via Skype, I still get nerv- 1) After living and working in primary objective because it ness partners. ous, but really enjoy it. central London for 25 years adds immensely to the French we found the calmness and experience. Concentrate on For the first 3 to 4 years, I 5) To have a basic knowledge tranquillity of country life to- learning to speak good spent much of my time con- of the French language (I can tally compelling. Equally im- French as a necessary step to verting a barn into two gîtes hear Vincent laughing) and portant is the friendliness and achieving this. and commuting back to the the resolve to improve when helpfulness of our French you get here. It is so very im- friends and acquaintances. Robert portant. The French, like any So for us it was a new life- other people, are so happy style within a new culture. Fuller and pleased that at least you try to talk to them in their 2) Shortly after coming to Born 28th March language, after all, we are now live in France we sold our 1952, Gorton, living in a different country home in London thus com- Manchester. Ar- and we should make a huge mitting ourselves to becom- chitect. Married effort. ing permanent residents. with three chil- This combined with our un- dren. Our daugh- Also read up on the different qualified acceptance by our ter Lisa now lives tax and medical systems. neighbours and villagers gave in France with us a strong feeling of being at her husband An- David Hart home here. drew and two children. Owen our youngest son After retiring in 2001 my wife 3) The very different bu- Robert Fuller: “This part of rural France has came to France and I came to live in France. reaucracy in France was quite retained a set of values based more on with us at the age We had bought our French a cultural shock, but this was qualitative issues than on material success.” house 3 years previously and compensated for by the de of 13. He is now spent the intervening time rigueur 2 hour lunches. 19 and engaged to renovating it. We live in a Valentine his French fiancée. UK to complete a consul- very small hamlet, with two 4) Integration within the local He hopes to start University tancy/transfer period French families, 5km from community was our primary in Toulouse this year. Ian our with business partners in the village of La Fouillade, in objective and this could only eldest son lives in Australia Manchester. As the gîte pro- SW Aveyron. Our time is be facilitated by learning to with his wife Aine. ject was nearing completion, spent with our dog and 12 speak the French language it became clear that I needed cats, in our garden and in ac- better and resisting strongly After qualifying from Man- to do something a little more chester University in 1974, I challenging and I decided to worked in and around the set up to practice architecture Manchester area setting up a in France; initially from home new practice in the mid 90's and in October 2007 setting with like-minded colleagues up a small office** in the me- in Manchester City Centre. dieval Bastide Town of Ey- Being specialised in sports, met. housing and health projects, our clients included Manches- Replies to questionnaire: ter United and Liverpool Football clubs, Wembley Sta- 1) Difficult to put into words, dium, Christies Hospital and but essentially this part of ru- a number of major national ral France enjoys a low crime house builders. rate, a slower pace of life, sunnier climate and more im- Feeling a growing dissatisfac- portantly has managed to re- tion with life in the UK, we tain a set of values, including came to Southwest France on manners based more on an Easter break in 2001. At qualitative issues than mate- David Hart: “Integration within the local community was the age of 50 and within 4 rial success. our primary objective.” Page 22 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16

Success Stories tainly feel more involved. My My knowledge of the French and with growing involve- wife Chris has started a craft language was mini- ment I hope that we will (cont'd) making club at the local salle mal and without doubt the achieve full integration before des fêtes which has attracted an greatest challenge for me has too long. 2) I'm not sure that I have increasing number of partici- been to develop those lan- yet! Emigrating involves far pants, including the maire's guage skills. Initially, I had al- 5) “Bon courage”. It's well more than resolving mum. lowed myself three months, worth the effort. the practical issues of finding not a hope! a place to live and something 3) France has a reputation ** www.afa-arch.fr to do, but since starting work throughout the world for its 4) In many ways very few and contributing something complex bureaucracy, and it changes, we have been made Interviews conducted by back to the economy, I cer- can be challenging! very welcome by the locals Céline Anthonioz

How Children Integrate?

children feel more comfort- should be perfect. I decided to is two and a half and has II f it is not always so easy able with the language, it take on this theory in my really no idea of the move – for adults, children moving to might be useful, at the begin- preparations to repatriate once only that she calls France bon- France (or any other country ning, to give them some help. again – this time to Nîmes in jourland every time we are in Europe), up to the age of The testimony story* below is the south of France. there. 12-13, usually adapt much a good example of such a more quickly, and easily, than situation. With our impending move Lesson not learned adults, not only to the culture getting closer, my preparations but also to the language. The The Example seem to be mainly focused on The change will be most chal- younger they are, the faster my elder daughter, Victoria lenging for Victoria. We have they learn. And when they Of Victoria, (12), getting as much experi- been visiting Nîmes for the are among other children, 12 years-old ence and exposure to learning past five years, staying in our they understand each other French as possible. After small holiday cottage. Al- very quickly even if they don’t The key to any good meal or eight happy years in Zürich, though she knows quite a few speak the same language, and recipe is good preparation – my French husband and I people and feels quite at they have other means of organise everything well in have decided that now is a home in the city, it is not the communication, such as advance, prepare yourself, perfect time to make the same as going to school and games. However, to make and the finished product break. Our youngest daughter doing homework. A French teacher who had worked at the lycée in Zurich was recommended to me, and so Victoria started going every Wednesday for a two- hour lesson at his home. From personal experience, I know that the French school- When they ing system is very different are among from the Swiss system, and other he gave her the initial eye- children, opener she needed – lots of they repetition, copying and understand memorization. each other very At her age, she will be starting quickly. collège (secondary school equivalent) and he talked about the differences that she will encounter in the way the children approach their school life. But after several months I felt that the lessons Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 23

Children (cont'd) were not really benefiting her as much as I had hoped. She had only just started learning French in her Swiss primary Games are school and her level was ex- among the best tremely basic. Although the means of private tutor spoke almost en- communication tirely French, which was among children good, there was something missing. Most of what he Photos was trying to teach her was Vincent going completely over her Anthonioz head.

“How can I talk in the passé composé when I don’t even know what that means!” she wailed, after yet another woe- ful Wednesday. I was de- spondent. The lessons were expensive, but it wasn’t the imaginary illnesses or what- speaking teachers. I was in- able with the computer and money, it was the fact that ever excuse she could conjure trigued by what the company the 45-minute lesson passes she wasn’t improving and up. She talked about how un- was offering and their lan- by in a flash. hated going. Her confidence comfortable she felt being in guage-learning methods, so I hit rock bottom and she his house, how his children decided to sign Victoria up. Although my French is rea- started to become negative were a major distraction, how sonable (except when I try about the move. he left her on her own to fill It was simple preparation; I and make myself understood in worksheets for most of the enrolled her via their website at the local town hall) my Finding Means in Nîmes lesson and, as the lesson was and talked to Céline about our daughter is now hinting that I after lunch, he often nodded move and what I hoped Victo- should also sign up. Given At the end of last year we vis- off at his computer. I gave ria would gain from the les- that they teach adults and ited Nîmes and the head in. It was of no benefit, and sons. Each lesson is done via children from all over the teacher of the primary school negative experiences were in Skype with a webcam and the world, I might prepare myself invited Victoria to spend two no way going to mentally pre- teacher writes and speaks on a as well. With only four weeks with the class. This pare her or encourage her. one-to-one basis for the dura- months to go before the re- gave her something to look Everyone complimented Vic- tion of the 45-minute lesson. moval men arrive, I am much forward to; she will partici- toria on how well she did in happier now that Victoria has pate every day for the two her language-learning; she is Victoria’s teacher is a wonder- had these successful French weeks. It is an école privée, and bilingual in English and Ger- ful lady, she is sensitive and language lessons to prepare has children in maternelle from man, but I still wanted her to encouraging, and since Victo- her as much as possible. She three years old, up to lycée be more prepared than she ria started nine weeks ago her will still have to cope with the where they do the baccalauréat was in her spoken French. confidence is at an all-time initial culture shock in her at about 17 years old. French high. She now looks forward first few months at her new private schools are a fraction Psyched for Skype to every Wednesday; she gets school, but the motto “be of the cost of private Swiss, an immediate benefit by not prepared” has certainly international or British For several weeks I spent only intensive listening and helped so far. schools, but one of the main time going through basic vo- speaking but also seeing the benefits is that they are more cabulary with her and she language written on the com- Nicola Christinger-Grant supportive of non-French- continues to watch French puter in front of her. She is English teacher, writer and author speaking children and they television every day. Then by totally relaxed, and like most of the children’s book “The Fish don’t go on strike (as much). chance, a contact in France 12 year olds, is very comfort- with a Wish: and other stories”. introduced me to Learn French Still, the Wednesday lessons at Home**. The company was * Excerpts from an article first published in The New Stork were a problem. By now Vic- set up by a French lady, Cé- Times, April 2008 (www.thestork.ch) and reproduced in French toria would be in tears on line Anthonioz, who has a Property News, August 2008 (www.french-property-news.com). Tuesday evening, claiming team of French-native- ** www.learnfrenchathome.com Page 24 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16

Max & Lili school, vacation, parties, every book ends with a set of AA wonderful way for chil- games, sports, societal atti- questions to the child: Et toi? dren to learn French is to tudes, humanitarian and envi- (And you?), asking the young read a few books from the ronmental concerns, internet, reader if he/she has already collection of Max & Lili, a and every kind of event that been faced or not with the little boy and a little girl who all families might go through same type of situation and go through everything like one day or another: sickness, how he/she reacted. An- “real” children! Each book is divorce or unemployment of other pleasant way to learn a about one aspect of life: Lili the parents, death of a grand- little vocabulary. The books refuses to go to the swim- parent, etc. are conceived for children ming pool, or falls in love from 6 to 10. with a little boy of her age, or The story is straightforward has nightmares at night… and funny, the language is AS Max doesn’t respect anything, simple and the book easy to or goes to the hospital after read and very nicely illus- All books are written by Do- he has a little accident in the trated. All dialogues are writ- minique de Saint-Mars, and street, or is constantly dans la ten in the everyday language illustrated by Serge Bloch. Se- lune (distracted in what he that French children use and ries (of more than 80 books does). And many more situa- that English children living in already) created in 1992. tions: relations with parents, France or going to school in Published by Calligram. Coll. grand-parents, friends, France will encounter. And Ainsi va la vie. 4.90 € each.

Excerpt from “Max est dans la lune” Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 25

Printable version French Politics — Les Socialistes The Socialists vs Sarkozy: et Sarkozy : The Media Attention War? la “guerre des médias”

There were four potential cialistes, attireraient le plus WW ith the American candidates to replace Fran- AA près les élections prési- d’attention, a été un spectacle presidential elections over çois Hollande: Martine Au- dentielles américaines et le fascinant à observer ! Et bien and the Obama syndrome in bry, Bertrand Delanoë, Be- syndrome Obama qui a suivi qu’il soit un peu tôt pour dé- full swing throughout Europe noît Hamon et Ségolène dans toute l’Europe – la signer le gagnant, il semble – President Sarkozy’s ap- Royal. Ségolène Royal was presse française a annoncé que les socialistes ont gagné la pointment of a black prefect the first to declare her candi- avec fracas la nomination d’un bataille à court terme, mais in France was largely heralded dacy and the ensuing sus- noir à un poste de préfet qu’à long terme la victoire re- by the press as a spill-over ef- pense over which of the re- comme étant une retombée vient à Sarkozy, qui, au vu des fect from Obama’s election – maining three would also toss directe de l’effet Obama – les prochaines élections prési- the French media quickly their hat into the ring was the médias ont rapidement retour- dentielles de 2012, est dans turned their attention once subject of considerable dis- né toute leur attention sur la une position plutôt favorable. again to French politics, and cussion in the media. De- politique française. Et en par- especially to the Socialist lanoë found himself, in es- ticulier sur la convention du Selon le Canard enchaîné, Sar- party’s fall convention in Re- sence, outmanoeuvred by Parti socialiste (PS) tenue cet kozy s’est félicité pour ce qu’il ims and the election of a new Martine Aubry: she led every- automne à Reims, et l’élection a considéré comme un vérita- party secretary to replace the one to believe that she had d’un nouveau secrétaire du ble “coup” lorsqu’il a outgoing François Hollande. reached an accord with Be- parti en remplacement de convaincu George Bush de The ensuing media war over noît Hamon to support her François Hollande, ancien dé- programmer la réunion du who, Nicolas Sarkozy or the candidacy, thereby discourag- tenteur du poste. La “guerre G20 sur la crise financière à Socialists, would garner the ing Delanoë from entering des médias” qui a suivi, dont Washington le 15 novembre, most attention was a fascinat- the fray for fear of finishing l’enjeu était de savoir lesquels, le jour-même où la conven- ing spectacle, and while it is third in the first round of vot- de Nicolas Sarkozy ou des so- tion du PS s’ouvrait à Reims. perhaps a bit too early yet to Il était surexcité à l’idée que declare an eventual winner, toute l’attention médiatique se our initial reaction is that the porte sur le G20 plutôt que Socialists won the short-term sur les socialistes. De la ma- battle, but that in the long- nière dont les choses ont term, Sarkozy was the overall tourné, il devait vite déchan- victor as he looks down the ter. road at 2012 and the next French presidential elections. Pour remplacer François Hol- lande, quatre candidats poten- According to Le Canard en- tiels s’affrontaient : Martine chaîné, Sarkozy was enthusias- Aubry, Bertrand Delanoë, Be- tically patting himself on the noît Hamon et Ségolène back for what he considered a Royal. Celle-ci a été la pre- master stroke when he con- mière à déclarer sa candida- vinced George Bush to ture, et le suspense quant à ce schedule the G20 meeting on que feraient les trois autres a the financial crisis in Wash- fait l’objet de maintes conjec- ington on November 15th, the tures dans les médias. Dela- very day that the Socialist noë s’est fait lui-même man- party’s convention opened in œuvrer par Martine Aubry : Reims. He was tickled over elle a fait croire à tout le the prospects of all the media monde qu’elle avait passé un attention being focused on accord avec Benoît Hamon G20 instead of on the Social- pour que celui-ci soutienne sa ists. As it turned out, his glee Martine Aubry, the new secretary of the Socialist Party. candidature, et a ainsi décou- was short lived. © Hegor ragé Delanoë, qui a eu peur Page 26 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16

Politics (cont'd) probably spelled the death Politique (suite) Hamon appela ses partisans à knell to Ségolène’s chances, voter pour Martine Aubry, ce and Aubry was eventually de- qui marqua la fin de tout es- ing. Delanoë decided not to de se retrouver troisième dès clared the winner in an ex- poir pour Ségolène. Martine declare and Aubry waited un- le premier tour de scrutin, de tremely tight race that Mme. Aubry fut déclarée gagnante til the very last minute before se jeter dans l’arène. Il s’est Royal threatened at first to d’une course extrêmement té- announcing not only her own donc retiré et Martine Aubry a contest, even in the courts. nue que sa concurrente mena- candidacy but also that there attendu la toute dernière mi- Aubry won the election by a ça d’abord de contester de- was no agreement between nute pour annoncer non seu- mere 102 votes. vant les tribunaux. Martine her and Hamon, who in the lement sa candidature, mais Aubry n’a en effet remporté meantime declared that he aussi qu’il n’y avait aucun ac- Mme. Aubry, who is also the l’élection que de 102 voix. was in the running. cord entre elle et Hamon – le- mayor of Lille, takes over a quel, entre-temps, s’était lui party that has been severely Martine Aubry, qui est aussi Party rules dictate that the aussi déclaré candidat. weakened and divided by the maire de Lille, reprend donc new first secretary be elected political infighting during the un parti qui a été gravement by a vote of all so-called convention and over the elec- affaibli et divisé par les luttes “militants”, or card-carrying tion of a party secretary. internes durant la convention members of the party. On There is a great deal of resid- Les prochaines et la période électorale. Beau- the first round, Ségolène ual bitterness on the part of échéances électorales: coup des supporteurs de Sé- Royal and Martine Aubry fin- Ségolène Royal’s supporters, les élections golène Royal ressentent en- ished in the lead with 42.45% and it remains to be seen européennes en 2009, core de l’amertume, et il faut and 34.73% respectively. whether Aubry can unite the et les présidentielles maintenant voir si Martine Hamon, a relative newcomer party sufficiently for it to be en 2012. Aubry parvient à unifier suffi- to the national scene, had an an effective opposition voice samment le parti pour qu’il se in the upcoming European fasse réellement entendre elections and especially in the comme opposant durant les

2012 presidential elections. élections européennes à venir, With a Socialist Party Le règlement du parti exige While the Socialist party has a et surtout lors des présiden- que le nouveau premier secré- that has been severely new first secretary, and for tielles de 2012. Bien que le PS taire soit élu par un vote des weakened, president the first time in its history it is ait un nouveau premier secré- militants, c’est-à-dire par tous Sarkozy is in a much a woman, and while they taire (et une femme, pour la les adhérents au parti. Au pre- stronger position for clearly won the short-term première fois de son histoire), mier tour, Ségolène Royal et the future. media war with Nicolas et qu’il ait clairement gagné la Martine Aubry ont fini en tête Sarkozy, the president can’t petite “guerre des médias” avec 42,45% et 34,73% res- feel too sorry over that. He is contre Nicolas Sarkozy, celui- unexpectedly strong 22.83%. pectivement. Hamon, qui est in a much stronger position ci ne peut voir tout cela que With no candidate receiving relativement un nouveau venu for the future. Indeed, one d’un très bon œil. Il se trouve more than 50% of the votes, sur la scène nationale, a obte- political cartoon depicted dans une position bien plus a second round was necessary nu un score inattendu de Sarkozy telling his secretary forte pour l’avenir. D’ailleurs, and the ensuing battle be- 22,83%. Aucun candidat that he wanted to send a tele- un dessin humoristique mon- tween Aubry and Royal for n’ayant eu plus de 50% des gram to the winner of the So- tre Sarkozy expliquant à sa se- the position was covered voix, un second tour a été né- cialist party elections. “To crétaire qu’il veut envoyer un massively by French media cessaire, et la bataille qui a sui- congratulate her?” she asked. télégramme à la nouvelle se- sources and ended up nearly vi entre Martine Aubry et Sé- “No, to thank her,” was the crétaire du PS. “Pour la félici- entirely eclipsing any news golène Royal a été largement president’s reply. ter ?”, demande la secrétaire. from Washington D.C. on the couverte par les médias, éclip- “Non, pour la remercier”, G20 meetings. In the end, sant presque les informations était la réponse du président. Hamon called for his follow- venues de Washington sur la ers to vote for Aubry, which Roger Stevenson réunion du G20. Finalement,

Click here Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 27

Printable The French Scene — version Amélie Nothomb, Literary Star

the English version, pub- OO ne of France’s most fa- lished by Faber & Faber), an mous writers, who is always at autobiographical novel evok- the top of the best-seller lists ing her youth in Japan. How- every year, is not French after ever, her main best-seller in- all but Belgian. More pre- spired from her Japanese ex- cisely, she is what one could perience is Stupeurs et tremble- call a citizen of the world as ments* (Fear and Trembling, Fa- she travelled so much in her ber & Faber), which received early life and has left part of the Grand Prix de l’Académie her heart in places as different française, and from which a as Tokyo and New York – cit- movie was made in 2003, di- ies where her father, Baron rected by Alain Cordeau, fea- Patrick Nothomb, a Belgian turing Sylvie Testud playing ambassador was posted. But the young Amélie. In this she has this Belgian touch of fictionalized autobiography modesty, originality and sense she described with consider- of humour that undoubtedly able humour her attempt to plays a large role in the nearly work for a Japanese company absolute adoration she in- when she went back to Japan There is always a part of her in each of her books. As she states: spires in her fans. and the humiliations she “Writing is a quest of one’s own identity”. faced because of the rigidity © Jean-Baptiste Mondino A Happy Childhood of the Japanese hierarchical in Japan management system and her novels, some of which are difficulties in adapting to the kind of fantastic tales or Amélie was born on August culture. More recently, Ni thrillers, all of which are huge 13, 1967 in Kobe, Japan, and d’Eve ni d’Adam (which will successes. They relate her spent the first five years of her be published in English at the fascination or obsession for life largely in the charge of her end of December 2008 under monsters, death, self- Japanese nanny. She was so the title Tokyo Fiancée, Europa destruction, duality, etc. But happy as a child in Japan that Editions) was much more at the same time there is al- she was devastated when the positive: it is the narrative ways a part of her in each of family had to move to China (partly fictionalized, as al- her books, and it is a chal- during the most difficult years ways) of a relationship she lenging puzzle to try and of Chinese communism. She had with a nonconformist identify exactly what. As she even feels a little Japanese, and charming young Japanese states: “Writing is a quest of and has retained from this man. Among other autobio- one’s own identity”. country the importance of re- graphical books are (both spect and politeness. A bril- published at Faber & Faber): In fact, her very first book, liant and gifted girl, she was Le sabotage amoureux (Loving Hygiène de l’assassin (also totally bilingual French- Sabotage), and Biographie de la adapted for the screen in Japanese when she left the faim (The Life of Hunger), a 1999 by François Ruggieri country. very moving book in which with the well-known French she tells more about herself actor Jean Yanne), published She has also kept a lot of than in any other. in 1992 when she was 25, is memories of her time in Japan one of these strange fiction and of the year she spent in But apart from these semi- stories. Her writing was al- Tokyo, when she was a young fictional books inspired from ready so accomplished that adult, which inspired several her own experiences and the first publisher to which of her most popular books, feelings, she has already pub- she sent the manuscript starting with Métaphysique des lished several other captivat- (Gallimard) refused it be- tubes* (The Character of Rain for ing and extremely original cause they didn’t believe that Page 28 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16

Amélie Nothomb she meets them at book sign- French to read): Le fait du (cont’d) ing events thanks to her as- prince, in which the main fe- tonishing memory. Among male character owns a swim- a young girl could have writ- her readers, many of them ming pool… full of ice cubes ten such a mature first novel (but not all) are young people, and bottles of champagne! all by herself!... who have been drawn to reading after they came across Her originality makes of her a One could say of Amélie that one of her books, something real phenomenon in the she is a “writeaholic”. Since which makes her very “happy French literary world. And she starting writing, while she and honoured”, as she told strangely enough, while she is was still a student of philol- us. considered in several coun- ogy in Brussels, she has al- tries as one of a major novel- ready published a total of 17 The fact that her tremendous ists of our times, she still novels, published in 35 lan- success hasn’t gone to her faces from time to time a little guages, but she has also writ- head partly explains the admi- criticism from French literary ten 47 other manuscripts that ration she receives from her circles, probably because she she will probably never pub- readers. Besides her talent is hors normes (she doesn’t fit lish. She is now working on and the enthralling nature of the mould). This is probably her 65th manuscript! And she her plots, they also like her why she didn’t win the Gon- always says that each book originality, her sophistication court literary prize last year published is for her like the in the language she uses, as even though she was on the birth of a child. well as her personal behav- short list. Amélie Nothomb iour and elegant appearance: doesn’t care much about An impressive writer she almost always dresses in prizes anyway. She goes on black with a little touch of red her own way, and enjoys

somewhere, wears famous, every little pleasure that life She is amazing: she writes an extravagant black hats, and brings. average of 3.5 books a year doesn’t hide her taste for and finally decides, during the finer things: Belgian chocolate winter, which one she will Juliette’s Cooking Book and other sweets, and cham- The last of Amélie’s books, publish the following fall. pagne. Her fondness for published in the fall 2008, She writes early every morn- These last two months, her good champagne is revealed has a very intringuing plot, ing beginning at 4:00 am main satisfaction has been to in her last novel, published and reveals her fondness (after only four hours of do a book signing tour with this year, which is a little for good champagne... sleep), in a plain notebook, her sister Juliette, the “love of lighter than others (and may with a simple blue ball-point her life”. Two and a half just make for a good exercise pen (she has managed to re- years her senior, Juliette has for an English-speaking per- main totally independent always been her best friend son with a good level of from new technologies: she and accomplice, and they has no computer, TV set, or cell phone!). After that, in the A Well-Done Pedagogical Book morning, almost everyday, she goes to her publisher’s of- An interesting way for English-speaking readers who are fice where she spends several learning French to discover Amélie Nothomb is to read the hours answering, again by school-oriented version of Stupeurs hand, mail from her fans. et tremblements published by Mag- nard in the collection Classiques & And this is something else contemporains, College level (9,80 €). which characterizes her and The full text of the book is accom- has so endeared her to her panied by questions, exercises, ex- fans: she replies to every de- planations, comments, and the cent letter she receives, and most difficult words are also ex- remains in good contact with plained. And at the end of the her correspondents, with book there is an exclusive and in- whom she maintains very teresting interview of Amélie Not- nice, genuine and humane re- homb and actress Sylvie Testud lations, and whom she even together. remembers very well when Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 29

Amélie Nothomb memories of a youth en- hanced by travel and various (cont’d) exotic tastes. Worth trying! truly love each other. While If you have a chance to meet they are rather different, Juli- the two sisters while they ette is also very talented, and travel in your region (see box), in fact she started writing be- don’t hesitate to stop by and fore Amélie, mainly plays and exchange a few words with short novels, which remain them. They speak perfect unpublished. But her main English. You are, however, talent and passion is gastron- has created for her, such as advised to get there early - the omy! A talent that she has the Mont Fuji, a dessert that line will be long! decided to use at its best in reminds both of them of Ja- the French city where she has Annick Stevenson pan. In most recipes she lived with her husband for mixes spices and ingredients * All the original French ver- the past ten years: Lyon in a very original way. A sions of her books are pub- (Rhône), which has the repu- demonstration of her own lished by Albin Michel, Paris. tation of being the French capital of gastronomy. Next Book Signings Juliette Nothomb has just published (November 2008) Amélie and Juliette Nothomb together: January 13th, Nantes, her first book La cuisine in Loire-Atlantique (Fnac bookstore). d’Amélie (Albin Michel), very Amélie alone: nicely illustrated by cartoonist - January 22nd, in Switzerland: Geneva (Fnac Rive, noon) and Jul and with a selections of Lausanne (Payot, 4:30pm) texts and photos of Amélie. - January 26, Paris (Centre George Pompidou, encounter In this book, after a set of with the public at 7pm) very useful comments and ad- - March 7 and 8: Brussels, Belgium (Foire du livre). vice, she offers a selection a And one can guess they will also be present at the most im- the recipes that are her sister’s portant book fair in France, Salon du livre, Paris, to be held preferred dishes or that she March 13 to 18. Parachute doré, Alain Souchon Adieu mégaphones, adieu calicots J'ai le parachute… chut ! doré A dieu mégaphones, adieu cali- Adieu représentants syndicaux Adieu mégaphones, adieu calicots cots A moi le soleil et le calypso Adieu représentants syndicaux Adieu représentants syndicaux La nana, la noix de coco A moi le soleil et le calypso A moi le soleil et le calypso Adieu, Château Petrus La nana, la noix de coco La nana, la noix de coco En costard Lanvin Adieu téléphone, adieu le bureau A moi les alizés, les vents tropicaux Adieu les jolies putes russes Secrétaire aux hauts talons hauts Et moi, bien frisé, sur le bateau Dans les Mystère 20 A moi les alizés, les vents tropicaux Et moi, bien frisé, sur le bateau Adieu les traders, adieu joggings Balancez les fraiseuses, les machi- Les briefings à l'heure Breitling nes-outils La boîte a coulé, mais pouce Ouvriers, riez, adieu les blouses gri- Riez, ouvriers, joli gâchis ! On va se la couler ses J'ai creusé, creusé, j'ai creusé la douce En Chine, l’usine, on délocalise dette La pilule, on va… Au lieu de me creuser la tête se la dorer Les cours ont dégringolé J'ai le parachute… Les banques ont pu rigoler Un jour, les cours ont chuté chut ! Et moi… parachuté La boîte a coulé, mais pouce On va se la couler douce La boîte a coulé, mais pouce Album : Ecoutez La pilule, on va… se la dorer On va se la couler douce d’où ma peine vient, J'ai le parachute… chut ! doré La pilule, on va… se la dorer 2008. Page 30 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16

Alain Souchon On va se la couler douce to France he took up the gui- (cont’d) We are going to have an easy tar and his early influences are time of it English and American music. La pilule, on va… se la dorer His first hit was J'ai 10 ans in This song from Alain Sou- We are going to kick back… 1974, from the album of the chon’s latest album relates the in the sun same name which he com- amusing story of someone J'ai le parachute… chut ! Doré posed in collaboration with who got a golden parachute I have the golden para...shh… another well-liked and famous or a golden handshake. As ute composer/arranger Laurent you know, the whole idea of Voulzy. They’ve been col- golden parachutes and outra- Alain Souchon (born Alain laborating ever since, but each geous executive salaries has Kienast on May 27, 1944 in of them has released albums been very much in the news Casablanca, Morocco) is a under his own name. In 1978, lately because of “La Crise”. French singer, songwriter and Souchon wrote the theme for Seeing CEO’s receiving huge actor. He has released 16 al- François Truffaut's 1979 film severance pay packages while bums and has played roles in “Love on the Run” (L'amour company employees are being seven films. He is a very tal- en fuite). In 1980, he per- laid off to satisfy stockholders ented and a very popular art- formed at L'Olympia, the fa- is revolting to many, and ist who writes songs with in- mous Paris concert hall. He Alain Souchon explained that imitable lyrics sung to highly also began his acting career, he was so disgusted by these appreciated music. Souchon most notably starring in the customs that he decided to is also known to be a down- sexy film called L'Eté meurtrier write this song about an ex- to-earth, simple man. He is with Isabelle Adjani in 1983. ecutive who lost his job be- not one who makes a point of Following the album On cause his company went trying to grab headlines and avance, he left RCA and signed bankrupt as a result of his bad be in the news all the time. with Virgin Records. In 1989 management; but despite that He leads a gentle and quite La beauté d’Ava Gardner was fact, he left with a huge settle- life with his wife and two voted best title of the year by ment. sons. the Victoires de la Musique (the French music awards). The chorus is: Alain Souchon was raised in La boîte a coulé, mais pouce France until the age of 15, at His biggest hit is Foule senti- The company went down, but which time he went to school mentale from the 1995 million- truce in England. Before returning selling album C'est déjà ça. Alain Souchon received the award for best Chanson originale for his song Foule Sentimentale. In 1996, he received the le Prix Vincent Scotto award given by the SACEM (Société des auteurs compositeurs) for his song Sous les jupes des filles. Souchon had another very successful album La vie Théodore in 2005 which con- tained the hit single Et si en plus y’a personne.

His new album entitled Ecoutez d’où ma peine vient with the song Parachute doré was re- leased on December 1st.

© France 3 Vincent Anthonioz

Watch the video clip here: http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=7fGTpks6LCs Also Et si en plus y’a personne here: www.linternaute.com/video/217/alain-souchon-et-si-en-plus-y-a-personne Foule Sentimentale here: http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=pisOAiBVNVk Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 31

Deux dictées

Beginner Level

Il faut beaucoup de courage pour changer de pays, abandonner tout ce qu’on connaît : amis, travail, voisins, habitudes, pour aller s’installer dans un tout autre pays où les habitants parlent une langue étrangère et où la culture est complètement diffé- rente. Mais avec beaucoup de préparation et de travail on peut réussir à s’intégrer.

Intermediate Level

L’autre jour, je feuilletais mon petit carnet d’adresses, celui que j’emporte toujours avec moi dans la poche de ma chemise et sans lequel je serais complètement perdu. Je cherchais le numéro de portable d’un collègue et, sur une page qui était collée à une autre depuis fort longtemps, j’ai trouvé un nom et un numéro de téléphone qui m’ont fait un choc : c’était comme si un courant électrique avait pénétré mon corps et ma mémoire, et j’ai fixé ce nom pendant de longs moments dans une rêverie d’extases et de douleurs : Barbara…

Exercises

1 - Solutions from page 6

1. J’aime/J’adore ; 2. J’aime bien ; 3. me plaît ; 4. J’aime bien ; 5. adore ; 6. n’aime (at the beginning of the sentence) j’aime/ j’adore (at the end) ; 7. J’adore/J’aime bien ; 8. me plaît ; 9. me plaît; 10. J’aime/J’adore. 2 - Solutions from page 8

1. vienne, est ; 2. soit partie, parte ; 3. fasse, puissiez ; 4. soit ; 5. dise ; 6. sache ; 7. a ; 8. revienne, prévienne, comprendra ; 9. sera parti ; 10. obtienne.

Le père Noël est enrhumé Le père Noël est enrhumé Préparons-lui du thé sucré Le père Noël est enrhumé Je crois qu’il va éternuer ! Atchoum ! Atchoum ! Pauvre père Noël ! Atchoum ! Atchoum ! Il va se soigner.

Le père Noël est enroué Il a bu tout le thé sucré Le père Noël est enroué Je crois qu’il va bientôt tousser ! Huhum ! Huhum ! Pauvre père Noël ! Huhum ! Huhum ! Il va se soigner.

Le père Noël est endormi Il sortira après minuit Le père Noël est endormi Il est tout au fond de son lit. Chchut ! Chchut ! Dors papa Noël Chchut ! Chchut ! Là-haut dans le ciel.

Chosen, read, and illustrated by Alexandra © Studio Dalix: www.studio-dalix.com Page 32 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16

A Selection of Books lish. By Jeannette Ward, a French writer, translator and book illustrator who has been living close to Oxford for the past several years.

Ed. Talents Hauts, 7,50 €. www.talentshautsfr

which are still very much in Lille and Lille-métropole use today, explained in a very simple way, and fun to dis- A pocket size tourist guide cover. (one of a collection of guides to various French cities), in By Marianne Tillier, Ed. English only, with a clever Points, 12 €. combination of text, photo-

graphs and folding maps,

showing many aspects of the Le français northern city of Lille and its

surroundings. Extremely French Lessons A very nicely illustrated and practical and easy to use. complete little book on the

After French Flee Bites, French French language, its history, Initially published in France its evolution, the way it is used by Nouveaux Loisirs, Galli- Cricket, French Kisses, French Letters, and a few others, here by intellectuals, normal peo- mard. 8.90 €. is the latest book by the ple, school children, Franco-

travel writer and humorist phones from other countries

George East, who settled in in the world, and humorists. Normandy a few years ago With explanations on the with his wife Donella. “He’s “massive influence” of Eng- back and this time it is really lish words on today’s French. serious”, he promises us… Very instructive and pleasant Be ready to laugh and have to go through. Written by fun. “the” specialist and real lover of the French language: Alain La Puce Publications. £8.99. Rey, founder of the excellent www.george-east-France.com Robert dictionaries.

Les expressions Découvertes Gallimard, 14 € de nos grands-mères www.decouvertes-gallimard.fr

Karni Mata Changer d’avis comme de chemise (to change one’s mind just A captivating novel for teen- like one changes one’s shirt); agers (11-15) in which a ça baigne dans l’huile (it’s float- group of children try to find ing in oil: everything is going out what happened to a very well), or coûter la peau des young girl Jade, and a statu- fesses (to cost the skin of one’s ette, that have mysteriously buttocks: to be very expen- disappeared. What is particu- sive) - Just a few of the hun- lar about the book is that dreds of wonderful expres- every other chapter is in sions that the French of a French, and the rest in Eng- certain age used, many of Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 33

La Madeleine de Proust

OO ne of the great literary clichés from early 20th century French literature is Marcel Click here Proust’s madeleine. Reference to Proust and his famous little pastry frequently punc- tuate literary discussions and can often be heard bandied about at cocktail parties. It has even inspired a good number of cookbooks in which well-known chefs, including Julia Childs, have attempted to recreate the recipe. It has today become part of pop culture. Just what is so alluring about this rather mundane little pastry that you can find in almost every pastry shop in France and in cellophane packages on the shelves of supermarkets? As Proust so exquisitely described in his monumental A la recherche du temps perdu (Remberance of Things Past), the taste of the crumbs of a madeleine soaked in a cup of tea triggered a veritable flood of memories from his childhood, memories that pour forth and fill the ensuing pages of the lengthy novel. While we all probably have our own “madeleines” that have unlocked long-lost thoughts, feelings and memories, no one has ever quite captured that moment with such eloquent and deli- cious prose as did Proust. Below are several fragments from the opening pages of the book where he describes the result of tasting his madeleine.

“Il y avait déjà bien des dinaire en moi. Un plaisir manger, sur les tablettes années que, de Combray, délicieux m'avait envahi, des pâtissiers, leur image tout ce qui n'était pas le isolé, sans la notion de sa avait quitté ces jours de théâtre et le drame de mon cause. Il m'avait aussitôt Combray pour se lier à coucher, n'existait plus rendu les vicissitudes de la d'autres plus récents [...] Et pour moi, quand un jour vie indifférentes, ses désas- comme dans ce jeu où les d'hiver, comme je rentrais à tres inoffensifs, sa brièveté Japonais s'amusent à trem- la maison, ma mère, voyant illusoire, de la même façon per dans un bol de porce- que j'avais froid, me propo- qu'opère l'amour, en me laine rempli d'eau, de petits sa de me faire prendre, remplissant d'une essence morceaux de papier jus- contre mon habitude, un précieuse : ou plutôt cette que-là indistincts qui, à peu de thé. Je refusai essence n'était pas en moi, peine y sont-ils plongés d'abord et, je ne sais pour- elle était moi. J'avais cessé s'étirent, se contournent, se quoi, me ravisai. Elle en- de me sentir médiocre, colorent, se différencient, voya chercher un de ces contingent, mortel [...] Et deviennent des fleurs, des gâteaux courts et dodus tout d'un coup le souvenir maisons, des personnages appelés Petites Madeleines m'est apparu. Ce goût consistants et reconnaissa- qui semblent avoir été c'était celui du petit mor- bles, de même maintenant moulés dans la valve rainu- ceau de madeleine que le toutes les fleurs de notre rée d'une coquille de Saint- dimanche matin à Combray jardin et celles du parc de Jacques. Et bientôt, machi- (parce que ce jour-là je ne M. Swann, et les nymphéas nalement, accablé par la sortais pas avant l'heure de de la Vivonne, et les bon- morne journée et la pers- la messe), quand j'allais lui nes gens du village et leurs pective d'un triste lende- dire bonjour dans sa cham- petits logis et l'église et tout main, je portai à mes lèvres bre, ma tante Léonie m'of- Combray et ses environs, une cuillerée du thé où frait après l'avoir trempé tout cela qui prend forme j'avais laissé s'amollir un dans son infusion de thé et solidité, est sorti, ville et morceau de madeleine. ou de tilleul. La vue de la jardins, de ma tasse de Marcel Proust, 1871-1922 Mais à l'instant même où la petite madeleine ne m'avait thé.” gorgée mêlée des miettes rien rappelé avant que je du gâteau toucha mon pa- n'y eusse goûté; peut-être A la recherche du temps perdu. lais, je tressaillis, attentif à parce que, en ayant souvent Tome I: Du côté de chez ce qui se passait d'extraor- aperçu depuis, sans en Swann, by Marcel Proust. Page 34 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Issue Number 16

Printable version Une recette de cuisine : La galette des rois

TT he month of January offers a wonderful occasion to make new contacts by inviting one’s neighbours to share a galette des rois. In the ancient French tradition, on the 6th of January, the date of the epiphany (the celebration of the arrival of the Three Wise Men — or kings — to visit the newborn baby Jesus), it was the custom to eat a cake, or galette des rois. Today, the religious origins of the day are secondary, and the galette, which is eaten as a dessert, or in the afternoon, has mostly become a way to celebrate the New Year with one’s family, friends, neighbours or colleagues at work. And the celebration can take place anytime from January 1st to 31st. One can find several forms and types of galettes in pastry shops all over France, but those that are probably the most sought after are filled with fran- gipane (a sort of almond paste).

Tirer les rois (literally to “draw the kings”, is the highlight of the event, especially since inside each cake at least one fève (a small porcelain figure) is hidden. The person who finds the fève in his/ her piece of galette becomes the king, or the queen, of the party. He/She must then put on the crown made of gilded paper which the pâtissier provides with the cake, and everybody exclaims: Vive le roi! or Vive la reine! (“Long live the king/queen!”). You will find below the recipe for this delicious and very easy to make cake.

Ingredients (for 4 to 6 persons): Ingrédients (pour 4 à 6 person- nes) : - 2 frozen puff pastry sheets (round) - 100 g finely ground almonds - 2 pâtes feuilletées (rondes) - 75 g sugar - 100 g de poudre d'amandes - 1 egg - 75 g de sucre - 50 g soft butter - 1 œuf - 1 tablespoon Rhum (optional) - 50 g de beurre mou - 1 egg yolk (to glue the edges to- - 1 cuillère à soupe de Rhum gether and to brown the galette as it (facultatif) bakes) - 1 jaune d'œuf (pour coller les bords - 1 fava bean, or porcelain figurine. et pour dorer) - 1 fève.

Preparation: Préparation : Place one puff pastry sheet in a round pie tin and prick it with a fork Disposer une pâte dans un moule à and brush on some of the egg yolk tarte, la piquer avec une fourchette et (diluted with some water) on the disposer du jaune d’œuf (dilué dans edge. un peu d'eau) sur les bords à l’aide d’un pinceau. Mix all the ingredients (ground al- monds, sugar, egg, soft butter, rhum) Mélanger dans un grand bol tous les in a bowl. Don’t forget to put ingrédients (poudre d'amande, œuf, the porcelain figure sucre, beurre mou, rhum). Spread the contents of the bowl on at this stage! the puff pastry and add the porcelain Disposer le mélange sur la pâte, y pla- figure (preferably on an edge in order cer la fève (de préférence sur un to minimise the risk of hitting it with bord, pour minimiser les chances de the knife when you slice the galette). tomber dessus en coupant la ga- lette !). Put the other puff pastry sheet on the top and make sure the edges are well Refermer la galette avec la 2ème pâte, glued together by the egg yolk. et s’assurer de bien coller les bords.

Brush the rest of the egg yolk over Dorer au jaune d'œuf (dilué dans un the top. Make some small holes with peu d'eau). Percer le dessus de petits Issue Number 16 French Accent, December 2008—January 2009 Page 35

Galette (cont’d) a fork to let the air es- trous pour laisser l'air cape while it bakes, that s'échapper, sinon elle risque way the galette won’t de gonfler et de se dessé- puff up too much or be cher. too dry. Enfourner à 210°C Bake in the oven at 210° (thermostat 7) pendant 30 à C (thermostat 7) for 40 minutes environ. about 30-40 minutes. Bon appétit ! Bon appétit ! Vincent Anthonioz

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