Another reason to learn French

Great news for you, chouchous. By learning French with us, you’re not just gaining a new skill and *des amis – you’re giving your cognitive health a long-term boost.

A new study from Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago has found that engaging in activities such as reading, writing, or learning new languages could reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by almost 40 per cent.

Read all about it here (and give yourself a little pat on the back).

* friends

English Enjoyed

If you need some light relief as you wrangle a second language, this Instagram account will help you get a firmer grip on your first. English Enjoyed is an utter delight, best savoured over tea and scones.

Learn French with Macron

When learning a language, sometimes you just have to laugh. And it seems the French president himself has *un sens de l'humour about some of the absurdities of his own.

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*a sense of humour

Pourquoi le ‘pas’?

If you’re as nerdy about the evolution of language as we are (and we know many chouchous are), this fascinating video about French negation is the perfect little treat. *Profitez-en!

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*Enjoy!

French Girl Reacts to Celebs Speaking French

If you’re as obsessed as we are with celebs speaking French, this video is for you. From Taylor to Timothée, Bradley Cooper to Jodie Foster, watch the stars sink or swim *en français, with their language skills scored on a scale of 1 to 10. *C’est chouette!

* in French | *It’s great!

French Tongue Twisters

Repeat after me, “Si ton tonton tond ton tonton, ton tonton sera tondu.” Trip over your tongue? *C’est normal! Translating as “If your uncle shaves your uncle, your uncle will be shaven”, this is just one of many French tongue twisters confounding beginner and advanced learners alike.

Want more? This article lists 32 of the most challenging *virelangues in the French language – complete with audio so you can practise to your heart’s content.

*It’s normal! | *tongue twisters

French Speaking Exam

Ever had one of those days when you just can’t seem to get the words out in any logical order? As language learners, we’ve all been there. This video sums it up perfectly. We hope it gives you un rire*. 

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 *a laugh

Explain French to me?

One of our students shared this little treat with us recently. We found it *très drôle and hope it brings you *un sourire.

*very funny | *a smile

The Parisian ABCs

If you’re looking for a charming Christmas gift for a little one this year, we have just *le truc. Penned (*en anglais) by Aussie expat and Paris resident Emily Gaudichon, The Parisian ABCs is a beautifully illustrated picture book that delivers a delightful, tongue-in-cheek look at French culture. 

With a French husband, three children, and *un très mignon chien, *Noisette, ‘The Real Emily in Paris’ has lived in the City of Light since 2016. An avid foodie and former private chef, she runs cooking classes and tours and writes a weekly Substack, A Week in Paris – among other things.

Here, we steal five minutes from Emily’s busy schedule to chat about her life in Paris and her latest writing project. Enjoy!

Tell us about your move to Paris? How and when did that come about? 

After 11 years in London, I was all set to move back to Australia but then I met my French husband on Tinder and that was it, love at first sight. Within two months I was living in Paris. Such a cliché. 

Have you always had an interest in French culture or did it develop once there? 

I studied a little French at UQ while doing my Bachelor of Arts degree many moons ago and spent 3 months in Paris when I was 19 which left a lasting impression. But I learnt most of the culture once I moved here. 

Did you speak any French when you arrived?

I could order a glass of wine or use textbook classics like telling Jeanne that I liked her red car, but no, I didn't know anything very useful at all.

How did you go about learning the language? Any tips for learners? 

I really committed to intense classes and managed to do a level each round, so I completed B2 and C1 in 6 months. My main tip is to learn the gender of each object as you learn the word (e.g. learn *le verre, not just verre). I didn't do that and will now never know as I'm certainly not returning to the textbooks again any time soon.

What part of Paris do you live in?

I live in the 6th which is a lovely area. We're close to the Jardin du Luxembourg which is such a treat and there are cute cafes, bookstores and restaurants nearby. Paris is very walkable and I really appreciate not needing a car for everyday life. 

Your Instagram handle is The Real Emily in Paris. Does that mean you’re a fan of the show...? If so, what does it get right? Or wrong?

I’ve never actually watched it but a lot of it was filmed in my neighbourhood. It gets right that the croissants from Boulangerie Moderne are actually very good. It gets wrong pretty much everything else but if it makes people happy then it doesn’t matter, most TV isn’t realistic!

When did you start your A Week In Paris newsletter and what can subscribers expect?

I started it the 1st of January 2022 and it's a light weekly roundup of what I did, where I went and what I ate that week, with a recipe, cheese of the week and a 'real life in Paris' photo. I was looking for a creative outlet that I would do regularly and 18 months later I'm still committed.

Your cooking classes and tours sound amazing. Who is your typical client?

Lots of families, girls’ trips and couples looking to discover Paris a little more through food and it’s so fun getting to share recipes, cooking tips and my favourite corners of Paris with them.

And now you’ve written a children’s book! Congratulations. Can you tell us a little bit about it? 

It's a tongue in cheek ABC book called The Parisian ABCs that's for both kids and adults. It includes all the real Parisian stereotypes and was created with wonderfully talented illustrator Sarah Vesperini. It's a bit of fun and we are so proud of it.

How can our students get their hands on The Parisian ABCs?

Either via my website or there'll be a few copies available in the Lingua Franca store in late November!

With a husband, three children, Noisette, your tours and writing you sound very busy! What do you do to relax?

I find shopping at the market and walking through the park very relaxing, as well as Pilates classes, cooking and good old Netflix. Bon Marché is where I go if I've had a really bad day. I love the French word *flâneur and try to incorporate that philosophy of indulgent aimlessness into every day.

To purchase The Parisian ABCs or find out more, visit therealemilyinparis.com

*the thing | *in English | *a very cute dog | *Hazelnut | *the glass |*one who strolls around observing society

The problem with baguettes...

Ever find yourself stalling at la boulangerie* due to a mental blank over the gender of certain baked items? Well, here’s a simple workaround we love when it comes to ordering baguettes. Bon Appétit!

*the bakery | *Enjoy your meal!

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What is this thing?

When the complexities of another language confound you, sometimes you just have to laugh. Case in point the long-winded enquiry, “Qu'est-ce que c'est que cette chose-là?” Literally translated as “What is this that this is that this thing there?”. Or, in actual usage, “What is that/this thing?”

It seems even the French can see the humour in this unwieldy sentence. So, if you’re un apprenant*? Best not to overthink it and, instead, commit the phrase to memory. 

Or in conversation, you could always go for le plus concis*, “C’est quoi, ça?” We’ll leave it in your capable hands (and limber lips). 

*a learner | *the more concise

English makes no sense

When learning a language, you just have to shrug and accept there will be some things that make no sense at all. And, if you need un gloussement*, this video perfectly illustrates the hurdles English learners face. Quel cauchemar*!

*a giggle | *a nightmare

Pardon My French

If you’re looking for un livre* to tuck into this winter, we have une suggestion*. A new memoir by freelance writer and mum-of-three Rachael Mogan McIntosh, Pardon My French tells the story of an Aussie family upping sticks to spend a year in cobblestoned Sommières – a small town in the south of France.

C’est une idée tentante, non*?

The book is touted as a tale of, “Food, faux pas and Franglish – one family’s riotous year in the south of France.” And we’ve been told by a student who’s midway through that it’s a delightful, funny and easy read. (As long as you don’t mind your books peppered with blue language.)

Intrigued? Here’s the publisher’s blurb.

At the school gate, when she accidentally kissed one new friend on the nose and called another a ‘beautiful man-horse’, Rachael realised that small-town France could hardly be more different to beach-side Australia. The smell of cigarettes replaced the tang of bone-broth and sprouted sourdough, the neighbours sometimes came to blows and under no circumstances would anyone wear activewear in public. Ever.

Muddling through every interaction in terrible French pushed Rachael’s family to their limits. Some days, everybody cried and ate their feelings with almond croissants. But the town of Sommières embraced these ragtag Australians, and the family fell in love with their temporary hometown and its outrageous gossip, cobblestoned beauty and kind, eccentric inhabitants.

Pardon My French is a candid, hilarious love letter to family life and France with three valuable lessons for overcoming adversity: make home a beautiful nest, lean into the tough lessons and look for the comedy in everything.

You can buy the book on Booktopia. Or read this article written by Rachael.

*a book | *a suggestion | *It’s a tempting idea, isn’t it?

English – C’est compliqué aussi!

Ever find yourself cursing the day you decided to learn the beautiful, complicated language that is French? Well, spare a thought for English learners because it's no cakewalk for them, either.

Not convinced? We’ll just leave this right here.

Le subjonctif* isn’t looking like quite as much of un cauchemar* now, is it?

Merci, Hayley, pour cette petite perle*.

*The subjunctive | *a nightmare | *Thanks, Hayley, for this little gem

Paris Métro Roleplay

Récemment*, one of our profs* stumbled across this gem of a photo gallery of pranksters (or amateur actors?) roleplaying the names of different Paris metro stations. For example, a rock and roll band at ‘Duroc’, Les Trois Mousquetaires* at ‘Alexandre Dumas’ station and a naked man showcasing his personal freedoms at ‘Liberté*’. 

There are dozens of photos to ponder, so we’ll let you peruse the rest at your leisure. Bonne chance* figuring out some of the more obscure references!

*Recently | *The Three Musketeers | *teachers | *Freedom | *Good luck

L’appel de Dieu

When you think of church, you don’t automatically think of chuckles. Mais apparemment*, this notice can now be found in many French églises*.

Il est possible qu’en entrant dans cette église, vous entendiez l’appel de Dieu. Par contre, il est peu probable qu’il vous contacte par téléphone.

Merci d’éteindre vos téléphones.

Si vous voulez parler à Dieu, entrez, choisissez un endroit calme et parlez-lui. Si vous voulez le voir, envoyez-lui un texto en conduisant.

Ou, en anglais*… It is possible that, on entering this church, you may hear the Call of God. On the other hand, it is not likely that he will contact you by phone. Thank you for turning off your phone. If you would like to talk to God, come in, choose a quiet place and talk to him. If you would like to see him, send him a text while driving.

*But apparently | *churches | *Or, in English

Honorary Parisiennes

Have you long harboured a desire be considered an honorary Parisienne*? Me too, until the day I was strolling down the street in Paris, imagining myself exuding an impossibly French insouciance*, when someone leaned out of a car window and yelled: “Hé ! Kangourou !*”.

So while not all of us have what it takes to blend seamlessly into our adopted surroundings, it never hurts to try. Some even succeed, as this article by Australian Katrina Lawrence points out, herself deserving of the title, à mon avis*.

Merci pour l’inspiration, Katrina. J’adore votre site*.

Parisian woman | lack of concern/insouciance | Hey! Kangaroo! | in my opinion | Thank you for the inspiration, Katrina. I love your site.

Why learn a language?

If you’re reading this blog, it’s likely you have your own answer to this question, but sometimes, when you’re knee-deep in the bizarreries* of the verb être*, it can be hard to remember why on earth you started in the first place.

A gently motivational response to the question by world-renowned linguist John McWhorter.

*quirks | *to be

French Assist

We were contacted recently by one of the lovely volunteers from French Assist with what could be une opportunité fantastique* for our more advanced learners.

French Assist is a benevolent society based in Brisbane which helps distressed or isolated French people in Australia by providing moral or logistical support on an ad hoc basis. 

Often people who reach out to them are faced with language barriers or a lack of local knowledge, others are lonely and long for a bit of conversation in their native language.

They used to rely on the French community alone, but they’re now looking for French-speaking people with local knowledge to help out. Could this be you?

If your interest is piqued, I’d suggest reading the account below, and if it warms your heart as it did mine, contact them to offer your services.

A truly meaningful way to put your skills to use.

Ma fille de 21 ans qui venait de terminer son contrat de travail à Sydney a subi un grave accident, elle a donc été hospitalisée pendant un mois.

Je l’ai rejointe rapidement et au préalable j’ai contacté l’ambassade de France qui m’a mise en contact avec French Assist.

Grâce à Pascale qui s’est présentée le jour même de mon arrivée à l’hôpital, j’ai pu me consacrer à ma fille puisqu’elle s’est chargée de me trouver un hébergement, elle a pu traduire également les commentaires des médecins et m’a laissé son numéro de téléphone pour toutes mes demandes et interrogations.

Ensuite Jocelyne et Christian se sont proposés de m’héberger chez eux (à titre exceptionnel), c’est ainsi que j’ai pu rentrer tous les soirs après une journée à l’hôpital dans une charmante et chaleureuse maison, parler en français et bénéficier de conseils, d’un accompagnement lors des démarches administratives et même du transport.

Plus encore ils m’ont permis de manger un bon repas, de rire et d’échanger en français, ce fut des égards et une attention considérables.

Je remercie encore Pascale, Jocelyne et Christian ainsi que Judy, Rosa et tous les bénévoles de French Assist sans lesquels cette épreuve aurait été un véritable cauchemar.

Ma fille va mieux aujourd’hui. Nous sommes rentrées en France et seront reconnaissants à vie de l’action bienveillante et hautement utile de French Assist.

Leila R.

My daughter of 21. who had just finished a work contract in Sydney, suffered a serious accident and was hospitalised for a month.

I got in touch with her straight away then contacted the French Embassy who put me in touch with French Assist.

Thanks to Pascale who was there the very first day I got to the hospital, I could devote myself to my daughter since she took charge of finding me somewhere to stay, was also able to translate what the doctors were saying and left me her phone number for all my questions and queries.

Next Jocelyne and Christian offered to have me stay at their place (they don’t normally do this), which allowed me to come back every evening after a day at the hospital to a charming and welcoming home, speak in French and benefit from their advice as well as helping me with administrative tasks and even transport.

Even more, it allowed me to eat a good meal, to laugh and chat in French, which was incredibly kind and thoughtful of them and made me feel so at home.

I am still thanking Pascale, Jocelyne and Christian as well as Judy, Rosa and all the French Assist volunteers without whom this challenge would have been a true nightmare.

My daughter is going a lot better today. We’re back in France and will be grateful for life for the highly useful and caring actions of French Assist.

Leila R.

Doctor Qui

Here’s a very quick solution for you if the word for ‘who’ in French occasionally escapes you.

Listen to this three-and-a-half minute video by British humoriste* Bill Bailey and c’est promis* you’ll always have it to hand dans le futur*.

*comedian | *I promise | *in the future