Category Archives: Cultural Perspectives

New French Words Reflect Society Influences

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Susan

French words now reflect changes in its society. When I started spending time there, rules were strict. Words used were those found in dictionaries. As time went on, usage seemed to relax. I don’t even know when it happened. Before … Continue reading →

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Lucien Robert (1926-2014)

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Susan

The French and French-American community in Boston lost a major figure last February 20. Not only was his French restaurant, Maison Robert, the finest in Boston for four decades, but he warmly and generously brought French, French teachers, and francophiles … Continue reading →

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Marilyn M de la région bostonienne : “L’Amour et les Français !

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Susan

Marilyn M écrit de Needham : J’ai beaucoup réfléchi sur l’affaire Hollande.  Il a le droit à une vie privée, droit très important en France.  Il est vrai que ses actions n’étaient pas prudentes pour les raisons de sécurité.  Mais, … Continue reading →

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Bernard’s reactions to the latest wrinkle

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Susan

Bernard B. sent in that cartoon from Le Monde. Here are his accompanying thoughts: J’ai l’impression qu’on tourne en rond. Il y a deux choses : d’une part la « clarification » lapidaire et peu généreuse de Hollande et d’autre … Continue reading →

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A Rumor of Valérie’s violent reaction to Hollande’s dumping

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Susan

Did she really break those dishes in a tantrum? If the dishes belonged to the Elysée Palace, maybe the French really should care how Hollande conducts himself. Her conduct isn’t irreproachable either, of course, but she had already intruded on … Continue reading →

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Bernard, an observer of French culture writes with savvy eye and a golden pen : Décidément, l’année a commencé avec une actualité française bien chargée : une version présidentielle de Romeo et Juliette, le mélodrame de l’épouse abandonnée, ou plutôt … Continue reading →

Posted on January 18, 2014 by Susan | Leave a comment

A Frenchie’s reaction

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Susan

After having lived a long time in the States, Doris P. sees America with French eyes  :   “Ce que X,  Y, le Président fait dans sa vie privée ne regarde personne, seulement  lui et son entourage. Toutefois un bémol … Continue reading →

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Hysterical franglais British view of the Hollande pickle

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Susan

Michel C. of Cambridge, Mass, sent us a Britsh scetch that looks a lot like the kinds of French I would hear as a high school and college French teacher. Maybe that’s a good way, actually, to learn French. It’ll … Continue reading →

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Michèle voit tous les côtés !

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Susan

Michèle L. voit le phénomène de tous les cotés: Oui Susan, je ne suis pas étonnée de ton message. Je sais qu’aux Etats-Unis et ailleurs l’affaire « Hollande » a eu un certain retentissement. En France un peu moins, paradoxalement. Je constate … Continue reading →

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Colbert’s Hysterical Franglais Thoughts

Posted on January 16, 2014 by Susan

Stephen Colbert’s hysterical franglais thoughts on the Sex Scandal – hysterical: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/16/colbert-french-president-sex-scandal_n_4610181.html Notice that he has the right French melody and even the right French pronunciation much of the time. Does he remember from high school like many of my … Continue reading →

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