Category Archives: quotes

french is beautiful

paris-skyline-ashley-ludaescher-photography

 

“Ma patrie, c’est la langue française. | My homeland is the French language.”

Albert Camus

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My life currently revolves around the subject of home, in both the physical and metaphoric sense. For the purpose of this post, I’m going to address the latter. I’ve always felt at home when in France, and when speaking the language there is a strong sense of familiarity. Whether it’s due to my ancestry, my Francophilia, or the many years I’ve dedicated to learning, studying and improving my French provides a feeling of belonging for me. I’m craving that feeling more than ever, especially considering the current chaos in my life. I’ve let my studies slip a bit, and I’m missing it. However difficult it may be at the moment, I’m determined to continue the progress I’ve made. I’ll be revisiting and reviewing lessons from Carrie Anne James during this transitional period, along with a few private lessons along the way. My next post will delve more deeply into the language aspect, but for now…I’m making time for learning, and finding solace in it.

* french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here *

french is beautiful

fleurishing-famille-paris

 

“There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of  a child. There are seven million.”

Walt Streightiff

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Were we really in Paris with our children, only a month ago?! It feels like it was a all a dream. I’m so thankful to have moments like these documented, thanks to my friend Ashley Ludaescher (still so many more incredible photos to share). Navigating a foreign country with children, especially toddlers, is challenging for sure. Speaking the language (even at a basic level) really makes things easier, and more enjoyable. Carrie Anne James was kind enough to include me in the development of her French for Paris course, and I’m honored to have inspired the “traveling with kids” bonus lesson. I think it goes without saying that I personally relied heavily on that portion of the program during our trip!

Since this was my first time traveling with my children to France, I wanted to be prepared with the proper terminology. Full disclosure – I didn’t know the word for stroller. There were many times when I found myself using phrases that were new to me, such as “excusez moi, est-ce que les pousettes sont permises?” (excuse me, are strollers allowed?). I located diapers, requested mild cheese, even spoke with other parents, in French – and it felt great. Do you have to speak French in order to travel there with your children? No – but I highly recommend it. You will get more respect, better treatment, and yes, even the elusive smile, from the Parisians. Henry et Marie even garnered a tickle or two (or three).

* french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here *

french is beautiful

louvre-pyramid

 

“Il y a eu une modernité pour chaque peintre ancien. | Every ancient painter was once modern.”

Charles Baudelaire

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One of the things I love most about Paris is it’s history. However, I’m constantly in awe at how beautifully ultra-modern elements are married + juxtaposed with classical architecture. The best example I can think of is the Louvre…with the original structure (not including the original fortress) dating to the 16th century, and the 1989 addition of the glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei. While originally very controversial, it is now one of the most recognizable modern landmarks in Paris. I feel this is very representative of French, and any language, really. You must have an understanding and respect for the proper (formal) verbiage, but be able to weave in modern day elements. There have been numerous times when I’ve used “textbook” French, and suddenly, it’s as if I have an arrow sign above my head blinking “AMERICAN” in neon lights. For example, instead of using the classic je voudrais for “I would like”…using je vais prendre gives it a modern, casual update. Another example – instead of using nous for “we”, a more common (modern) usage is the word on. I’m learning that these seemingly small tweaks can make the difference between sounding like you just left high school and sounding like a pro. Merci mille fois, Carrie Anne James.

* french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here *

french is beautiful

palais-royal-paris

 

“One must not always think that feeling is everything. Art is nothing without form.”

Gustave Flaubert

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It’s hard to believe, but I’m already halfway through my French is Beautiful Level One course! I can honestly say that my French has already improved, and I look forward to each lesson. Studying French doesn’t feel like work to me, except maybe when it comes to verb conjugations, putain. I highly doubt that anyone could find that enjoyable. Getting back to the subject at hand – my most recent lesson had a focus on form. The French language has a certain formality to it, which is of course, echoed throughout the culture. It is crucial to know the rules, etiquette, and proper form before taking liberties. For instance, the imparfait verb form is more of a feeling, and looser than the tighter, more finite, passé composé. I’m doing my best to understand when to use each verb tense, and it’s becoming less intimidating thanks to my tutor, Carrie Anne James. Although, when I get stuck, this magical phrase buys me some time to figure it out.

** french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here **

french is beautiful

louvre-museum-paris

 

“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life.”

 Thomas Jefferson

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The French language is constructed around beauty, much like the country’s landscapes and architecture.  When speaking the language, it helps to remember that fact – yet another priceless tidbit from my tutor, Carrie Anne James. When doubting your pronunciation, think about what would sound the most beautiful, and you’re most likely right. One of the most crucial aspects in speaking is the “liaison” – how the words connect and blend together, creating a fluid sound. For example, the letter s in the word les is generally silent, but when combined with the word amis, it is pronounced with the “z” sound, connecting the two words…les amis. It is what makes French so enticing, and dare I say, so sexy. Even the way it’s spoken adds to the allure…you use mostly the front of your mouth, and at a low volume. Vowels at the end of words are meant to be lingered upon, and enjoyed…mini-syllables, if you will. Take the word femme…that little, innocent looking e on the end should be emphasized and savored. For me, pronunciation is paramount, and I squeal with delight when my words melt together like taffy. These details are not to be missed…after all, it is where much of the beauty lies.

** french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here **