Last month in the French American Center blog the topic was the dearth of literature on the subject of differences between the Anglophone and French cultures. The cultural comparisons have probably inspired more English writing than any other single International subject. This month I will attempt a
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The « je ne sais quoi » of French and Anglophone differences. There has been an unending stream of Anglo writing trying, and usually failing, to articulate the very palpable, yet sometimes elusive, distinctions between French and Anglo world views. Of course, humerous books are written about how Americans
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August in France is the calm before the socio-cultural phenomenon that is « La rentrée ». If there is a word in English to explain this phenomenon I am not aware of it. We could say “back to school” but that is only relevant in the sphere of education
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The new sign that summer has arrived in Montpellier is the start of ‘Les Estivales’. For those that don’t know this phenomenon, ‘Les Estivales’ is Montpellier’s, ever growing, summer time wine festival. Every Friday all summer from 6p.m to 11:30. It is hard to believe that it
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Les Arceaux is named for the arches of the aqueduct which is this neighbourhood’s central and most obvious physical feature. It is also the site of the increasing popular, mostly organic, Saturdays and Tuesday food market. Some are promoting the nick name ‘Quartier des Bons Vivants’ for
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The « Comedie du livre » is coming back to town this year from the 31st of May through June 3rd and this year’s special focus will be British authors. This is great news, particularly if you are a thief of garden trowels, given the number of
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If you area tippler you have a plethora of quality options in and around Montpellier. There are many more possibilities in the libations department here now than there were even 5 years ago. Beer If beer is your preferred poison and it takes more than the mere
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Once upon a time I used to give English lessons and participate in various activities at the French American Center. I still keep in regular contact with the association and many of the interesting people that I have met through it. It was necessary to make way
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Hello again! Even though each culture around the world is unique, there are a few things I have noticed in my travels that are consistent throughout. First of all being laughter and a sense of humor. It may sound odd, but upon returning to the United States,
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All around French lifestyle: Etiquette, Wines, Perfumes, tastings and cultural discoveries…. Have you ever felt uncomfortable while in French society? Did you ever notice that French have their own cultural codes? The French American Center in partnership with EAF – Etiquette à la Française offers you the
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