French

The Birth Certificate of French

The Oaths of Strasbourg, a 9th-century military pact, are often called the "birth certificate" of the French language. Sworn in…

4 months ago

France’s Base-20 Math Problem

Why do the French say 'four-twenties' for 80? This linguistic quirk is a fascinating relic from a base-20 counting system…

4 months ago

The Ghost Vowels of French: How Silent Letters Shape Pronunciation

Why does French have so many letters that aren't pronounced? Far from being useless spelling relics, these "ghost" letters are…

4 months ago

“Je me souviens”: How the Fight for French Forged Modern Quebec

The motto on every Quebec license plate, "Je me souviens" (I remember), is the key to understanding the province's modern…

4 months ago

The Fight for Purity: Inside the Académie Française and the Quest to Protect the French Language

For nearly 400 years, the forty "immortals" of the Académie Française have stood as the official guardians of the French…

4 months ago

Punctuation Reimagined: Hervé Bazin’s Linguistic Innovations

Hervé Bazin (1911-1996), a famous French writer and essayist, is known not only for his literary contributions but also for…

2 years ago

Famous Mistranslations: “Let Them Eat Cake!”

The phrase "Let them eat cake" is one of the most notorious remarks attributed to a historical figure. This sentence…

2 years ago

The History of the French Circumflex

The French language, renowned for its fluidity and musicality, is adorned with a variety of diacritical marks that contribute to…

2 years ago

French Books for Beginner to Intermediate Learners

French, with its melodious intonation and intricate grammar, is a language that has enchanted learners for centuries. While formal classes…

2 years ago

Exploring French Literature: A Must-Read List for Language Learners

French literature is a treasure trove of unique narratives, vivid characters, and deeply thoughtful ideas. It encompasses a rich array…

2 years ago

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