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discover the best of French and Francophone culture in the United States.
Analysis of French-American news • French cultural events in the United States • Interviews with leading intellectuals • Fashion tips • Traditional and contemporary recipes • Reports from across the United States • Authors’ perspectives on America • Portraits of artists, entrepreneurs, and other French-American personalities • The best of Francophone literature translated into English • French movies and series in theaters and online • French habits and linguistic subtleties • Unique places to visit in France • And so much more…
November 2022
The World-Leading French Language
“There is just one international organization founded on a language, and that language is French.” This is linguist Bernard Cerquiglini, speaking about the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. Ahead of the OIF’s 18th summit, in Tunisia from November 19-20, he shares his take on la langue de Molière in North America and worldwide. Next, our columnist in Paris answers the claim by British journalist Simon Kuper that French has become a useless language in the face of globalization, while English reigns supreme. (Quelle idée!) Finally, discover our interview with philanthropist Monique Brouillet Seefried, who is fanning the flames of French-American friendship in Washington, and read about the forgotten World War II battle between France and the United States.
Featured Articles
THE OBSERVER
EVERYONE SPEAKS ENGLISH
Or Do They?
France and the French can remain globally relevant only in English. Or so says British journalist Simon Kuper in one of a series of articles published recently by Le Monde. According to him, French is losing its utility, while English reigns supreme.
By Anthony Bulger
PERSPECTIVES
BERNARD CERQUIGLINI
"The French Language Is Doing Just Fine, Thank You!"
Who better than this jovial linguist to champion the French language? Bernard Cerquiglini holds a doctorate in literature, formerly directed the Center for French and Francophone Studies at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie, and has been the vice-president of the Fondation des Alliances Françaises for the last two years.
By Dominique Mataillet
BON APPÉTIT
HÉLOÏSE BRION
Gearing Up for Turkey Day in Normandy
Cookbook author Héloïse Brion is known for her homey seasonal recipes and her country version of the French je ne sais quoi style. Raised between Florida and France, her U.S. roots also influence her work, including her latest book, My Art of Entertaining. We caught up with the author and mother of two on an autumn day in Normandy.
By Caitlin Raux Gunther
HISTORY
CASABLANCA
The French-American Duel for North Africa
In the collective imagination, the name “Casablanca” conjures up the sweet nothings spoken by Humphrey Bogart to Ingrid Bergman: “We’ll always have Paris.” But for World War II historians, this Moroccan city is first and foremost the symbol of a forgotten clash between our two countries. The battle cost the lives of 1,346 French soldiers and 1,052 American GIs, and its 80th anniversary is commemorated this month.
By Clément Thiery
Table of contents
FROM THE NEWSDESK
Joe Biden Chooses Emmanuel Macron for the First State Visit of His Presidency. By Anthony Bulger
COME ON OUT
French Cultural Events in North America. By Tracy Kendrick
EDITORIAL
The More Things Change… By Guy Sorman
INTERVIEW
Monique Brouillet Seefried: Fanning the Flames of French-American Friendship. By Guy Sorman
THE OBSERVER
Everyone Speaks English. Or Do They? By Anthony Bulger
DIPTYCH ICONS
La tombe du Soldat inconnu/The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. By Clément Thiery
BUSINESS
Templon, a Transatlantic Epic. By Benoît Georges
ART
Druet vs. Cattelan: The Paternity Dilemma. By Jean-Gabriel Fredet
PERSPECTIVES
Bernard Cerquiglini: “The French Language Is Doing Just Fine, Thank You!” By Dominique Mataillet
ALBERTINE DIARIES
Plants: Building Materials of the Future. By Dimitry Hlinka
BON APPÉTIT
Héloïse Brion: Gearing Up for Turkey Day in Normand. By Caitlin Raux Gunther
Recipe: Stuffed Butternut Squash
BOOKS
Pierre Singaravélou: History from the Perspective of the Colonized. By Sophie Joubert
HISTORY
The French-American Duel for Casablanca. By Clément Thiery
FRENCH AMERICA
University of Notre Dame. By Anthony Lacoudre
THE WORDSMITH
American or United-Statesian? By Dominique Mataillet
© Christophe Roué
