News just got out that New Zealand soprano Hayley Westenra has found a French boyfriend. “I have a lovely boyfriend, who I met in London,” she told Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper.
“He’s French. I’ve done very well for myself. I’m learning French, with lessons from one of his friends.”
“His English is great,” she added. “It’s really easy to be lazy and not to learn, but I really want to, particularly when I go to France and I hang out with his relatives who don’t speak a word of English.”
The other day I went along to the preview of this brilliant movie “A Pain in the Ass” (L’Emmerdeur) by French writer-director FRANCIS VEBER, the guy behind The Valet, The Dinner Game and The Closet. This summary from Flicks: Francois Pignon (Patrick Timsit), whose wife (Virginie Ledoyen) has just left him for a shrink, checks into the same Nice hotel as hitman Ralf (Richard Berry). Ralf is there to stake out a key witness in a major corruption trial, while Pignon plans to hang himself in the bathroom. Their adjoining rooms bring them together; the perfect killer and the perfect pest. Complications cement their relationship as Pignon’s fondness for the cold-as-ice assassin grows stronger.
If you think you’ve met people who are a pain in the ass, wait till you meet Pignon!
This movie is coming out 15 October at your local cinema. Go check it out.
Should you wish to be able to watch French movies one day without looking at the English subtitles, you know who to call for French lessons.
p/s: Thanks Christine and Frederic from Evian for asking me along. Also met this guy who runs a water concept store. Yes they only sell water. Aquadeli on Mt Eden Road. They’ve been around for a while, but I’ve yet to go check them out. Have to visit sometime soon.
The French language is certainly one of the most popular languages that Kiwis learn. Here are some reasons why you should consider learning French:
• Together with English and Spanish, French is one of the most international of European languages, spoken in all the continents of the world.
• French was for centuries the international language of diplomacy and culture; it’s still important in those fields.
• The French-speaking world has contributed an enormous number of great artists, writers, philosophers and scientists.
• France has a large economy with a huge international presence.
• French cuisine is world-renowned, and French is still the international language of cooking, so at least a smattering of the French language is useful for chefs and food enthusiasts.
• Young Kiwis can go and work in France, Belgium or Canada for one year under a working holiday scheme.
• If France seems a long way off, New Caledonia and French Polynesia are more accessible holiday destinations. Even a limited knowledge of the French language can enrich and enliven your tropical holiday.
• Much like speakers of English, French speakers tend not to be very enthusiastic about speaking other languages. There is no guarantee you will find someone prepared to speak to you in English!
You can learn French and other languages at award-winning Euroasia Language Academy. Over 2500 Aucklanders have attended one of our courses. Come check out our free taster lessons next week.
The French Film Festival kicks off in Auckland next week. Running from February 18-26 at Rialto Newmarket, this annual event is bound to attract many local Francophiles.
Tickets cost $15.50. We highly recommend all our French students check out the films on offer. For those of you tired of reading the subtitles, come along for one of our French courses
According to the official website, the following films are on offer.
Baby Love With: Lambert Wilson/ Pascal Elbé Love Me No More With: Marie-Josée Croze/ Pierre Vaneck/ Albert Dupontel A Simple Heart With: Sandrine Bonnaire/ Marina Foïs/Pascal Elbé Actresses With: Valeria Bruno Tadeschi/Mathieu Amalric/ Louis Garrel Lady Jane With: Ariane Ascaride/ Jean-Pierre Darroussin/ Gerard Meylan What if… With Alice Taglioni/Jocelyn Quivrin/Thierry Lhermitte Guilty With: Hélène Fillières/ Jérémie Renier Crossed Tracks With: Fanny Ardant/ Dominique Pinon Shall we kiss With: Virginie Ledoyen/ Emmanuel Mouret/ Fredérique Bel London mon amour With: Virginie Ledoyen/ Vincent Lindon/ Pascal Elbé The Great Alibi With: Miou-Miou/ Valeria Bruni Tadeschi/ Lambert Wilson/ Pierre Arditi Me Two With: Alain Chabat/ Daniel Auteuil Cash With:Alice Taglioni/ Jean Reno/ Jean Dujardin Ulzhan With: Ayanat Ksenbai/ Philippe Torreton Daddy Cool With: Daniel Auteuil/ Juliette Lamboley/ François Damiens U Director: Serge Elissalde Asterix at the Olympics With Gérard Depardieu/ Alain Delon/ Clovis Cornillac
If you decide that next year you would rather not rely 100% on the subtitles, come along for one of our French courses starting in March. Check out our French timetable here.
Obama gave this talk in Georgia recently, on the campaign trail, encouraging locals to learn Spanish.
Obama: “I agree that immigrants should learn English…but understand this…instead of worrying about whether immigrants can learn English, they’ll learn English, you need to make sure your child can speak Spanish!”
Obviously not a very popular message in the American heartland, but only something that Obama can pull off. Check this out.
French is the second most popular language at Euroasia, after Spanish. Here are some reasons why you should consider learning French:
Together with English and Spanish, French is one of the most international of European languages, spoken in all the continents of the world.
French was for centuries the international language of diplomacy and culture; it’s still important in those fields.
The French-speaking world has contributed an enormous number of great artists, writers, philosophers and scientists.
France has a large economy with a huge international presence.
Young Kiwis can go and work in France, Belgium or Canada for one year under a working holiday scheme. A knowledge of French would obviously make a huge difference to anyone’s job prospects.
France itself has an incredible variety of scenery, from the rugged Atlantic coast, to the beautiful central valleys, to the Alps, to the Mediterranean landscapes of the south. It offers great opportunities for outdoor activities.
French cities are active, busy places, where there is always a lot going on. They have a unique café culture, and there are great opportunities for cinema, theatre, eating out and clubbing.
French cuisine is world-renowned, and French is still the international language of cooking, so at least a smattering of the French language is useful for chefs and food enthusiasts.
If France seems a long way off, New Caledonia and French Polynesia are more accessible holiday destinations. And they are very French! Even a limited knowledge of the French language can enrich and enliven your tropical holiday.
Much like speakers of English, French speakers tend not to be very enthusiastic about speaking other languages, so in France, for example, there is no guarantee you will find someone prepared to speak to you in English!
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