Linguistics

Development of the French Language

French language developmentFrench is a Romance language, but it has a number of characteristics that set it apart from the other members of its linguistic family. Here is an extremely simplified synopsis of its development.

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Holidays and Celebrations

Saint Patrick’s Day

French vocabulary for St. Patrick's Day
Ireland's national holiday is celebrated by Irish people all over the world. Saint Patrick's Day is observed in more countries than any other national holiday, and is a multi-day festival in Ireland itself. Learn some French vocabulary related to this joyful celebration of Irish culture.

   

   

Current Events

Pain au chocolat vs chocolatine

Pain au chocolat
Depending who you're talking to, those lovely little pastries filled with chocolate might be called pains au chocolat or chocolatines. This tasty debate has finally been settled once and for all - at least in theory. Find out more in this short, fun video with interactive subtitles.

   

   

   

   

Expressions

Manquer Expressions

French expressions with manquer
The French verb manquer, "to miss," is found in many idiomatic expressions, including to flout convention, to waste one's life, and to be discouraged. Learn these and dozens of other French expressions featuring manquer.