Author: THE HOBBLEDEHOY

Michael Stevenson, aka Dai Bando, Johnny Foreigner, Monsieur Pas De Merde, is a blogger of French and British culture. His blogs "Pas De Merde" and "The Hobbledehoy" have been called "marvelous" by some, and "meh" by others.

Comme une Française: Freezing in French?

Ever wondered how you can improve your French accent? The truth is, there are many different accents in French, depending on where you are in France or the rest of the world! But most non-native French speakers wish to sound more Parisian when conversing, as that’s what you’re most likely to hear on TV or the radio. In today’s lesson, I’m sharing some of my best tips to help you sound a little more Parisian when you speak French. I’ll touch on the differThere’s nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to freezing in the middle of a French conversation. But that certainly doesn’t stop us from feeling awkward or uncomfortable! Whether you didn’t understand everything, or you’re too caught up thinking about the next thing to do, these pauses are completely natural — but there ARE some things you can do to avoid it and keep the conversation flowing. Let’s learn how, in today’s lesson.ences between different French accents, share some pronunciation pointers, and show you how you can practice at home. Let’s go!

Take care and stay safe. 😘 from Grenoble, France.

Géraldine

Arrests in Paris as thousands join May Day protests across France

Hooded, black-clad demonstrators clashed with police in Paris on Saturday as thousands of people joined traditional May Day protests across France to demand social and economic justice and voice their opposition to government plans to change unemployment benefits.

Police made 46 arrests in the capital, where garbage bins were set on fire and the windows of a bank branch were smashed, momentarily delaying the march.

More than 106,000 people marched throughout France, including 17,000 in Paris, according to the Interior Ministry.

Trade unionists were joined by members of the “Yellow Vest” movement, which triggered a wave of anti-government protests three years ago, and by workers from sectors hit hard by pandemic restrictions such as culture. [ . . . ]

Source: Arrests in Paris as thousands join May Day protests across France | Reuters

Comme une Française: French Accent – Speaking French More Naturally

Ever wondered how you can improve your French accent? The truth is, there are many different accents in French, depending on where you are in France or the rest of the world! But most non-native French speakers wish to sound more Parisian when conversing, as that’s what you’re most likely to hear on TV or the radio. In today’s lesson, I’m sharing some of my best tips to help you sound a little more Parisian when you speak French. I’ll touch on the differences between different French accents, share some pronunciation pointers, and show you how you can practice at home. Let’s go!

Take care and stay safe. 😘 from Grenoble, France.

Géraldine

Comme une Française: 12 Common French Gestures

In this French lesson, we’ll explore some common French gestures that you may come across in everyday situations in France. By learning and using these common French gestures, you can save yourself from mistakes and awkward situations — and even appear more French, even to the French! Find the free EXTENDED LESSON and ask me questions about this French lesson on the Comme une Française blog. It includes a full written lesson, with all the French expressions, more specific vocabulary you can use, and extra resources.

Take care and stay safe. 😘 from Grenoble, France.

Géraldine