Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie du 9 au 25 mars 2012.

You can find everything and anything on the Web. This applies even to the French language. Cyberspace is filled with useful tools for writing correctly; however, there are two sides to every coin. The Web is also a place where everyone can write about everything and anything and in any way they please. The explosion of Web 2.0 now allows everyone to use this collective space as they see fit. Look at the comments of your Facebook friends or Twitter followers. Do they all write without making any mistakes? If your answer is yes, then your friends are definitely exceptional. … Read more »

Today, I suggest we all become megaphones regardless of our different accents! All Francophone and Acadian communities of the country are invited to show their support for the national French-language television station ACCENTS. The station, which could emerge very soon across Canada, will speak about French and Acadian values and realities. It’s high time that we have our rightful place among Canadian television. We want to be seen, heard and understand! It’s our turn to play by visiting the ACCENTS website at www.accentstv.ca. It takes just a few clicks to show our support for this unifying project. I signed the … Read more »

Want to explore the world and participate in the development of Francophone countries in need? Are you a young French adult under the age of 34 ready to live an enriching human experience while doing your part to build a better world? Well, the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) offers you the chance to change the world in your way with its international volunteer program. Powered by the OIF, in partnership with the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie and with the support of the Association internationale des maires francophones and TV5 Monde, the Volontariat international de la Francophonie’s Program … Read more »

On this side of the Atlantic, the French accent (from France) is often imitated but is really nothing like that of Quebecers or of other French-speaking Canadians. On the flip side, the Quebec accent is also often imitated in the Old World although, in my opinion, it is inimitable. Is it possible to lose our Quebec accent during prolonged stays abroad? According to the information I found on Solange’s, website, there is a very effective way to get it back! I agree with you, Solange. After all, the important thing is to be “kessé qu’on est” regardless of our accent! … Read more »

I am a blogger. According to the Office québecois de la langue française (OQLF) I am defined as being a Web user who publishes a blog and updates it regularly. Twenty years ago I did not even exist and now I am one of millions of bloggers who make up the blogosphere. Has blogalization occurred? Have you been affected by blogophilia? Although being part of the blogitude has forced me to regularly update my bilingual blog I do not consider myself to be a blog addict. Maybe I should consult a blogologist just to make sure… What about you? Are … Read more »

Traveling across the country, I’ve heard people speak French almost everywhere, whether in the Maritimes, the Prairies, out West and of course in Quebec and Ontario. After speaking with certain Rendez-vous de la Francophonie coordinators responsible for the northern territories, I’ve come to realise that French has managed to make its way through the Canadian northern ice. Behold, I came across an interesting article published by the Language Portal of Canada about Nunavut’s French origins which were completely unknown to me. I invite you to read the article and discover the Nordic origins of the French language in this part … Read more »

The other morning, while sipping my coffee and surfing the net, I came across a fascinating web magazine called French Morning. The site features Francophone world news and provides great coverage of the French presidential campaign. I did a quick search to find out who the creators of the site are and was soon surprised to discover that it was created and is managed by a team of French journalists based in New York. French Pioneer of the Web French Morning is primarily intended for American Francophone and Francophile, but also to visitors from elsewhere in the Francophonie. Founded five … Read more »

Just back from France, the Quebec comedian Louis-José Houde is out to conquer his French speaking fans over the course of the coming weeks. His journey takes him outside of Quebec to the Maritimes, the Prairies and Western Canada where he will perform his show in a dozen of mostly francophone communities. I love Louis-José, and I’m not the only one! His Facebook page has over 33,500 fans and the comedian fills halls everywhere he goes. After receiving comments from internet surfers and fans from outside the province, he decided it was time to reach out and pay them a … Read more »

The Rendez-vous de la Francophonie congratulates the winners of the photo contest organized last month by the Réseau interministériel des langues officielles au Manitoba (RILOM). The contest aimed to discover the French presence within the province. The three winning photos : Photographer: Dawn Morrish (First Place) This statue of the Virgin Mary found in an abandoned scrap yard of St. Francis Xavier has maintained its beauty. Photographer: Wendy Barker (Second Place) St. Boniface at sunrise. Photographer: Erica Feather (Third Place) The Francophone culture in rural Manitoba. A big thank-you goes out to all those who participated in observing Manitoba through … Read more »

Recently published on The Montreal Gazette’s website, the story of Robert Jennings caused quite a stir among French language purists. According to the young English-speaking Ontarian who attended French immersion schools during his youth, the best way to be understood in Quebec is to speak Quebec French. Do you share his opinion? It was when he moved to Montreal in 2006 that this bilingual Ontarian was confronted with the Quebec accent and language. He had learned international French and the Quebecers with whom he spoke assumed that he was from another country. In order to better adapt to his new … Read more »