Switzerland is this amazing country which, on a narrow territory, has four national languages: German, Italian, French and Romansh. Switzerland is also one of the richest countries in the world and this may not necessarily be a coincidence. “Our multilingualism constantly forces us to take into account the points of view of others. This delays decisions a little, but, ultimately, it is what allows us to collectively find better solutions,” explains Grégoire Furrer.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE THIS NEWSLETTER AUTOMATICALLY? >> Click here
Grégoire Furrer? This name may not mean anything to you. However, this pure Swiss is at the origin of the Montreux Comedy festivalan event that brings together French-speaking comedians from around the world and whose 35th edition will take place from November 13 to 23. The prize: full rooms, multiple television broadcasts and more than two million subscribers on YouTube! And yet…
“When I started, people told me: ‘The Swiss will not understand the humor of the Quebecers or that of the French.’ I have always thought the opposite. For me, there is no such thing as Swiss humor, Quebec humor and French humor. There are talented artists and others who are less so. everyone laugh.” The sequel proved that he was right, thanks in particular to the Internet. In Paris, Bamako, Montreal, Geneva, Tournai and elsewhere, Internet users praise the videos of the artists it highlights, without ever worrying about their nationality.
The man, moreover, has a joyful and open Francophonie. “I am proud of my identity, but I hate withdrawing into oneself,” he explains. In my eyes, the French-speaking world is above all an exceptional way to meet other visions of the world. When an African talks about migration, I assure you that this contributes to changing our representations as Westerners.
So, from now on, Grégoire Furrer has an even more extraordinary dream: to export French-speaking humor to countries… where French is not spoken. And, in the other direction, to make artists who speak Spanish, English or German appreciated in France or Quebec! “The last barrier is language,” he says, “but artificial intelligence and its translation capabilities should help us overcome it.”
In truth, he has already moved from theory to practice by bringing Brazilian, Arab and English artists on stage in Montreal. “We distributed headsets and had the texts translated simultaneously by French-speaking comedians with whom they had trained beforehand. And it worked very well.” (see the “To watch” section).
Encouraged by this first success, the creator of the Montreux Comedy festival (1) carried out a new test in October at the Gaîté Lyrique, in Paris. Better: in 2025, a Korean artist will perform in Lille while the opposite experience will take place in Busan. “If we manage to show that Asian humor is understood in Europe, it will be absolute proof that laughter is international,” he assures.
The last step will consist of presenting not interludes, but shows entirely in French in non-French-speaking countries, and vice versa. The name of this ambitious project has already been found: Babel, of course!
FIND VIDEOS DEDICATED TO FRENCH AND THE LANGUAGES OF FRANCE ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL
(1) When Grégoire Furrer is asked why he used an English term, comedyto defend the French-speaking world, here is what he begins by answering: “This word designates a reality other than comedy which, for us, evokes a play.” Before honestly admitting: “If I had to do it again, I would choose another name.” Admitted fault…
READ ELSEWHERE
“Ladies, some advice: if you are looking for a handsome, rich and intelligent man, take three” (Coluche). “Sport? I am a believer, but not a practitioner” (Anne Roumanoff). “I love disappointing people. It’s my socialist side” (Pierre-Emmanuel Barré). Julien Barret has brought together several hundred quotes from French-speaking comedians in this work, adding an intelligent introduction.
Humor statementsby Julien Barret. Editions Le Robert.
The astonishing etymology of water
Fascinating article by Pierre Avenas devoted to the etymology of the word “water”. Where we learn in particular the links between this element and terms like “abundance” (“rich in water”), “redundant” (“overflowing with water”), but also with the names of towns like Aigues-Mortes or Aix-en-Provence.
New format for the Historical dictionary of the French language
The penultimate version of Historical dictionary of the French languageenriched by Alain Rey at the end of his life, was offered in large size in 2022. This reference work reappears today in compact format with a choice of three colors: blue, white and red, of course!
Historical dictionary of the French languagefinal edition. Editions Le Robert.
Help save the languages of Burgundy
The Burgundy Oral Heritage House is looking for people to form a working group and create educational tools in order to transmit Burgundian-Morvandiau, a langue d’oïl today in great danger. Contact: 03 85 82 77 00 or [email protected]
Speaking French in video games is possible
Say “hyperplayer” and “hyperplayer” instead of hardcore gamer ; “graphic animator” instead of motion designer or “mainstream game” instead of casual game. These are some of the recommendations of the French language terminology commission, which has just published its advice for the world of video games.
“To shuffle the cards”, “to be overwhelmed with laughter”, “to get involved in the game”. The writer Daniel Pennac and the artist Florence Cestac have joined forces to deliver this comic book devoted to words and expressions. To be honest, in view of the pedigree of the two authors, we expected a little better…
Words have funby Daniel Pennac and Florence Cestac. Editions Le Robert.
TO WATCH
Here is the presentation video of the Babel gala which introduces for the first time the simultaneous translation of a comedian. Amazing!
Ladies notebookby the Trobairitz ensemble
In the 12th and 13th centuries, in the south of present-day France, women composed poems and songs in the Occitan language. These are the trobairitz – feminine of “troubadour” – term forged from the verb trobar“find”. This high quality disc brings together some of their creations, including this piece entitled End ioi me don alegranssa (Pure joy gives me joy).
REACT, DEBATE AND FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THE LANGUAGES OF FRANCE ON the Facebook page dedicated to this newsletter
.