Do you wonder what Swiss people think of French people and Swiss clichés? Antoine de Caunes, a famous French TV personality, has started a TV series about Switzerland. In this short teaser on the link below, he interviews a Swiss person in French, and they talk about misconceptions about Switzerland, how Swiss people feel about […]
Since Japanese has many words and expressions related to cats, I wanted to share a few with you. Unfortunately, cats are not always associated with positive behaviors. ■ 猫舌 (nekojita): “Cat tongue” refers to people who can’t eat or drink hot things, hot in temperature — like cats. In Japan, eating things while they are […]
🇺🇸 peach / 🇯🇵ピーチ (piichi) / 🇫🇷 pêche 🇺🇸 These three words meaning “peach” come all from the Latin word “(malum) persicum” which means “(apple) from Persia.” Originally there were no peaches in Antique Rome, however the emperor Trajan in the second century brought them from Persia, and that’s how they were named like that🍑 […]
Today, a Latin quote about true wealth💰 « Homo doctus in se semper divitias habet » – Phaedrus 🇺🇸 The learned man has always wealth inside himself 🇫🇷 L’homme instruit a toujours de la richesse en lui 🇯🇵 博学な人は常に自分の中に富を持っている (Hakugaku na hito wa tsuneni jibun no naka ni tomi wo motteiru)
Over the last few Japanese linguistics posts, I’ve been focusing on some major differences between Japanese and English/French perceptions. It’s important to keep in mind that since Japanese culture and customs are so very different, it often means we don’t say the same things in the same ways, which directly impacts the language and grammar. Direct translations […]
🇺🇸 Today, an extract of « Bel-Ami » by Maupassant, one of my favorite French authors of the 19th century. The story is about an ambitious and opportunist journalist within Parisian society, described brilliantly. Maupassant is known for having been inspired by Flaubert, the author of “Madame Bovary,” another masterpiece. 🇫🇷 « La vie est une côte. Tant qu’on […]
🇺🇸 Do you like Japanese instant noodles? In honor of its 50th anniversary, the famous food company Nissin just released a line of limited-edition soda drinks based on their iconic Cup Noodle flavors. And my Japanese friends say…it tastes bad! That was expected, but people appreciate the fun (and bold) idea to celebrate their favorite […]
🔹If you are interested in getting my latest linguistic gems, please consider becoming a premium subscriber here: https://www.patreon.com/join/yukikeiser Curious if and how the 2017 #metoo movement impacted other countries outside the US? Today, let’s take a look at the French music scene. In October 2017, the movement and hashtag #BalanceTonPorc (= snitch your pig) was […]
🏛 « Oboluisti alium » – Plautus It means “You stink garlic.” It is an insult which Tranio, a deceitful slave in Plautus’ comedy “Mostellaria,” said to the loyal slave Grumio after being rebuked🧄 They are quarreling during the master’s absence over Tranio’s beahvior. Plautus’ plays have inspired many playwrights after him, including most renown French playwrights […]
🔹If you are interested in getting my latest linguistic gems, please consider becoming a premium subscriber here: https://www.patreon.com/join/yukikeiser I’ve started a new series of posts introducing some of my language students. I am constantly inspired by their passion and motivation for learning and am excited to share this with you. Recently, I interviewed Berkeley-based artist […]