Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Sophie and Patrice talk about growing old in Paris. They both agree that it's tough for the elderly in Paris and that they would rather spend their golden years somewhere else.
Difficulty: Advanced
France
Sophie and Patrice discuss the pollution problem in Paris. Although efforts have been made to keep cars out of the city center, there's still much to improve. Cars still clog the freeways outside Paris.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
Sophie and Patrice discuss the evolution of the word "handicap," from its origins as a horce racing term to its current usage in French. Rather than les handicapés (the handicapped), the French now say les personnes en situation de handicap (persons with disabilities).
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
We live in tumultuous times, but Patrice and Sophie are optimistic, excited even, about the changes that are happening around the world. They're referring specifically to the yellow vests movement (les gilets jaunes), a populist movement that began in France in 2018.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
Patrice and Sophie have a conversation about the French language. They agree that French people speak too fast for the average learner, and abbreviations and contractions make it even more difficult to understand. Patrice has a few theories as to why Parisians in particular speak so fast.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Patrice and Sophie exchange their views on artificial intelligence, its advances, its dangers, and its advantages.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Sophie and Patrice discuss the retirement reforms in France and the mass protests opposing them. They also explain the role of President Macron in this controversial situation.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
The postponement of King Charles III's visit to France prompted an interesting conversation between Sophie and Patrice. While Charles has always captured Patrice's imagination, Sophie has a certain admiration for the late Queen Elizabeth.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Patrice and Sophie have the impression that things are changing because of disinformation and social media. Do you agree with their ideas?
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Patrice and Sophie discuss the recent government decision to ban students from wearing abayas in schools, since they're considered a religious symbol.
Difficulty: Newbie
France
Sophie and Edmée are comparing their experience with cell phone addiction. Edmée's dad is even worse than she is!
Difficulty: Beginner
France
Professor Joseph Malone warns against two extremes: lack of knowledge and absolute certainties. According to him, these frequently occur in history, politics, and economics.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
Human rights are an important world issue, and children's rights are no exception. In this Yabla exclusive, Marie and Sakhoura list the key points of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
According to Lionel, we hear far too much about Charlie Hebdo and not enough about Le Canard Enchaîné, which is about to celebrate its centenary in 2016. This quality satirical newspaper is in a similar vein to Charlie Hebdo. Both papers even shared the same cartoonist, Cabu, who sadly did not survive the January attack on Charlie Hebdo. Le Canard Enchaîné was no stranger to extremist threats either.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Lionel L introduces a new social phenomenon called "Nuit Debout" ("Up All Night" or "Rise Up Night"). It's a protest movement born from a general discontent regarding politics, labor laws, and other issues. At 6 p.m. every day, people take to the streets of Paris to discuss ideas and air their grievances. The movement is gathering momentum in other cities and countries as well.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
In part two of "Nuit Debout" (Up All Night), Lionel explains how protesters gather every night at Place de la République in Paris to think of alternative politics for a better world. The "Nuit Debout" movement has its own coded language and even its own calendar!
Difficulty: Beginner
France
Lionel concludes his series on Nuit Debout. The protest movement, expressing discontent with politics in general, is spreading. Lawyers have joined the fight, and the attitudes of the media and politicians toward the movement are slowly shifting.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Lionel shows us some ephemeral art in Paris, including an anamorphic installation on the Louvre Pyramid and a large steel sculpture with a cardboard "cave" inside. Check them out before they're gone!
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Lionel gives us the latest updates on France's Nuit Debout protest movement. Though the movement is no longer centered around Paris's Place de la République, it's still gaining traction online.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
The Canard Enchaîné (Chained Duck) recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary. The independent satirical newspaper, known for its shocking headlines, survived many controversies and even censorship. It still has an avid fanbase today.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Lionel discusses the French Academy's latest spelling reform, which includes such modifications as removing the i in oignon (onion) and the circumflex in coût (cost). There's been a fair amount of backlash against the reform, though the changes are only recommended, not mandatory.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
A very unpopular labor law caused Parisians to protest near the Bastille before it was passed in 2015. President François Hollande invoked Article 49-3 of the Constitution to force this law through. The protests continued after the law was successfully enacted in 2016. For more information, you can visit the Nuit Debout and Convergence des Luttes websites.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
Lionel talks about life under quarantine in France. All group activities are forbidden, and you can only go outside to walk your dog, go to the pharmacy, or shop for basic necessities.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
Lahlou discusses what it's like to be a Muslim in France. He normally prays five times a day and goes to the mosque on Friday. He distances himself completely from those who commit attacks in the name of Islam, which is a religion of peace.
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