Sylvain Daignault, Local Journalism Initiative
Guest of honor of the Association Québec-France Montérégie (AQF-MT) as part of the French Language and Francophonie Week in Longueuil from March 17 to 22, author and novelist Biz invites people to give back French is more cheerful, pleasant and relevant.
During the press conference this Monday, February 26 at the Pacini restaurant on Chemin de Chambly, the former singer-songwriter of Loco Locass emphasized being “more carrot than stick” when it comes to promoting and protecting the French language.
“We need to make French relevant and pleasant to speak. We need to make our Nordicness and our knowledge of baseball known in French, says the rapper and writer. In Lebanon, they are building hydroelectric dams using Hydro-Québec specifications written in French.”
The rapper and writer stressed that the future of French lies in Africa, a demographically young continent in full swing; a remark that pleased Councilor Affine Lwalalika, responsible for issues related to culture, who represented the mayor of Longueuil Catherine Fournier.
“I am from the Democratic Republic of Congo which is the most French-speaking country in the world,” she proudly affirmed after admitting to having known Quebec through Céline Dion and Garou.
That French still remains a minority in America is a stimulating reality for Biz. “As an artist, it keeps us on guard, in a position of reaction and action.”
Asked about the funding of foreign students in English-speaking universities in Quebec, the artist noted that Quebec was the only place in the world where the State funded studies in a language that was not its own.
He also suggests “making French smile” and praising people who make the effort to speak French.
Finally, he believes that the fact that Quebec is not 100% in control of its immigration leads us to political independence. “We can see it clearly now, it’s Ottawa that invites and Quebec that delights.”
Programming
President of the AQF-Montérégie, Suzanne Lachance listed the activities on the program for French Language and Francophonie Week.
On Sunday, March 17 at the Maison Gisèle-Auprix-St-Germain, the Lucidictée Tourismots challenge will take place, and the reading of texts composed by participants which must include the ten star words of the international Francophonie. Subsequently, at the same location, the Néologiq activity where linguist Noelle Guilloton will guide participants through French neologisms created from English words.
On Wednesday March 20, the Francofête will continue with a Gala Evening at the Élan restaurant in Parcours du Cerf. Biz will be the host and will highlight the French language during the meal, accompanied by a musical performance by Gaëtan Leclerc, nephew of Félix Leclerc.
The Francofête will conclude on Friday March 22 with a 5 to 7 slam, a poetry competition hosted by IVY at the Brûlerie Café-Crème in the presence of the Minister of the French Language Jean-François Roberge.
Registration is required for the Gala Evening and strongly recommended for the other two events. For information: www.quebecfrance-monteregie.org
2024-03-05 11:02:49
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