TouteFrance

I’ve recently been wondering about the difference between ‘organique’ & ‘biologique’, since they both translate as ‘organic’ in English. What’s confused me is that I’ve always used the word ‘biologique’ when describing organic food, e.g légumes biologiques. However, I was given some organic chocs for Christmas, and as you can see in the image, they’re described as ‘organique’.

So, do the French also use the word ‘organique’ when describing organic produce? Does ‘biologique’ sound so bad in English that nobody would buy products labelled this way (it does remind me of biological washing powder, so doesn’t sound terribly appetising!), or has it just been wrongly labelled?

I think what’s confused me (and please tell me if I’m wrong) is that the French have 2 words for ‘organic’ where as we only have one. ‘Biologique’ being used to describe organic produce, but ‘organique’ being used as a scientific term or to describe architecture, design etc. If anyone can shed light on this, I’d be happy to hear your thoughts!

The Citroën 2CV recently celebrated its 60th birthday! I have great childhood memories of this iconic car travelling around the French countryside with my aunt and uncle in their old Citroën Diane. I remember it being quite tinny and rather rattly, but it’s the classic French car everyone thinks of (along with the DS and its moving headlights). My uncle’s car was very similar to this one, except it was blue.

Compared to modern cars, which quite frankly, mostly look the same, I still turn my head when I see one, much like us Brits do when seeing an old Morris Minor going down the road. I expect most of them have ended up as a pile of rust, but those that keep going can probably be kept going for years owing to their simplicity, making them easy to repair.

 Wikipedia has a lengthy article on the 2CV if you’re keen to read more about this trusty old car.

It must be that time of year when we’re all getting fed up with the British weather and thoughts going to sunnier climes and a bit of long awaited ’soleil’. Yesterday’s Jeremy Vine show on Radio 2 had a phone in about moving to France, which is definitely worth listening to if it’s something you’re thinking about. (the re-run of the show will probably only be on the BBC site for about a week). You can also read comments from some ex-pats who have made the move.

The Guardian also had an article about moving to France last weekend, again worth reading if you want to know more about moving there, the cost of living and most importantly, finding employment which isn’t easy:

Why France still has that ‘Je ne sais quoi’

Some of you may know that the journalist Miles Kington, recently died. But did you know he was also king of Franglais? This article on the BBC is a great read about how the English are so keen on using Franglais as more often than not, language skills are somewhat lacking! I think many of us have slipped in the odd English word into whichever language we’re trying to speak even when we’re desperately trying to communicate in the local language. Although I speak French, there are many times when I forget words and throw the English in, in the hope of being understood. I even use a mix of French and pidgin Spanish when holidaying in Spain, and that can work a treat!

So, vive le Franglais, Franish and any other combination de mots that gets you understood!