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October-November 2008
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Issue Number 15
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French Accent, October-November 2008
Issue Number 15
From the Editors For the first time in the relatively short history of French Accent Magazine, we focus in this issue on a country other than France, or more precisely on the French-speaking part of this country: Switzerland. This francophone part of Europe, where a portion of our subscribers live, is so welcoming for foreigners that we thought you might find it interesting to know a little more about it, especially those of you for whom settling there as a possible option. Beyond the clichés – a beautiful country with picture postcard scenery, secret bank accounts and chocolates – you will discover in the following pages the many positive aspects of this very dynamic and pleasant country, which is much more accessible than one would think. While the cost of living is higher than in France, the average income is at least double, and entrepreneurs who want to start a business or settle as a self-employed person will find Switzerland less costly than France, especially if you want to hire personnel (there is nothing comparable to the French URSSAF, this complicated and costly system that we described at length in our last issue). And depending on the region where you decide to settle, the cost of housing and other living expenses may be much less than in downtown Geneva. In the wide range of articles you will see that it has even more advantages: the country is still very peaceful, the public transport system is so well organized, convenient and reliable, that you can easily live in any city of Switzerland without the need for a car. The Swiss have a great environmental conscience and organic food is promoted and available in supermarkets. And you never feel like a foreigner among them. Not only it is very cosmopolitan, but the Swiss themselves speak no fewer than four official languages! To the point that English is quite often the language they use to communicate between themselves … As usual, we offer you several English-French scenarios with audio recordings so that you can listen to correct French (or Swiss French with its slightly different accent and everyday expressions) and learn to pronounce it properly. Our grammar section (Interactive French) has one more article and one more scenario than usual: after providing a few tips on expressions of time and frequency, we try to entice you to… love the subjunctive! Sunday 12 October our whole team will have a booth at the ExpatExpo Fair for expatriates in Geneva (see page 4). Come and see us! We will be happy to tell you more about Switzerland.
French Accent Magazine E-magazine, published every two months. Educational purposes. Printable. Editorial team: Céline and Vincent Anthonioz, Annick and Roger Stevenson. Copyright: Reprints of the articles are permitted only with full mention of the title, the date and the web site address.
Contacts Questions to the editor: editor@frenchaccentmagazine.com Subscriptions: admin@frenchaccentmagazine.com Advertisement: ad@frenchaccentmagazine.com Tél.: +33 (0)870.46 .77.81. Web site: www.frenchaccentmagazine.com Cover photo: On the lake of Neuchâtel, French-speaking Switerland. Photo by Vincent Anthonioz
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Issue Number 15
French Accent, October-November 2008
Sommaire Interactive French Expressions of Time and Frequency Learn to Love the Subjunctive… Two dictées Le coin des branchés: A few useful & interesting expressions
Page 5 Page 7 Page 9 Page 10
Interview Jennifer Frye, a Yoga Instructor in Neuchâtel
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French-speaking Switzerland A Welcoming Country for Expatriates A Few Facts and Figures A Captivating Book: How an Alpine pass became a country Discover la Suisse romande... Public Schooling in Suisse romande The Swiss French Language: A Few Words and Expressions A Scenario: A Typical Dialogue in “Swiss” French Work and Resident Permits Useful Information for English Speakers Anglophones in Switzerland: A Long Love Story The Media in French-Speaking Switzerland Tips & Traps
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The Swiss Political System A Direct Democracy
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Our Planet How Green is Switzerland? Organic Farming
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The Swiss Culture Scene Sonia Grimm, the Rising Star in Children’s Music Geneva: - Festival Cinéma tous écrans - La fête de l’Escalade A Literary Text: Les femmes dans les vignes, C.F. Ramuz A Children’s Song: Faut pas manger du chocolat The Olympic Museum in Lausanne: A Taste of Nostalgia
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French Accent Magazine at Expat Expo Geneva! Mots croisés Une recette de cuisine suisse: “Spätzli”
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French Accent, October-November 2008
Issue Number 15
French Accent Magazine at Expat Expo Geneva!
W
elcome to Switzerland is the theme of the major
trade and community fair aimed at English-speaking expatriates living in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, or temporary visitors. The initiative was first launched in February 2006 in Geneva but also in German-speaking cities, such as Zurich, Bern and Zug. The success of the event was such that its main sponsors, Swissinfo and World Radio Switzerland, decided to make it bigger each year. The impressively international city of Geneva hosts the largest of these yearly events, with more than 200 exhibitors and a crowd of more than 3,000 visitors during the one day it takes place. Exhibitors range from businesses, theatre groups, dating agencies, schools, religious organisations and
expatriate societies, as well as sports clubs, art and culture companies, fashion, health, travel, newspapers, and various food and beverage tastings. There will also be information booths providing practical information on living in Switzerland: taxes, finance, medical insurance, expat assistance., etc. For the first time, French Accent Magazine will be there! Our editors and the founders of Learn French at Home will share a conveniently located stand* close to the entrance. Come and visit us! Visitors be able to take advantage of special subscription offers and try their luck in our drawing French lessons. ___ *Stand A6
Geneva, Switzerland Palexpo, Hall 7 (close to the airport and the airport train station; by bus (#5) from the centre of Geneva by car - use parking lots P26 & P33)
Booth Nr A6 Sunday October 12, 2008 11:00am—5:00 pm
admission free! www.expat-expo.info/Geneva
Click here
will our can for
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French Accent, October-November 2008
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Interactive French — Expressions of Time and Frequency
T
here are a number of really short and convenient expressions in French that are used every day to talk about when or how often something happens. It’s not always possible to translate them literally, but through using them, you will soon get the hang of how and when they are used. Here is a list of common time expressions and when to use them: A bientôt ! = used when you are going to see that person
again one day but you’re not today”. The sure when! The equivalent of younger kids “see you later.” and adults may just say A samedi, à mercredi, à ce soir, à à tout’ and demain, à la semaine prochaine, à will prodemain soir, à midi, etc. = when nounce the t you are indicating the specific at the end of day and time when you will the word. meet again. Just start the phrase with à + any specific A plus tard ! = used when you day or time. are unsure if you’re going to see that person again or not A tout à l’heure ! = said when but most likely will. The you are going to see that per- equivalent is “see you later”. son again in just a few hours The younger kids and adults within that same day. The may just say à plus and will equivalent is “see you later on pronounce the s at the end of
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the word. In text messages (SMS), they simply write: A+. A une prochaine ! = same as above. The equivalent is “see you next time”. A un de ces quatre ! = When you are not sure when you will see someone again. The equivalent of “See you one of these days.” Time frequency: a few of the following expressions are very similar and can be subCont’d page 6
1st Role Play—Beginner Level Marie-Claire téléphone à son frère Yves pour confirmer plusieurs rendez-vous en ce qui concerne le mariage de sa fille Lucie.
Marie-Claire calls her brother, Yves, to confirm several events involving the marriage of her daughter Lucie.
Marie-Claire : Salut, Yves. C’est Marie-Claire. Tu vas bien ?
Marie-Claire: Hi, Yves. This is Marie-Claire. How are you doing? Yves: Fine, thanks. I’m a little tired, but I’ll get by. You know, the day before yesterday I had a few drinks with some buddies after the soccer game and I got home a bit late. Marie-Claire: Really. That happens quite often, doesn’t it?
Yves : Oui, merci. Un peu fatigué, mais ça va aller. Tu sais, avant-hier j’ai pris un verre ou deux avec des copains après le match de foot, et je suis rentré un peu tard. Marie-Claire : Ah bon. Ça t’arrive assez souvent, n’est-ce pas ? Yves : Oh, non. Rarement ! Marie-Claire : Ecoute, je t’appelle pour demain soir. Tu pourras toujours venir ? Yves : Demain soir ? Qu’est-ce qu’il y a demain soir ? Marie-Claire : Parfois je me demande si tu m’écoutes quand je te parle. Tu te souviens, nous avons pris rendez-vous pour discuter du mariage de Lucie ? Et puis, après-demain, il y a un petit dîner avec les parents de son fiancé. Yves : Ah, oui. C’est vrai. Et le rendez-vous la semaine d’après avec la mairie ? Marie-Claire : Oh, mon Dieu ! De temps en temps, tu mélanges tout ! La réunion à la mairie a déjà eu lieu mardi dernier. C’est la réunion avec le photographe la semaine d’après ! Yves : Ah, oui. Je m’en souviens Marie-Claire : On te verra demain soir, alors ? Yves : Oui, bien sûr. A demain soir ! Marie-Claire : Très bien. A demain soir ! Et n’oublie surtout pas ta liste d’invités !
Yves: Oh, no. Rarely! Marie-Claire: Listen. I’m calling about tomorrow night. Can you still come? Yves: Tomorrow night? What’s happening tomorrow night? Marie-Claire: Sometimes I wonder if you listen to me when I talk to you. You remember, we made an appointment to discuss Lucie’s wedding. And then the next day there’s a small diner with her fiancé’s parents. Yves: Ah, yes. That’s right. And the appointment the following week at the city hall? Marie-Claire: Oh, my God. Sometimes you mix everything up! The meeting at the city hall already took place last Tuesday. It’s the meeting with the photographer the week after! Yves: Ah, yes. I remember. Marie-Claire: Will we see you tomorrow evening then? Yves: Yes, of course. See you tomorrow evening. Marie-Claire: Very good. See you tomorrow evening. And don’t forget your list of guests!
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French Accent, October-November 2008
Expressions of time (cont’d)
Rarement = rarely, seldom Jamais = never
tle, especially those which Expressions for specific indicate “sometimes”: time references: De temps en temps = from time Many times I hear students to time. say le soir dernier to indicate Parfois = once in a while “last evening/last night”. It Quelquefois = sometime is, of course, understandable, Tout le temps = all the time but it’s not how the French Tous les jours = every day would say it. Here is how Souvent = often
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these expressions are used and La semaine d’après = the week translated: after La semaine d’avant = the week Hier soir/hier après-midi et hier before matin = yesterday evening/ Avant-hier = the day before night and yesterday morning yesterday Le lendemain = the day after/ Après-demain = the day after the next day tomorrow. Le surlendemain = 2 days after La veille = the evening before/ the eve Ce jour-là = on that day Céline Anthonioz
2nd Role Play—Intermediate Level Caroline et Bernard qui se connaissent bien se retrouvent dans une fête et parlent de leur semaine.
Caroline and Bernard who know each other well run into each other at a party and are talking about their week.
Caroline : Ca va, Bernard ? Bernard : Oui, pas mal. Et toi ? Tu as passé une bonne semaine ? Caroline : Oui, c’était chouette. Des amis sont restés chez moi pendant 3 jours, et je les vois tellement rarement. Bernard : Ah ouais ! Personnellement, hier soir je me suis couché à 2 heures, donc je ne suis pas trop frais aujourd’hui ! J’ai rencontré mon ex-copine hier matin par hasard dans un magasin et à la fin de la conversation, elle m’a demandé : “On peut se revoir tout à l’heure ?”. J’ai répondu “oui” sans réfléchir... Caroline : C’est celle qui t’appelle tout le temps ? Bernard : Tu parles de Julie ? Non ce n’est pas elle... Heureusement d’ailleurs ! Elle parle tellement qu’avec elle j’aurais passé une nuit blanche ! Caroline : Haha ! Remarque moi aussi je suis fatiguée car le lendemain après l’arrivée de mes amis, on est allés voir un concert de jazz qui a fini à 1h 30, ce qui veut dire que je me suis couchée vers 2h 30. C’était trop difficile le matin au bureau ! Bernard : Ah c’est un signe qu’on commence à vieillir parce qu’il y a 10 ans quand je sortais souvent le soir, je me sentais OK le lendemain pour aller au boulot. Bon, j’avoue que de temps en temps, c’était difficile mais en général j’avais la pêche ! Caroline : Oui tu as certainement raison. Au fait, on se voit toujours lundi après le boulot pour aller au ciné ? Bernard : Oui, bien sûr, c’est noté sur mon calendrier ! Caroline : Alors je te laisse car il faut que j’aille dire bonjour à beaucoup de monde. Amuse-toi bien ce soir et à lundi soir !
Caroline: How’s it going, Bernard ? Bernard: Not bad. And you? Did you have a good week?
Bernard : OK, super. A tout’ !
Caroline: Yes, it was great. Some friends stayed at my place for 3 days, and I seldom see them. Bernard: Oh really! Personally, last night, I went to bed at 2 am, so I don’t feel too fresh today! I bumped into my ex girlfriend yesterday morning in a store, and at the end of the conversation, she asked me “Can we see each other again later on today?” And I answered “Yes” without thinking… Caroline: Is she the one who calls you all the time? Bernard: Are you talking about Julie? No, it’s not her… thankfully! She talks so much that I would have been up all night! Caroline: Haha ! Well, me, too, I’m tired because the day after the arrival of my friends, we went to see a jazz concert that ended at 1:30 am, which means that I went to bed around 2:30 am. It was too difficult the next day at the office! Bernard: Ah, it’s a sign we are getting older because 10 years ago when I used to go out all the time at night, I felt OK to go to work the next day. Well, from time to time I admit that it was difficult, but generally I felt great! Caroline: Yes, you’re probably right. By the way, are we still meeting on Monday after work to go to the movies? Bernard: Yes, of course, it’s marked on my calendar. Caroline: So, I’ll leave you because I have to say hello to a lot of people. Have fun this evening, and I’ll see you on Monday evening! Bernard: OK, great. See you soon!
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French Accent, October-November 2008
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Learn to Love the Subjunctive...
oes the mere mention of the subjunctive strike fear in your heart and make you weak at the knees? If so, you are not alone. Unfortunately, lots of folks have severe cases of fear and trembling that very often reflect the attitudes of classroom instructors who present the subjunctive as something so terribly difficult that non-native speakers will never really be able to use it in their everyday speech. Rather than present it as a fascinating and essential aspect of language use, they either spend lots of time teaching their students how to avoid using it or else in giving such complicated and detailed explanations that they end up confusing them completely. Actually, I am convinced that it is a question of attitude ! Without wanting to sound Pollyannaish, I would suggest that you tell yourself that the subjunctive is an important and necessary part of speaking the language, that it can easily be mastered and that it can actually be a satisfying and enjoyable challenge. You have to learn to love the subjunctive!
Partially in response to a request from a reader, we are going to devote some space to the subjunctive in this and the following issue of French Accent in an attempt to encourage you to adopt a positive attitude toward it. While it’s true that the subjunctive is not used nearly as much in English as in French, it is, nevertheless, not solely a feature of French or the other romance languages. And not everyone really uses it correctly in English, but you hear and see it all the time in sentences like “If I were you, I would . . .” or “It’s important that you be on time for your interview.” However, you really can’t call yourself fluent in French until you can use the subjunctive. It is an essential part of the language. What is most important to reendings e es e ions iez ent
member is that the subjunctive is a mood and not a verb tense and, as such, there are various tenses of the subjunctive. Most of what we say is expressed in the indicative mood and it is used to deal with concrete and factual information. Il fait beau, J’ai faim, Le Président s’appelle Nicolas, Marie m’a dit qu’elle viendra ce soir, etc. But the moment we begin talking about personal opinions, doubts, fears, possibilities, necessities, etc., you have to use the subjunctive mood. J’ai peur que tu sois en retard, Je voudrais que tu fasses la vaisselle ce soir, Il faut que nous partions. Notice that the subjunctive appears in the second part of these sentences following the que – an essential element.
rectly: one is to decide when to use it; the other is knowing the form of the verb. The verb forms themselves are really quite simple and easy to remember. There is a set of endings for the regular verbs that is so easy to remember, you will be amazed. Those endings are simply added to the stem of the verb for the subjunctive, which is in most cases the same as the ils form of the verb in the indicative minus the ent ending. For regular er verbs, which make up 80% or so of French verbs, there is no difference from the indicative stem. If you can remember how to use a verb with ils for ir and re verbs, there is no problem identifying the stem for the subjunctive: ils finissent, ils There are really two aspects to perd ent, ils dorm ent, ils using the subjunctive cor- écrivent. See below:
er verbs donner (donn) que je donne que tu donnes qu’il donne que nous donnions que vous donniez qu’elles donnent
ir verbs partir (part) que je parte que tu partes qu’il parte que nous partions que vous partiez qu’elles partent
re verbs battre (batt) que je batte que tu battes qu’il batte que nous battions que vous battiez qu’elles battent
Useful Websites There are some rather excellent lists of the occasions and the various expressions that require the subjunctive that are readily available online. Rather than take the space to list all of them, here are some useful links about the use of the subjunctive: www.orbilat.com/Languages/French/Grammar/Syntax/Moods/French-Syntax-Moods-Subjunctive.html An excellent list of the occasions when you use the subjunctive. www.geocities.com/sohlhaut/pressubj.html Another very good and complete list. ——-
The irregular verbs are a different story and the commonly used verbs like avoir, être, faire, pouvoir, savoir, etc. all have different forms for each subject pronoun. You can find the subjunctive forms of these irregular verbs in any good verb dictionary (501 French Verbs, Le nouveau Bescherelle) or also on the following websites: http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa111699.htm An excellent presentation of the subjunctive form of irregular verbs. www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/CliffsReviewTopic/Forms-of-the-Subjunctive.topicArticleId-25559,articleId-25553.html The first part of this list is also very good for irregular verbs.
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Subjonctive (cont'd) Spend some time going over both the occasions when you should use the subjunctive and the correct form to use. Then practise using the subjunctive in some easy, everyday expressions like: Il faut que je parte tout de suite.
Issue Number 15
Je voudrais que tu viennes demain soir. Mon mari préfère que nous mangions avant les infos à la télé.
Before you know it, you will be proud of the fact that you are getting the hang of it. You will be well on your way to loving this fascinating asListen for the subjunctive pect of the French language! when you are talking to your French friends and look for its use in the French you read. Roger Stevenson
A Scenario Listen to the following scenario and try and identify the verbs that are in the subjunctive. Sandrine parle avec sa copine Alice. Elle veut l’inviter à dîner.
Sandrine is talking with her friend Alice. She wants to invite her to diner.
Sandrine : Salut, Alice. Tiens, ça tombe bien. Marc veut que nous invitions quelques amis pour dîner la semaine prochaine. Tu es libre vendredi soir ? Alice : Attends. Il faut que je regarde mon agenda. J’ai tellement de choses à faire en ce moment. Oh, oui, c’est bon. A quelle heure ? Sandrine : Viens vers 18h 30. Je pense qu’on va pouvoir prendre l’apéro sur la véranda. Alice : Chouette. Qu’est-ce que tu veux que j’apporte ? Le dessert, du vin ? Sandrine : Rien du tout ! C’est Marc qui va choisir le vin, et il n’est pas du tout content que les invités arrivent avec une bouteille de vin qui ne va pas avec le repas. Et pour le dessert, je pense que je vais faire un clafoutis. Alice : D’accord. Comme tu veux. Tu sais, j’ai rencontré un mec absolument formidable. Ça vous ennuie que je l’amène ? Sandrine : Que tu es bête ! Pas du tout. Plus on est de fous*... Il faut que je me sauve. A vendredi soir. Alice : Moi, aussi. Merci de l’invitation et à vendredi.
Sandrine: Hi, Alice. It’s good I ran into you. Marc wants us to invite a few friends for diner next week. Are you free on Friday? Alice: Hang on. I’ll have to check my appointment book. I have so much going on these days. Yes, that will work. For what time? Sandrine: Come around 6:30. I think we’ll be able to have our apéritif on the veranda. Alice: Great! What do you want me to bring? The dessert, some wine? Sandrine: Nothing at all. It’s Marc who is going to choose the wine, and he is not at all pleased that our guests show up with a bottle of wine that doesn’t go with the meal. And for the dessert, I think I’ll make a clafoutis. Alice: Ok. Whatever you want. You know, I met a really great guy. Would it bother you if I brought him along? Sandrine: What a stupid question. Not at all. The more the merrier . . . I’ve got to run. See you Friday evening. Alice: Me, too. Thanks for the invitation. See you Friday.
____ * Plus on est de fous, plus on rit = a French Note: You will probably have noticed that sentences in expression meaning literally that the more French with the subjunctive don’t always translate directly we will be, the more fun it will be. into everyday English. It would sound stilted to do so.
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French Accent, October-November 2008
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Try this exercise!
Subjonctive (cont’d)
Try this simple exercise to identify whether the subjunctive or the indicative should be used and then select the correct form of the verb. 1. Pierre m’a dit qu’il ___________ malade. a. soit b. est c. sois d. soyons
6. Je préfère que vous __________ le premier. a. arrivez b. arrivent c. arriviez d. arrives
2. Il faut que nous _________ tout de suite. a. partons b. partait c. partions d. partir
7. Elle est bien contente que son mari _________ la cuisine tous les deux jours. a. fasse b. fais c. fait d. faites
3. J’ai peur que mes parents _________ leurs vacances chez nous cette année. 8. Nous savons que tu ___________ toujours le meilleur vin. a. prennent b. prenent c. prendront d. prenons a. choisis b. choisit c. choises d. choisisses 4. Il est vraiment dommage que tu _______ si tard le soir. 9. Je voudrais que tu ___________ pour midi et demi. J’aimerais aller au cinéma un de ces quatre. a. vient b. viennes c. viens d. veniez a. finit b. finis c. finisses d. finissions 10. Je suis certaine que mon mari __________ une cravate 5. Robert et sa femme sont certains que leur fille __________ pour le mariage. enceinte. a. met b. mette c. mets d. mettisse a. sois b. est c. sont d. soit (Solutions page 37)
Deux dictées au choix We provide two dictées to chose from, according to your level in French: one for beginners, and another one for intermediate level French. Click on the link below to listen to each of them. Then try and write it without making any mistakes. You can compare it to the original text on page 36. N.B.: It would be a good idea to read all the articles of this issue of French Accent before doing the dictation, as you will recognize many expressions.
Beginner level:
Intermediate level:
French lessons for children! “Learn French at Home” has a French learning programme in place for children (6-12 years old)! Children learn quickly and are generally attracted and motivated to learn if the lesson is performed in a relaxing and fun atmosphere. Taking lessons via Skype is exciting because kids love to use the computer and appreciate the real time interaction! The teacher targets the lesson's objective towards comprehension. Through games, pictures, drawings, short role plays, songs and more, he/she keeps the student's attention in a fun and relaxing atmosphere during the entire lesson. Only needed: a pair of earphones, a webcam and some visual teaching materials. Every lesson lasts for 30 minutes and after the lesson, the child will receive the vocabulary learned during the lesson via email as well as one or two exercises to do as homework. Lessons can be taken on a weekday or on a week-end at a suitable time for your child.
www.learnfrenchathome.com
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French Accent, October-November 2008
Issue Number 15
Le coin des branchés Click here
Translate into 50 languages in 1 click: here!
Here are a few popular expressions related to the subject of time and frequency: En un rien de temps = very quickly. À temps = on time. Un laps de temps = a very short time. Tout le temps = all the time. De temps en temps = from time to time. Entre temps = in the meantime. En même temps = at the same time, simultaneously. Les trois quarts du temps/la plupart du temps/le plus clair du temps = most of the time. Dans le temps = in the old ages/in olden times/way back when. Ces derniers temps = recently. Ces derniers temps, je l’ai trouvé un peu fatigué = Recently, I found he looked a little tired. De mon temps = when I was younger. Le bon vieux temps = old times. C’était le bon vieux temps, on faisait ce qu’on voulait = It was the good old times, we could do anything we wanted. Prendre le temps = to take the needed time to do something. Maintenant je prends le temps d’aller au cinéma chaque week-end = Now, I take the time to go to the movies every weekend. Prendre son temps = to take all the time, to go as slowly as needed. J’aime prendre mon temps, si je vais trop vite je ne fais rien de bien = I like taking my time, if I go too fast I don’t do anything properly. Il faut laisser le temps au temps = one must let time pass and not be in a hurry when unnecessary; an expression coined by President François Mitterrand, and used as the title and theme of a song by the French singer Didier Barbelivien in 1990. Chaque chose en son temps = everything in its own time. Perdre son temps/tout son temps = to waste one’s time, to go too slowly for no reason. Un temps mort = a moment during which nothing is happening. Tuer le temps/faire passer le temps = to kill time/to do anything to avoid getting bored while time is passing by so slowly. Pour tuer le temps/faire passer le temps, je lui raconte des histoires = To kill time/to make the time go by, I tell him stories. Il y a un temps pour tout = there is a time for everything. Au bon moment = at the right time. Glander/traîner = to hang around, to waste time by doing something or going somewhere slowly, with something else in mind. Drawing Faire le poireau = to wait for something or someone by Lucfor a long time ques NisFaire le pont = to take a longer weekend by not workseting for example on Friday when Thursday is an official Raidon, holiday “101 Faire le viaduc = to take the full week off when at French least two days in a week are official holidays. Idioms” Partir ventre à terre = to leave in a flash, to rush. (Passport Books)
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Issue Number 15
French Accent, October-November 2008
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Mots croisés
Click HERE for a more readable version:
The words for the Crossword Puzzle are taken from articles in the current issue.
Printable version
Vertical 1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 9. 12. 13. 14. 15. 17. 19. 20. 21. 24. 25. 26.
solde ou promotion contraire de "toujours" siège du parlement suisse fête à Genève "bonjour" en Suisse système de vote un mode grammatical portable de temps en temps fondateur du CIO à Lausanne muesli Si lundi est le six octobre, le ____________ sera le sept personne qui vote quatre-vingt-dix en Suisse nom de famille d'une chanteuse suisse distributeur automatique de billets C'est cool ! écrivain suisse
Created with ElipseCrossword—www.elipsecrossword.com
Horizontal 4. 7. 8. 10. 11. 13.
désignation administrative en Suisse accord sur les contrôles d'identité aux frontières une citoyenne suisse jour après vendredi Je vous en prie personne qui se déplace chaque jour pour se rendre à son travail 14. montagne célèbre en Suisse
16. 18. 22. 23. 25. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31.
ville et canton en Suisse parti écologique place qu'occupe un député union de cantons poète anglais qui a écrit "The Prisoner of Chillon" terme choisir par une élection supermarché suisse un canton suisse forme de gouvernement
Solution on page 30
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French Accent, October-November 2008
Issue Number 15
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Interview — Jennifer Frye Advertise with us!
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J ennifer Frye and her husband hail from sunny California, but jumped at the chance to live out their lifelong dream of moving to Europe. Jennifer has established a successful yoga studio in Neuchâtel and her two daughters attend local schools in the city. Their transition to life in this charming city on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel has been very smooth.
trip, we fell in love with the city. It seemed like a great match for us; our children could learn French, I could work on mine, Brian could use his German and we would be living in a place that was a platform to so many wonderful destinations.
Celine Anthonioz: What brought you to the beautiful City of Neuchâtel (one hour from Geneva) all the way from Berkeley, California?
C.A.: What was your experience like with the Swiss administration when you first settled?
Jennifer Frye: My husband, Brian, and I have been drawn to Europe since we were in our 20’s. Brian lived in Munich for a year, studying German in college, and I was an au pair in France. After we
We look forward to the various outdoor activities each season; skiing and snow shoeing in the winter; hiking in the Alps in the spring; swimming in the lake in the summer...
married, we both talked about wanting to live in Europe someday. Brian was casually looking for a new job and a position came up in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. The qualifications for the job (a technical job, with the ability to speak German) matched Brian’s perfectly. We had never been to Neuchâtel, but thought maybe it was something we should explore. When his company flew us out for the orientation
J.F.: It was an eye-opener, to say the least. After we registered with the local police department, acquired our permits, obtained the proper insurance, registered for the local public schools and paid all the required taxes and fees,
Issue Number 15
French Accent, October-November 2008
ized than when we lived in California (which is a good thing!) and I love that we alwe felt like we experienced a ways have a stash of chocogood dose of Swiss organiza- late in the kitchen cabinet. tion. It was impressive, yet a C.A.: What do you like bit overwhelming. about living there (in comC.A.: Did you run into any parison to California)? challenges during your first J.F.: The change of seasons, year in Switzerland? the access to so many great J.F.: We arrived in Neuchâtel adventures, the natural beauty in December 2005 during one (the mountains, the lake), the of the coldest winters they cheese and the chocolate. had had in 30 years. Born We try to take advantage of and raised in California, I living in a city that is so close wasn’t very well prepared for to many wonderful places. the cold. I wore a coat all We’ve explored parts of winter that can be best de- Spain, Germany, France, scribed as a sleeping bag with Austria, Italy and England. a hood. There was a lot to We’ve seen things we never learn in the first year, and would have been able to exsome things baffled us; the perience in California. It 2+ hour lunch break at our feels great to expose our daughter’s school, for exam- daughters to all the beautiful ple. It also took time to adapt architecture, art, history, muto other schedules; stores sic and nature in this part of closing at 6 PM each day, and the world. closed all day Sunday and C.A.: Is there any aspect of open ½ day Monday. Swiss life that you find difC.A.: Today, what is your ficult to adapt to? overall experience in your day to day existence in J.F.: We chose not to buy a car and rely solely on public Neuchâtel? transportation. This was a litJ.F.: Now, I feel like I’ve tle difficult to get used to at really settled into the Swiss first, but now we love it. We rhythm. I’m more accus- buy bread at the local bakery, tomed to the school hours cheese at the local cheese and I’m lucky to be able to shop and we get fresh fruits work around my daughters’ and vegetables from a local schedules. We look forward organic farm. It feels great to to the various outdoor activi- eat locally and support the loties each season; skiing and cal merchants. Sometimes, I snow shoeing in the winter; get a little tired from shophiking in the Alps in the ping nearly every day for spring; swimming in the lake food and carrying home what in the summer and the Fête des I buy in my backpack or marvendanges (a terrific 3-day festi- ket bag, but it’s a good thing val celebrating the harvest of for us, overall. the grapes) in the Autumn. We now know how to navi- C.A.: How did the Day gate the transportation system care centre and Swiss puband we are now aware of lic school welcome your 2 How challenging good places to go for family girls? trips each season. Overall, was it for them to underour lives seem more organ- stand and speak French?
Interview (cont’d)
J.F.: We had a few bumps along the way, bien sûr. The girls arrived in Neuchâtel without a mot of French. But, the schools were very welcoming from the start. Our eldest daughter’s public school had a special program for the non-French speakers. Twice a week, they would take her out of her regular class and put her in a French language class where she learned by playing games, singing songs, doing projects, etc. She loved these classes, and in 6 months, it wasn’t necessary anymore for her to attend these classes. She now speaks French like a native and is at the top of her class. Our youngest daughter had two lovely years at a crèche and now is at the same public school as her sister. Attending the public school has been great for helping us integrate into the community. The girls have many friends who live in the area and we have met some of our closest friends here through them! C.A.: What type of yoga do you practice and how different is it for you to teach yoga in Switzerland in comparison to doing so in California? J.F.: I teach Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, a dynamic form of Hatha yoga, in which the movements are attached to the breath. Because there is a lot of focus on the breathing in this style of yoga, most students feel relaxed from the hour of deep breathing as well as strengthened and stretched out from the poses. After
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I teach Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, a dynamic form of Hatha yoga, in which the movements are attached to the breath...
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French Accent, October-November 2008
dents. I think it’s great. I like the curiosity and I’ve been regular practice of this type challenged to become a better of yoga, the series of poses teacher because of it. becomes a moving meditation. I am so grateful to have C.A.: How would you destarted my practice in Swit- scribe a typical Swiss perzerland. In Neuchâtel, there son? are not a lot of yoga teachers (thus, less competition), but J.F.: Before moving to Switthere is a lot of interest and zerland, I had heard people recuriosity about yoga. I have fer to the Swiss as reserved been able to build my prac- and difficult to get to know. I tice without much advertising quickly learned this was far and have a really nice com- from the truth. We have met munity of friends through many wonderful people from Neuchâtel and beyond who yoga. warmly welcomed us and now C.A.: Do you have any are our good friends. The first Swiss natives in your yoga week we were in our apartclasses? Do you find that ment, our new Swiss you have to adapt your neighbours knocked on our door and asked if we had any yoga instruction to them? ketchup they could borrow. J.F.: The Swiss have been They invited us for fondue very receptive to yoga. Most and we’ve been friends ever prefer that I teach in English, since!
Interview (cont’d)
Here, I notice more chatting during yoga, more questions asked during class and maybe more of a desire to get the pose “right” ...
but I sometimes use French to help some people understand the poses better. One difference I notice is that, in California, people come to a yoga class, quietly put their mats down and bring their full attention inward. You can feel the student’s desire for silence and solitude. Here, I notice more chatting during yoga, more questions asked during class and maybe more of a desire to get the pose “right” by the Swiss stu-
C.A.: Have you acquired any new habits since you’ve lived in Neuchâtel? Which ones? J.F.: Yes, I wear slippers indoors all the time, I drink the occasional absinthe, and I now consider cheese and potatoes a meal. More accurately, we’ve all become a little more organized and timely and know to plan our Swiss vacations (ski trips, hiking, etc) in advance. At first, we laughed when we received the public school vacation schedule a year in advance, but now we appreciate the notice and know how to plan vacations. The other habit we’ve acquired is a dose of chocolate on a regular basis. C.A.: Do you miss anything from your life in California? J.F.: First and foremost, family and old friends. Next on the list would be the Pacific Ocean, access to more yoga studios (so I can take more
Issue Number 15
yoga classes), and good Mexican food. Our daughters also miss Halloween and Thanksgiving. We try to make it up my celebrating our own Halloween and Thanksgiving with other expats. These events turn out to be so much fun. On Thanksgiving, we had everyone bring their own favourite Thanksgiving dish. There were friends from many different countries who attended. We had everything from hummus and baklava to turkey and cranberries. It was the most international Thanksgiving we’ve ever had. C.A.: What suggestions or advice would you give to someone who is contemplating moving to the French speaking part of Switzerland? J.F.: Overall, our experience has been very positive. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the country with a lot of diversity. We have had so many wonderful adventures here and feel like we’ve grown in so many ways. Starting a new language at this stage of my life has been such a great learning experience. It challenges me daily and keeps me humble. In the process, I’ve had to be willing to make mistakes and be gentle on myself. I also have a lot more compassion towards anyone who moves to a new country without knowing the language. My advice to someone moving to Suisse romande would be simply to keep an open mind, break out of your comfort zone and try to go with the flow as much as possible. Most importantly, when a situation gets frustrating, don’t forget to breathe… and keep some chocolate handy.
Issue Number 15
French Accent, October-November 2008
A highly successful programme among expatriates. Lessons, with a French native-speaking private teacher, are geared to the student’s level and needs and focuses on everyday practical living in France. It offers a wonderful scheduling and location flexibility, as the lessons can be taken at any time and any place.
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TESTIMONIALS “The best method for me for progressing in the language. Tired of classes and groups of mixed ability and searching for a more personal, one-toone contact with a teacher, this was the ideal answer.” Peta, Normandy, France “I really enjoy the lessons and my neighbours and friends in my village comment on my progress, so it's great.” Alana, Aude, France The lessons are very enjoyable and we laugh a lot about the oddities of each other's language and the different ways in which language is used. If you want to make progress with your learning. I'm certainly enjoying the experience.” Peter, Northants, UK “I like the flexibility of learning this way because I can have weekly lessons regardless of where I am in the world. I am also learning French quicker than other methods or lessons because it is easier for me to schedule them. Even my 9 year old son has commented how my French is improving and he is fluent!” Paul, Dordogne, France “A brilliant concept and one that I am enjoying immensely. The hour long phone call absolutely flies by, before I know it, the teacher is setting my homework, which I can then do at my convenience and e-mail to her for correcting.” Marian, Essex, England
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French Accent, October-November 2008
Issue Number 15
Printable version
La Suisse romande, terre d’accueil des expatriés
Switzerland — A Welcoming Country for Expatriates
F
or many newcomers to Switzerland, the experience seems to be, for the most part, painless and positive. Why is that? It seems that the Swiss administration is clearly well organised (a lot better than in France) and also quite welcoming. Switzerland has opened its doors to the countries within the European Union, not only to the wealthy but also to the average income earner. Businesses and independent workers are welcomed, especially if they plan to recruit in Switzerland. People over the age of 55 and who are retired and can prove that they earn CHF 100,000.- (approximately 64,000 € or 50,000£ ) are also welcomed. There are many other cases that qualify, such as students or people who are applying for a job
There are plenty of good reasons for moving to Switzerland, not only tax breaks or the beautiful, postcard perfect scenery, or even the chocolate… Photo Vincent Anthonioz
with a Swiss company. Switzerland is truly unique because of the fact that there are four official languages: French, German, Italian and Romansh, and also that the country is a federation of 26 cantons (states). Each canton has its own constitution, legislature, government and courts. German is the dominant language (64%), French comes in second (21%). The languages spoken in Switzerland contain different expressions, accents and intonations than those spoken in France, Germany or Italy. Even though there are four different languages, the Swiss people work together in harmony without too many serious conflicts. Most of the German-speaking Swiss can speak some French and viceversa, but English has become the lingua franca
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our beaucoup de nouveaux arrivants, s’établir en Suisse est une expérience plutôt facile et positive. Pourquoi ? L’administration suisse est particulièrement bien organisée (bien mieux qu’en France), et très accueillante. La Suisse a ouvert largement ses portes aux ressortissants de pays de l’Union européenne, pas seulement les plus aisés, mais aussi les personnes de revenus moyens. Les entrepreneurs et travailleurs indépendants sont les bienvenus, surtout s’ils ont l’intention de recruter du personnel en Suisse, ainsi que les retraités de plus de 55 ans dont le revenu est d’au moins CHF 100,000.(environ 64,000 € ou 50,000 livres sterling), et bien d’autres personnes, tels des étudiants ou des professionnels cherchant un emploi dans une en-
treprise suisse. La Suisse est tout à fait unique car on y parle quatre langues officielles : le français, l’allemand, l’italien et le romanche, et elle est une fédération de 26 cantons (ou Etats). Chaque canton a sa propre constitution, sa législature, son gouvernement et ses tribunaux. L’allemand est la langue dominante (64%), suivi du français (21%). Mais la manière de parler ces langues est différente, par les expressions, accents et intonations, de la France, de l’Allemagne ou de l’Italie. Et bien qu’ils s’expriment en quatre langues différentes, les Suisses vivent ensemble en harmonie sans vraiment de conflit. La plupart des alémaniques parlent un peu de français, et viceversa, mais l’anglais devient de plus en plus la langue de communication entre les di-
Issue Number 15
A Welcoming Country (cont'd) among the different linguistic regions of the country. Even on advertising bill boards, a product’s main message will very often be displayed in English. Some of the cities that are right on the linguistic border between two language groups have become bilingual; especially in the cities of Fribourg and Bienne where most people speak both French and German. It’s really fascinating to see that the local newspapers and shop signs are written in both languages in these bilingual cities! Thanks to this language mixture in the country, the new settler in Switzerland doesn’t feel too much like an outsider because the Swiss are used to hearing so many different languages, and are very flexible and understanding when deal-
A
s of 2005, the population of the city of Geneva was 185,028, while 441,000 people lived in canton Geneva. Around 960,000 people live in the Geneva urban community, which extends into canton Vaud and neighbouring France. The population of the canton is divided between 148,500 people originally from Geneva (33.7%), 122,400 Swiss from other cantons (27.6%) and 170,500 foreigners (38.7%), from 180 different countries. Including people with multiple citizenship, 54.4% of people living in Geneva hold a foreign passport.
French Accent, October-November 2008
ing with foreigners. In comparison, newcomers to France frequently have more difficulties adapting because of language problems. Of course, as everyone knows, Switzerland has attracted many important international organizations, such as the United Nations but also many foreign companies where the language at work is mainly English. When walking in the streets of Lausanne or Geneva, one might hear more English spoken than French. Whereas the idea of moving to Switzerland because the language is not such a huge barrier is certainly attractive to most expatriates, if one truly wants to embrace the culture, to fully experience life in Switzerland and to fit in, then you really have to speak the language of the canton. Not speaking their language will inevitably imprison you in an “expatriate bubble” environment.
Terre d’accueil (suite) verses régions linguistiques du pays. Sur les panneaux d’affichage, les messages publicitaires sont souvent en anglais. Tandis que certaines villes qui se trouvent à la frontière de deux régions linguistiques sont devenues bilingues ; surtout Fribourg et Bienne où la plupart des gens parlent français et allemand. C’est fascinant de voir les journaux locaux et enseignes de magasins écrits dans les deux langues dans ces villes bilingues !
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s’adapter à cause de problèmes de langue. Evidemment, il est bien connu que la Suisse a attiré beaucoup d’organisations internationales importantes, comme l’ONU et des entreprises étrangères dans lesquelles la langue de travail est principalement l’anglais. Lorsqu’on marche dans les rues de Lausanne ou de Genève, on peut entendre davantage parler anglais que français. Bien que le fait que la langue n’y constitue pas une barrière incite évidemment les expatriés à s’y installer, si l’on veut réellement s’imprégner de la culture, vivre une véritable expérience en Suisse et s’y intégrer pleinement, il est vraiment préférable de parler la langue du canton, sinon les expatriés se retrouvent enfermés dans une “bulle”.
Grâce à ce mélange de langues dans le pays, la personne qui vient s’y installer ne se sent pas trop comme un étranger, car les Suisses sont habitués à entendre parler tant de langues différentes, et sont très flexibles et compréhensifs à l’égard Outre les motifs évidents de des étrangers. Par comparai- vouloir vivre en Suisse, son, les nouveaux arrivants en comme les avantages fiscaux, France ont plus de difficultés à
A Few Facts and Figures French-speaking Switzer- Commissioner for Human land is home to an esti- Rights and the High Commismated 100,000 English sioner for Refugee’s Offices, and the International Commitspeakers. tee of the Red Cross, among Canton Geneva is host to many others. Together these around 90 international com- organizations employ around panies, while the neighbouring cantons of Vaud, Neuchâtel, Jura and Valais have attracted 714 since The Palais 2002. des Nations: the United Geneva is also home Nations to the headquarters of Geneva 22 international or- Office. ganisations, such as Photo the United Nations Annick Office, the World Stevenson Health Organization, the World Trade Organization, the High
35,000 people, who live in the region with their families. And in addition there are around 2,400 staff working for non-governmental organisations. Source: www.swissinfo.ch
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A Welcoming Country (cont'd)
French Accent, October-November 2008
few days after moving into a new home, the city sends an invitation letter to the newcomers to attend a welcome meeting which is held on a monthly basis. It’s a nice way to be welcomed to your new city! Each city also has its own website. Don’t hesitate to call them to ask questions – if they don’t have the answer, they will most likely tell you that they will research it and call you back (with a smile)! Céline Anthonioz
Besides the obvious reasons for moving to Switzerland, such as tax breaks or the beautiful, postcard perfect scenery, or even the chocolate, there are plenty of other reasons… Switzerland can be proud of its public transportation systems where the trains and buses depart and arrive on time. As a consequence, many people who live in the cities do not own a car. The diversity of culture, the accessibility to nature, the For more details on settling safe environment and out- in Switzerland, check out the door activities, the transpar- web pages on page 23. ency in politics where every new law has to be voted on by the people of the canton, the Swiss people’s awareness and commitment with regards to protecting the environast year, Joëlle Kuntz, a ment, their respect of others, Swiss journalist working for their knowledge of internathe best daily newspaper in tional affairs and, of course, French-speaking Switzerland, the quality of everyday life, all Le Temps, published a short of this, and more, draws exand wittily-written history of patriates to the country. 1 that has been a Switzerland There are, however, a few drawbacks, such as the scar- real bestseller in the country. city of housing and the ex- It sold more than 30,000 coppensive health care. A lot ies in a very short time (an more Swiss rent than own a exceptional figure for Frenchhome (unlike in Great Britain speaking Switzerland). The 2 or in France). The medical English translation has just care is very good but quite been published for the pleascostly, and the deductibles ure of the large Englishcan be as high as CHF 2500.- speaking community living in (1,600 €) per year. Swiss law the country. And, in fact, the requires everyone to have very first version was written health care insurance, so it is in Russian, and intended for an important part of a fam- the Russian community living also in Switzerland. It is fairly ily’s budget. safe to assume that it will later appear in German or A Friendly Italian (two other official lanEnvironment guages of the country).
Terre d’accueil (suite) les paysages extraordinaires, ou le chocolat, il y a beaucoup d’autres raisons de faire ce choix… La Suisse peut être fière de son système de transport en commun exceptionnel avec ses trains et bus qui partent et arrivent à l’heure, de sorte que beaucoup de gens vivant en ville n’ont pas de voiture. La diversité culturelle, l’accessibilité de la nature, l’environnement sûr et les activités de loisirs possibles, la transparence dans les affaires politiques et le fait que chaque loi est votée par les habitants
A Captivating Book
L
Nevertheless, for those who choose to relocate to Switzerland, the civil servants who work in the Swiss bureaucracy are generally quite friendly, efficient and helpful, and a
Nicely illustrated, full of anecdotes and funny or original stories, the book is a concise account of Switzerland’s history and a presentation of the main cities. But it is much
more: a captivating description of many aspects of Swiss society , of the economy and of a country with many particularities that make it quite different from its neighbours. And it is so nicely written that one reads it like a novel.
L’histoire suisse en un clin d’œil, Editions Zoé/Le
1
Temps. CHF 28.-
How an Alpine pass became a country, same pub2
lisher. CHF 28.-
Issue Number 15
du canton, la conscience qu’ont les Suisses de la valeur de l’environnement et leur engagement à le protéger, leur respect des autres, leur connaissance des affaires internationales et, bien sûr, la qualité de vie, sont autant d’attractions, parmi d’autres, pour les étrangers. Mais il y a aussi le revers de la médaille, comme la rareté des logements et les soins médicaux onéreux. Par rapport à la Grande-Bretagne ou à la France, beaucoup plus de Suisses sont locataires que propriétaires. Les soins médicaux sont excellents mais chers, et les franchises peuvent atteindre CHF 2500.(1,600 €) par an. La loi suisse exige de prendre une assurance médicale, qui représente une part importante d’un budget familial.
Une lettre d’invitation aux nouveaux arrivants Mais les fonctionnaires suisses se montrent généralement très amicaux et efficaces à l’égard des expatriés, et prêts à les aider. Quelques jours à peine après que vous ayez aménagé dans votre nouvel appartement, la ville vous envoie une lettre d’invitation pour que vous participiez à une réunion de bienvenue qui se tient tous les mois. Une manière bien agréable d’être accueillis dans votre nouvelle ville ! Chaque mairie a également son site internet. Et n’hésitez pas à téléphoner aux employés – s’ils n’ont pas la réponse, ils vous diront certainement qu’ils vont faire la recherche, et ils vous rappelleront (avec le sourire) ! Pour mieux vous renseigner sur l’installation en Suisse, consultez les sites internet page 23.
Issue Number 15
French Accent, October-November 2008
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Discover la Suisse romande... The French-speaking part of Switzerland, called Swisse romande in French, covers most of the west of the country. It includes the cantons of: Valais, Genève, Vaud, Jura, Neuchâtel and Fribourg.
Geneva and its “jet d’eau”, located at the extreme south-west, bordering France, is certainly the country’s most famous city. © Michel Bobillier Sion is the main city of the canton of Valais, the most alpine canton close to all the best ski resorts. © Sion Tourist Office
Lausanne (left) is the biggest, and very lively city, of the Vaud canton, close to Lake Léman. © Lausanne Tourist Office
Neuchâtel, close to the lake of the same name and at the base of the Jura mountains, is a very lovely city, full of charm. Photo Vincent Anthonioz
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French Accent, October-November 2008
Issue Number 15
Public Schooling in Suisse romande
I
n Switzerland, most Swiss families place their children in public schools as it claims to have one of the world's best education systems. Private schools are usually excessively expensive and are very popular around Geneva and Lausanne with the large number of expatriate families living in the area. Those expatriates who have placed their children in a public school have certainly found them to be very well organised and welcoming. Since Switzerland has three main languages, the schools are used to dealing with students speaking different languages and will organise lessons outside normal school class time to bring the students up to speed with the language. In a typical French-speaking classroom, one might find Italian, Spanish, Arabic, English, Portuguese, Eastern European children along with perhaps just a few Swiss classmates! A foreign child will not feel out of place in a Swiss classroom.
garten) from 4 to 6 years old, then l’école primaire (primary school) from grades 1 to 6, then le degré secondaire (lower secondary level) through grade 9. School is mandatory for children six and older, and the Swiss public schools are free for all children. After the mandatory lower secondary level school, kids may either choose to go to an upper secondary school or to start an apprenticeship. With the completion of secondary school, students can either opt for vocational studies, or attend a higher level of school preparing them for university studies. For an overall view of the system, have a look at the English webpage of Switzerland’s official education website.*
Excellent math skills
cent years is the introduction of English in primary school. Traditionally, the first foreign language in school was always the other of the two major national languages (French or German). The move to promote primary school English came from Zurich's head of education in 2000. Currently, English is mostly introduced starting in sixth grade, but it depends on the canton. Since the cantons are responsible for their own educational services, the curriculum may vary between cantons. Some cantons start to teach the first foreign language in the third grade, while others start at seventh grade. For example, in the canton of Neuchâtel (a French-speaking canton), the children start English at 11 years of age but start learning German at the age of 7 or 8. Needless to say, the differences in the systems between cantons, especially with respect to foreign language choices, can cause serious headaches for children whose families move from one canton to the next.
A recent study by International PISA revealed excellent math, natural science and problem solving skills in performances results. On the other hand, the aptitudes in reading among younger Swiss students are just average. The public school system in- One of the most controver- In Swiss schools, the curricucludes l’école enfantine (kinder- sial changes proposed in re- lum includes topics such as
the curriculum includes topics such as safety, how to protect and respect the environment, personal hygiene and how to respect one another. Photo Vincent Anthonioz
safety, how to protect and respect the environment, personal hygiene and how to respect one another. Parents are usually pleased to see that subjects treating important everyday life are part of the curriculum. The teaching staff seems to communicate well with the parents and will call them for any questions or issues. The cantons give objectives to the teachers to reach by the end of each year and the teachers have carte blanche (a free hand) as to how they achieve those objectives, which can motivate the teachers to be creative and to take more initiative. In French public schools, for example, that is not at all the case, and the curriculum is decided for the entire nation by the national, Paris-based Ministry of Education. The end-of-year exams on completion of secondary school in France (lycée) is also a nationwide exam administered to all students throughout the country on the same day. Overall, Swiss schools are friendly, safe and have a very good educational standard. The drawback is the lack of public funding which has a rather negative impact on many extra-curricular activities. The Swiss are ready to adapt, but there is one area in which the Swiss school administration is very strict: taking days off from school for the purpose of travelling. Of course, exceptions are allowed, but they do make it a bit tough on parents who take their child out of school in order to take advantage of earlier and cheaper airfares for a trip ‘home’! C.A. * www.educa.ch/dyn/14.asp
Issue Number 15
French Accent, October-November 2008
Page 21
Swiss French Language: Basic Words and Expressions If you’ve been in Switzerland for a while, you have probably heard the following expressions which are peculiar to Switzerland and not used in the same way in France. Here is a list of the French expressions from France translated into Swiss French:
Other differences
Le gant de toilette : la lavette (hand wash cloth) Ça suffit ? : ça va ou bien ? (that’s enough) Se garer : se parquer (to park) Le téléphone mobile/portable : le Natel* (the mobile phone) The numbers En soldes : en action (on sale) (much easier in Swiss French than in the French spoken in Un sac : un cornet (a plastic or paper bag) France) C'est réglé : c'est en ordre (it’s fixed/taken care of) Un aller simple pour Paris : Paris simple course (one way to soixante-dix : septante Paris) quatre-vingts : huitante (sometimes the Swiss will also say Une personne qui prend les transports publics tous les jours à ‘quatre-vingts’, depending on the area) la même heure pour se rendre à son travail (there is no equivaquatre-vingt-dix : nonante lent in the French of France) : un pendulaire (a commuter). Une bise : un bec (a kiss) Note that the numbers of the street addresses are placed after Les sous-vêtements : le linge de corps (undergarments) the street name, just like in Germany. Un distributeur (de billets) : un bancomat (ATM machine) Example: Rue de Genève 3. Du désordre, du bazar : du cheni (a mess) Le grenier : le galetas (the attic)
The greetings
Some English words in the Swiss French language
Bonjour : adieu Au revoir : adieu
At the restaurant
Adieu ! (to say either good morning or goodbye…)
Le petit déjeuner : le déjeuner Le déjeuner : le dîner Le dîner : le souper La peau (du fromage) : la couenne (skin of the cheese) Un plat trop épais/lourd : une papette (a heavy meal) Du muesli : du bircher (cereal with yoghourt or milk) Une tarte : un gâteau Un gâteau sec : un biscuit Un décilitre : un déci, un ballon (of wine) Il n’y a pas de quoi/de rien/je vous en prie = service ! (you’re welcome) Avec plaisir : volontiers !
At school L'école maternelle : l'école enfantine Le lycée : le gymnase Le gymnase : la halle de gymnastique Une sortie de classe : une course d'école (a field trip day) Un redoublant : un doubleur Le bac(calauréat) : la matu(rité) La fac : l'uni (université)
Un ballon d'eau chaude : un boiler Un salon de thé : un tea-room Un survêtement : un training Impeccable : tip-top Un bureau de poste : un office de poste
Some typical Swiss expressions De bleu de bleu : I can’t believe it! On n’est pas pressé/Y a (il n’y a) pas le feu au lac ! : we’re not in a hurry, the lake is not on fire! An expression used to say “calm down”. Nom de Bleu ! : My God! Bonnard ! : Great! Y a pas le feu au lac ! Ça joue ! : That works/great! Tout de bon ! : OK
* The name Natel came from a marketing campaign launched in 1975 by the Swiss Postal services that had introduced a mobile telephone network for vehicles (Natel is the diminutive of “Nationales Autotelefonnetz”, which means national automobile telephone network) within a programme of economic promotion of the Federal Council. It became so popular that most Swiss call their mobile phone a Natel.
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French Accent, October-November 2008
Issue Number 15
A Scenario: A Typical Dialogue in “Swiss” French Sylvie appelle sa sœur Nathalie sur son Natel :
Sylvie calls her sister Nathalie on her mobile phone:
Sylvie : Adieu, comment ça va ? Nathalie : Tip top, et toi ? Sylvie : Dis voir, je t’appelle de mon Natel car on va être environ 30 mn en retard pour le souper. Nathalie : De bleu de bleu, qu’est-ce qui se passe ? Sylvie : On est restés coincés à l’office de poste pendant presque une heure ! Nathalie : Ça va ou bien ! Il faudrait quand même vous dépêcher un peu ! Sylvie : OK ! Y a pas le feu au lac, on arrive. Nathalie : Bon d’accord, vous savez où vous parquer ? Sylvie : Oui, en bas de l’immeuble sur la place numéro nonante-deux. Nathalie : Non, pas la place numéro nonante-deux, mais sur la septante-deux. Sylvie : Ah d’accord, ça joue. Au fait, hier on a ramassé un cornet plein de chanterelles, on vous en amène ?
Sylvie: Hello, how are you? Nathalie: Great and you? Sylvie: Hey, I’m calling from my mobile phone because we’re going to be about 30 minutes late for dinner. Nathalie: Oh no! What’s going on?
Nathalie : Ah volontiers ! C’est bonnard ! Sylvie : Tip top, alors on se voit tout à l’heure. Nathalie : D’accord, à tout à l’heure et tout de bon ! Sylvie : Ça joue. Adieu. Nathalie : Adieu.
Sylvie: We got stuck at the post office for almost one hour. Nathalie: That’s enough! You have to hurry up! Sylvie: OK, Calm down! We’re coming. Nathalie: Alright, do you know where to park? Sylvie: Yes, at the bottom of the apartment building in spot number 92. Nathalie: No, not the spot 92, but 72. Sylvie: Ah OK, that’s fine. Hey, by the way, yesterday, we picked up a full bag of chanterelles, shall we bring you some? Nathalie: Ah, yes with pleasure! That’s great! Sylvie: Cool, we’ll see each other soon. Nathalie: OK, so see you soon and have a safe ride! Sylvie: OK. Bye. Nathalie: Bye.
Work and Residence Permits
R
oughly ten years ago, Switzerland was one of the least accessible countries for foreigners. Even French or UK citizens whose spouses worked for the United Nations Office in Geneva, for instance, had no right to
bilateral agreements have been signed, by increment, between Switzerland and the European Union. Now, it is much easier for a foreigner, particularly someone from Today, the situation has totally Europe, to settle in Switzerchanged. Over the last few land either to live or work, inyears, starting in 2002, several dependently or for a company, or to set up a business. work, only the right to reside in the country with their family, and only for the duration of their contract or assignment.
allocated to self-employed people upon arrival. It is easily transformed into a “B” permit after one year if an employee’s contract is renewed, or for self-employed workers if they can demonstrate that their business is viable.
2) Annual residence
Here are the various existing (autorisation de séjour, permits available to EU citialso called permis zens:
de séjour): “B” permit
1) Temporary residence (autorisation de courte durée): “L” permit The Geneva authorities did a massive campaign to encourage the population to accept every step of the bilateral agreements, which they view as being very positive for the economy and the businesses.
For an employment contract of less than one year (6 months for trainees, 18 months for key positions). It is also the first permit to be
For employment contracts of more than one year, or selfemployed persons who have a sufficient revenue. Also allocated to family members of the concerned individual. It is automatically renewed, and is valid for 5 years.
Issue Number 15
French Accent, October-November 2008
4) Cross-border commuter permit (autorisation frontalière): 3) Permanent residence “G” permit permit (autorisation This is the permit of the frond’établissement) : taliers: people living close to “C” permit
Work and Residence Permits (cont’d)
Available after 5 years of continuous residence in Switzerland. It is almost as valid as the status of a Swiss national, except that the person is not allowed to vote, or to be elected to a public office, or obtain a Swiss passport.
the border in a neighbouring country, such as France or Germany, and crossing the border to work in Switzerland. Its duration is adapted to the length of the work contract. A.S.
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Retirement in Switzerland The rules concerning retired Europeans have also been changed and make it much easier than before to get a residency permit if they decide to settle and retire in Switzerland. They just need to have an annual income of at least CHF 100,000 (64,000 € or 50,000 £ ) per year. More details on the various websites listed below.
Useful Information for English-speakers Payot. Two locations in Geneva have extensive English lan-
General information Swiss American Chamber of Commerce: www.amcham.ch The British Swiss Chamber of Commerce: www.bscc.ch Switzerland is yours: general presentation by the Swiss:
http://switzerland.isyours.com/e/index.html Switzerland 4 you: information on living and working: www.switzerland-4you.com Specifically for Geneva: www.ilovegeneva.ch Tourist Information: www.swissworld.org/en Swisster: a new Anglophone online daily: www.swisster.ch/en Anglo Info: http://geneva.angloinfo.com The New Stork Times: an excellent source of information for English-speaking parents in Switzerland: www.thenewstorktimes.com The Geneva Community: an online magazine for Geneva: www.thegenevacommunity.com Information and exchange between expatriates: - www.xpatxchange.ch - www.glocals.com - www.englishforum.ch/forum.php
English bookstores Off The Shelf: boulevard Georges Favon 15, Geneva. A very pleasant store. And there are many useful links on its website. Tel.:+41.22.311.1090. www.offtheshelf.ch
guage sections: - rue Chantepoulet 5. Tel.: +41.22.731.89.50. - rue du Marché 16. Tel.: +41.22.319.79.40. www.payot.ch/en The Bookworm (used books & video rentals): rue Sismondi 5, Geneva. Tel.: +41.22.731.87.65. Kiddie Club (books and toys for kids): route de Chêne 66, Geneva. Tel.: +41.22.736.43.92. www.kiddieclub.ch
English language radio stations World Radio Switzerland (WRS – 88.4 fm) - music, local news and BBC news reports: www.worldradio.com Radio 74 (88.8 fm), based in neighbouring France but also covering Geneva - religious content and Voice of America radio broadcasts: www.radio74.org
A store selling English and American products American Market: rue de Neuchâtel 3, Geneva. Tel : +41.22.732.32.00. rue Juste Olivier 8, Nyon. Tel : +41.22.362.49.05. Items can also be purchased online: www.americanmarket.ch Many more addresses and useful contacts in Geneva and Vaud canton can be found in the book published by Lisa CiriecoOhlman, Know it all parents. www.knowitall.ch
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French Accent, October-November 2008
Issue Number 15
Anglophones in Switzerland: A Long Love Story
I
f an increasing number of expatriates from the United Kingdom, Ireland or the USA have decided to settle in Switzerland and in the surrounding Alps region, it’s not a new phenomenon as such: the English “discovered” the Alps more than 250 years ago. It was actually early British mountaineers who “revealed” the charm and the challenges of the Alps to the rest of Europe, mountain climbers such as Edward Whymper, the first person to climb many of the daunting peaks, including his 1865 ascent of the famous Cervin, or Mattenhorn, in the Valais, close to the majestic ski resort of Zermatt.
At the time, it was frequently said that “out of 20 guests in an auberge, 14 will be English”. Lord Byron, who penned his poem “The Prisoner of Chillon” (a castle on the banks of the Lake of Geneva – le lac Léman) in 1816, remains one of the most wellknown. That same year, his friend Mary Shelley started to write her “Frankenstein” on a dark and stormy night. There was also Charles Dickens, who wrote “David Copperfield” in Geneva. It was published in 1861. More recently, in 1904, the Consul of England, Daniel Fitzgerald Packenham Barton, gave to the city of Geneva Victoria Hall, a concert hall which was initially dedicated to Queen Victoria.
One of the other and far earMany famous British citizens lier links between the Swiss also settled in and around Ge- and the English was their neva during the 19th century. common Protestant heritage.
Edward Whymper was the first to climb the famous Cervin, or Mattenhorn, in 1865.
Photo of the Cervin by Vincent Anthonioz.
Many English Protestants fled to Switzerland to escape persecution by Mary Tudor some four centuries ago. Another vestige of the English presence in Switzerland is the Livre des Anglais, a kind of registry of baptisms, marriages and deaths of the Anglican community of Geneva, which was started in 1555 and is still kept in the State of Geneva’s Archives. Much more recently, we can't forget Switzerland's most illustrious expatriate, Charlie Chaplin. Born in London in 1889, he took refuge in French-speaking Switzerland when Senator Joseph McCarthy refused to renew his US visa. He spent the last twenty years of his life, from 1957 to his death in 1977, in the village of Corsier-surVevey (Vaud). Close to his tomb in the cemetery of the little city, is another famous
A statue of Charlie Chaplin, by John Doubleday, in a park of the Swiss city of Vevey. © Ygrec British actor, James Mason, who died in Lausanne in 1984. The English are not the only ones to have been lured to Switzerland long ago. It was an American businessman, Lieutenant-Colonel James T. Bates, who, in 1879, founded the most popular of Geneva’s daily newspapers, La Tribune de Genève. Bates, who married a Swiss woman, was followed by many Americans following the American Civil War, and another large wave of Americans came after World War II, enticed by the pressence of multinational companies. But probably the most famous American visitor to Switzerland was Mark Twain, who spent several months in 1878 crisscrossing the country. Two of his books, Innocents Abroad and A Tramp Abroad provide some rather comical and yet perceptive comments about Switzerland, which he referred to as the “Cradle of Liberty”. Annick Stevenson
Issue Number 15
French Accent, October-November 2008
Page 25
The Media in French-speaking Switzerland
A
quick glance at the newsstands in Suisse romande reveals that the headlines not only focus on local news but also on French news from France. Since Switzerland is a small country and the Frenchspeaking part represents only 20% of the population, French (France) media has a considerable presence and one can find most of the country’s newspapers and magazines in Swiss news outlets. In French-speaking Switzerland, there are about 15 Suisse romande newspapers which are mostly regional. The following dailies have the most readers: Le Temps, a well written newspaper edited in Geneva and with close ties to Le Monde, publishes national Swiss news as well as international news; La Tribune de Genève focuses mainly on Ge-
neva news and Le Matin on Lausanne news. In the past couple of years, two free newspapers called 20 minutes and Le Matin bleu, which can be found in big stores and train stations, have become extremely popular. Unfortunately, the quality of the writing of these ‘freebies’ is poor and they focus mostly on sensationalist news! There are also about five weekly magazines, and the more popular ones are L’Hebdo (always publishes one major current affairs topic along with cultural, political and art scene articles) and L’Illustré (very popular and is more like a people magazine). Of the six national TV channels, two of them are in French: TSR1 and TSR2 (Télévision suisse romande). On these two channels, just like the French Swiss newspapers,
Symbol of the international character of Switzerland, the two top newscasters of the “Télévision suisse romande” are of foreign origin. Darius Rochebin (left), born in Geneva is Iranian on his father side (his mother is a Swiss from Neuchâtel), while Esther Mamarbachi (right), born in Fribourg, is half Syrian, half Spanish...
there is Swiss news as well as French from France and international news. Most of the American movies and TV shows are dubbed in French, but they are sometimes broadcast in their original version (some cable systems allow the viewer to choose)! All the sports events are shown on TSR2, especially the tennis tournaments and especially when Federer plays! They carry European football games, cycling races, ski races in the winter… and ice hockey games, which is a very popular sport in Switzerland. Since there are only two Frenchspeaking channels, most of the French channels from France are also available in Switzerland and are equally as popular among Swiss viewers. In fact, a wide range of international TV stations are part of most of the cable TV systems in
Switzerland – a reflection of the multi-cultural and cosmopolitan Swiss society. There are also a few local channels, such as Léman bleu in Geneva and TVRL in Lausanne. The main Suisse romande radio station is called RSR (Radio suisse romande) and has 4 channels: RSR La première, where mainly news, debates and contemporary music can be heard; RSR Espace2, mainly for classical and jazz music and talk shows; RSR Option musique, which airs traditional programs with popular music; and finally RSR Couleur 3, mostly geared to the younger public. There are also about 15 local radio stations. Vincent Anthonioz
Le Temps: www.letemps.ch La Tribune de Genève: www.tdg.ch l’Hebdo: www.hebdo.ch l’Illustré: http://home.illustre.ch A list of all the media in French-speaking Switzerland: www.crfj.ch/media
Page 26
B
efore deciding to settle in French-speaking Switzerland, a few things to be aware of:
1) Differences between cantons Deciding in which canton to live is an important question and requires a bit of investigation and thought before taking any decision. As each canton has its own legislation, the situation from one canton to the next is rather different in many aspects. For example: - if you intend to be selfemployed, you will have to wait longer to get a “L” permit in the Vaud canton than in Neuchâtel, because of the quota system; - you have to know that taxes vary considerably from one canton to another (and even from one city to another in the same canton); and also the verification system for income tax declarations varies: in some cantons you may pay less in taxes, but the followup is so strict that it makes your life more difficult; - education programmes can also be different: the grading system and the curriculum vary slightly from one canton to the next, which may be a problem for your child if you move in the middle of a school year, for example.
2) Medical care and insurance There is no national health protection system in Switzerland, only private medical insurance, and it can be rather expensive. Before taking out any insurance, it is wise to
French Accent, October-November 2008
Issue Number 15
Tips & Traps take the time to compare the fees and reimbursement rates of several companies, and ask for advice on online forums or other means of information. And again, it may vary a lot from one canton to another. The system of franchise (deductibles) is also annoying. Some people living close to France even prefer sometimes going to a French doctor across the border as the medical costs are much cheaper there, and in any case they won’t be able to be reimbursed for a minor medical treatment in Switzerland because of the franchise. But for children, all medical costs are covered up to 100% by Swiss health insurance companies. However, there are other very positive aspects of the Swiss medical system. The medical staff in clinics and hospitals are usually very helpful, professional and thoughtful, more so than in France, and the service they provide is better and the hospitals are better equipped. Another very positive element is that the Swiss encourage selfmedication. Which means that very often, for simple ailments, the pharmacists can provide excellent advice and even sell some common drugs that in France you would have to have a doctor’s prescription to buy.
3) Banks If there is one thing that works very well in Switzerland, it is the banking system. As long as you reside in the country, it is very easy to open a bank account (less easy to get a credit card, though, at the beginning), to add another person to your account, to check the status of your account and make payments by internet, etc. You can withdraw a much larger amount of money with your debit card: for example, in France you can only withdraw 300 € a week at Crédit agricole with a regular carte bleue, while in Switzerland you are allowed to withdraw up to CHF 5,000 a day at UBS with your debit card – provided, of course, that you have enough money in your account.
And the Swiss don’t use checks any more, and much less cash than a few years ago. Most payments are made by credit card or electronic transfer. This is one of the reasons why, if you want to settle in Switzerland, it will help a lot to be computer fluent! All administrative information is available on the websites of each administrative entity, which, for most of them, is very well done, and most correspondence is done by email, whereas in France, any important administrative correspondence is still done through the traditional postal system, and for many documents, you must send them by registered mail. A.S.
A very practical book For any foreigner contemplating moving to French-speaking Switzerland, Travailler et vivre en Suisse is an excellent and very practical book that is packed with information and advice. How to find a job, what kind of work permit can one get, how to find an apartment, what type of medical insurance should one take, how does the tax system work. And much more: the various cantons, schools, driving in Switzerland, banks, the difference between frontaliers and expatriates, and everything about daily life: shopping, telephone connections, television, internet, etc. And there is even a chapter on “Adopt the Swiss attitude” at work: being a hard worker and always discrete, modest and quiet, the Swiss way… Travailler et vivre en Suisse, Guide pratique pour les résidents et frontaliers, by David Talerman, Gualino. Published by Lextenso éditions, 2008. Price: 28 €. www.lextenso-editions.fr
Issue Number 15
French Accent, October-November 2008
Page 27
Printable version
The Swiss Political System Le système politique suisse — Une démocratie directe — A Direct Democracy
T
he Swiss Confederation as we know it today has only existed as a unified country since 1848 when the Swiss Federal Constitution was adopted. The constitution brought together the loosely defined cantons that had existed in one form or another for centuries and gave form to a system of government that is unique in many ways. Inspired partly by the United States form of government, the Swiss system comprises three levels: federal, cantonal and communal. It also resembles somewhat the German and Russian forms of government in that the federal authority has very limited influence over the decisions of the cantons. It is quite different from the highly centralized government of France – a Napoleonic vestige – where most of the political power resides in Paris and where the regions, departments and communes have much less autonomy and considerably less decision-
The present members of the Federal Council (ministers): three women and four men. Left to right: Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf Moritz Leuenberger Micheline Calmy-Rey Pascal Couchepin Samuel Schmid Doris Leuthard Hans-Rudolf Merz
making power. The other striking and positive aspect of the Swiss system, as we shall see below, is found in the voice the people have in governmental matters. The Swiss enjoy what is largely felt to be the most effective form of direct democracy of nearly any country in the world. At the federal level, there are what could be called executive, legislative and judicial branches. The legislative branch consists of a bicameral parliament with a National Council (House) and a Council of States (Senate). The 200 members of the National Council are elected by the voters of the cantons every four years (on the next to last Sunday in October) and their number is determined by the population of the cantons. The elections for the 46 seats on the Council of States are held at different times according to the election statutes of the cantons. Each canton, with the exception of the six so-called
L
a Confédération suisse telle que nous la connaissons aujourd’hui n’existe en tant que pays unifié que depuis 1848, lorsque la Constitution fédérale suisse a été adoptée. Cette constitution a regroupé les cantons aux frontières vaguement définies qui existaient sous différentes formes depuis des siècles, et a créé un système de gouvernement unique, à bien des aspects. Inspiré en partie par celui des Etats-Unis, il comporte trois niveaux : fédéral, cantonal et communal. Il ressemble aussi un peu aux formes de gouvernement allemand et russe en ce que l’autorité fédérale a une influence très limitée sur les décisions des cantons. Ce qui est très différent du système hautement centralisé du Gouvernement français – un vestige de Napoléon – où la plupart du pouvoir politique est centralisé à Paris, et où les régions, départements et communes ont beaucoup moins d’autonomie, et considérablement moins de pouvoir de dé-
cision. L’autre aspect frappant et positif du système suisse, comme nous le verrons cidessous, est la capacité d’expression dont dispose le peuple dans les affaires gouvernementales. Les Suisses bénéficient de ce qui est largement ressenti comme étant la forme la plus efficace de démocratie directe du monde. Au niveau fédéral, il y a ce qu’on peut appeler trois branches : exécutive, législative et judiciaire. La branche législative consiste en un parlement à deux chambres composé d’un Conseil national (chambre des députés) et d’un Conseil des Etats (sénat). Les 200 membres du Conseil national sont élus tous les quatre ans par les électeurs des cantons (l’avant dernier dimanche d’octobre) et leur nombre est déterminé par le nombre d’habitants des cantons. Les élections pour les 46 sièges du Conseil des Etats se tiennent à des périodes différentes selon le statut électoral des divers cantons. Chacun (à
Foreign Affairs
Justice and police
Economy Defence Environment
Interior, & President Of the Confederation for 2008
Finance, & VicePresident for 2008
Page 28
Politics (cont'd) formerly half cantons that are only allotted one seat, elects two senators on the Council of States. There are currently twelve political parties with representatives in the Swiss parliament.
The citizens can initiate or refuse laws through petitions and referendums.
French Accent, October-November 2008
Democrats, Christian Democrats and the Peoples Party) hold all seven seats on the Federal Council. The persons elected each year by parliament to serve as President and Vice-President are selected from among the seven members of the Federal Council, and it often resembles a game of musical chairs in that the Presidency rotates on a yearly basis among the members of the Federal Council. The President is really more of a figurehead and serves a highly ceremonial role. As one person said, the President isn’t elected to propose legislation or wield power, but to give fancy speeches around the country. All seven members of the Federal Council occupy what you might call ministerial, or cabinet positions with responsibility for the various aspects of matters at the federal level (interior, justice & police, defence, economy, finance, foreign affairs and environment). It should also be noted that visiting heads of state are received by the entire Federal Council rather than by the President of the Confederation.
The two houses of the Swiss parliament meet in Bern in four three-week sessions throughout the year. Their members are only part-time politicians and most hold other, outside jobs. They are responsible for the functioning of the government at the federal level, which involves anything that the cantons themselves are not empowered to handle. They do relatively little legislating, as a result. One of their chief functions is to elect the members of the executive and judicial branches of government: the seven-member Federal Council, the President and VicePresident of the Confederation and the judges that sit on the federal courts. At the level of the cantons, each canton has its own legisIn essence, the executive level lative and executive structure, of the government is com- and there is considerable posed of the seven members variation in form, nomenclaof the Federal Council. They ture and procedure among are not at all elected by direct the 26 cantons. Contrary to suffrage, but by the members what happens in France, it is of parliament. They serve for the cantons that decide matfour-year terms, although ters concerning taxation, edumost members of the Federal cation, health and cantonal Council serve several con- security. The representatives secutive terms. A person to the executive and legisladoes not need to be a mem- tive bodies are elected ber of a particular party or of through universal suffrage the parliament to be elected and at the executive level, the to the Federal Council, but by governing process is one of a common agreement, the committee rather than an infour major political parties in dividual being in charge. Switzerland (Radicals, Social At both the federal and the
Politique (suite) l’exception des six « demicantons » comme on les appelait autrefois, qui n’ont droit qu’à un siège), élit deux sénateurs au Conseil des Etats. Actuellement, douze partis politiques ont des représentants dans le parlement suisse. Chaque année, les deux chambres du parlement tiennent quatre sessions de trois semaines à Berne. Leurs membres ne sont que des politiciens à temps partiel et, pour la plupart, ils exercent une autre profession. Ils sont responsables du fonctionnement du gouvernement au niveau fédéral, c’est-à-dire de tout ce que les cantons n’ont pas le pouvoir de traiter. De sorte qu’ils font très peu de lois. L’une de leurs fonctions principales est d’élire les membres des branches exécutive et judiciaire du gouvernement : les sept membres du Conseil, le président et le vice-président de la Confédération, et les juges qui siègent aux tribunaux fédéraux.
Chaque canton a sa propre structure et érige ses propres lois.
Issue Number 15
démocratique, parti socialiste, parti démocrate chrétien, et union démocratique du centre) détiennent la totalité des sept sièges. Les personnes élues chaque année par le parlement à la présidence et à la vice-présidence sont choisies parmi ces sept conseillers fédéraux et, comme dans un jeu de chaises musicales, la présidence tourne chaque année d’un conseiller à l’autre. Le président a donc plutôt un rôle de représentation et de participation à des cérémonies. On dit que le président n’est pas élu pour légiférer ou exercer son pouvoir mais pour faire de beaux discours dans tout le pays. Les sept membres du Conseil fédéral exercent ce qu’on pourrait appeler une fonction de ministres, et sont responsables de domaines distincts au niveau fédéral (intérieur, justice et police, défense, économie, finances, affaires étrangères, et environnement). Il faut également préciser que les chefs d’Etat visitant la Suisse sont reçus par le Conseil fédéral tout entier et non par le seul président de la Confédération. Au niveau des cantons, chacun a sa propre structure législative et exécutive, et les variations sont énormes dans la forme, les dénominations et la procédure entre les 26 cantons. Contrairement à ce qui se passe en France, ce sont les cantons qui décident de ce qui concerne les impôts, l’éducation, la santé et la sécurité. Les représentants des organes exécutifs et législatifs sont élus par suffrage universel, et au niveau exécutif les décisions sont prises collégialement plutôt que par un seul individu.
Le niveau exécutif du gouvernement est essentiellement composé des sept membres du Conseil fédéral. Ils ne sont pas élus par suffrage direct mais par les parlementaires. Leur mandat est de quatre ans, bien que la plupart servent durant plusieurs mandats consécutifs. Une personne n’a pas besoin d’être membre d’un parti particulier ni d’être député ou sénateur pour être élue au Conseil fédéral. Mais, d’un commun accord, les quatre Tant au niveau fédéral que principaux partis politiques en cantonal, les citoyens suisses Suisse (partis radical- sont directement impliqués
Issue Number 15
Politics (cont'd) canton level, Swiss citizens can be directly involved in governance and decision making through the several initiative procedures stipulated in the cantonal and federal constitutions. For example, at the federal level, the citizenry can oppose and nullify legislation passed by the federal parliament through the process of petitions and referendums. A similar process can also be used to propose amendments to the constitution. While only roughly ten percent of the petitiondriven referendums held in Switzerland actually succeed, the fact that the federal parliament is aware that any legislation passed will be subject to the scrutiny of the people encourages members of parliament to engage in rather extensive consultation with the cantons and the population as a whole when considering new legislation. For certain decision, such as international treaties or constitutional amendments, Swiss law requires approval through a referendum. For example, the decision for Switzerland to adhere to the Schengen Agreement was decided by the voters.
French Accent, October-November 2008
gave women the right to vote in 1928 and 1944 respectively, it was not until 1971 that Swiss women were accorded that same right. While some cantons, mainly in Frenchspeaking Switzerland, had given women the right to vote in cantonal elections far earlier, conservative opposition to universal suffrage at the national level was not overcome until 1971, and it was only then that the first women were elected to the federal parliament. However, there were two former half cantons where the male electorate fiercely resisted the move to allow women to vote: Appenzell Ausserrhoden and Appenzell Innerrhoden. Finally in 1989, bowing to public pressure, the men of Appenzell Ausserrhoden relented. However, their counterparts in Appenzell Innerrhoden still held out for the exclusion of females at the ballot box. It took a law suit filed by outraged women and a 1990 decision by the Federal Supreme Court before women everywhere in Switzerland could vote at both the national and the cantonal level. Roger Stevenson
Politique (suite) dans les processus de gouvernement et de décision, pouvant prendre des initiatives au moyen de plusieurs procédures stipulées dans les constitutions cantonales et fédérale. Par exemple, au niveau fédéral, les citoyens peuvent s’opposer à une loi passée par le parlement, et même l’annuler, par le processus de pétitions et de référendums. Ils peuvent, de même, proposer des amendements à la constitution. Bien qu’à peine dix pour cent des référendums faisant suite à une pétition aboutissent, le fait que le parlement fédéral sache que tout projet de loi sera examiné de manière approfondie par le peuple encourage les députés et sénateurs à engager d’importantes consultations avec les cantons et la population avant d’initier tout projet de loi. Et pour certaines décisions, comme celles portant sur des traités internationaux et amendements constitutionnels, le droit suisse exige que leur approbation soit soumise à un référendum. Cela a été le cas pour la décision de la Suisse d’adhérer à l’accord de Schengen.
The one unfortunate blemish on the Swiss political system could be the rather late date that women were given the right to vote. Whereas the United Kingdom and France
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La seule tache noire sur le système politique suisse est que les femmes aient obtenu le droit de vote vraiment très tard. Alors que le RoyaumeUni et la France leur ont accordé ce droit en 1928 et 1944 respectivement, il a fallu attendre 1971 pour que les Suissesses en bénéficient. Bien que certains cantons, surtout en Suisse francophone, aient donné le droit de vote aux femmes aux élections cantonales beaucoup plus tôt, l’opposition conservative au suffrage universel au niveau national n’a été surmontée qu’en 1971, et pour la première fois des femmes ont aussi pu se faire élire au parlement fédéral. Mais dans deux demi-cantons, l’électoral masculin a encore farouchement résisté à accorder le droit de vote aux femmes : l’Appenzell Rhodes-intérieur et l’Appenzell Rhodes-extérieur. Enfin, en 1989, le premier de ces deux cantons s’est plié à la pression populaire. Mais le second a continué d’exclure l’électorat féminin. Il a fallu que des femmes en colère portent plainte, et que la Cour suprême fédérale passe un jugement en 1990 en ce sens, pour que toutes les femmes, partout en Suisse, puissent participer aux élections et voter, tant au niveau cantonal que fédéral.
A demonstration of suffragettes asking for the right to vote, in 1928.
A Few Interesting Websites www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/political_system/index.html?siteSect=1550 And excellent presentation of the Swiss political system. http://history-switzerland.geschichte-schweiz.ch/switzerland-federal-constitution-1848.html A detailed history of Switzerland and it’s political system. http://history-switzerland.geschichte-schweiz.ch/chronology-womens-right-vote-switzerland.html A fascinating chronology of efforts to obtain the right to vote for women
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French Accent, October-November 2008
Issue Number 15
French immersion in the Alps If you've been taking French lessons for a while and feel the need to improve your listening comprehension and conversation skills, then an immersion programme in a French native's home is the next logical step. We are offering immersion in the French Alps in two different places: Chez Marie-Claude At Marie-Claude's place, we have a programme with French conversations and visits of the area and another one including cooking lessons. Chez Annick et Roger At Annick and Roger's house, close to Geneva, we have a programme with French lessons and another one including cooking lessons.
Information and Registration: www.learnfrenchathome.com/immersion
Solution from page 11
Issue Number 15
French Accent, October-November 2008
Our Planet — How Green is Switzerland?
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or centuries, visitors to Switzerland have been in awe over the majestic beauty of the snow-capped mountains, lush valleys and fertile plateaus. But just how good are the Swiss at protecting that spectacular environment and what is the level of environmental awareness of the population and the government? As you might expect, it is very high. The country consistently ranks at or near the top in the several rating scales on environment awareness and actions. In the 2008 YaleColumbia university Environmental Index, for example, Switzerland sits at the very top of the rankings. The index tracks 25 indicators in six policy categories: environmental health; air pollution; water resources; biodiversity and habitat; productive natural resources; and climate change. Due to government action and legislation, air quality has improved in recent years due to stringent vehicle emission standards and the banning of leaded petrol and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Municipal waste-water treatment is very successful, and in spite of the rugged terrain and dispersed villages, more than 90 per cent of the population is now served by treatment plants. And Swiss laws are strict regarding the violation of protected areas. Certain threatened wetlands are especially well protected. Some of these impressive measures are certainly a result of the representation on the
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even have kerbside recycling programs. It is estimated that 76% of recyclable items are actually recycled, and at a recent outdoor music festival in Bern, the bottles and plastic cups used to serve drinks had a deposit fee added on. There were several sites on the grounds of the festival where one could return the recyclable bottles or cups and collect the deposit refund. Because of recycling and energy recovery from waste inThose governmental policies cinerators, only 6% of muand programs go hand in nicipal waste ends up in landhand with public attitude and fills. practise on a daily basis. In most Swiss cities, the streets For environmentally conare clean, there is very little scious citizens, it is quite poslitter in the countryside, recy- sible to get along very nicely cling programs are enthusiastically supported by the public and public transportation systems are clean, efficient, heavily used by the population and encourage folks to leave their cars at home. current National Council (see article on Swiss politics on page 27) of 20 members of the Swiss Green Party and three members of the Green Liberal Party. That equates to more than 10% of the total number of seats (200) on the Council. By way of comparison, there are but four members of the French environmental party, Les Verts, in the 577-member National Assembly, or 0.69%.
Take recycling, as an example. Most cities have recycling bins or receptacles in strategic locations and many
Public transport is highly developed and used. And bikes are welcome on trains!
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French Accent, October-November 2008
Green Switzerland (cont'd) in many Swiss cities without owning a car. Public transportation, walking or cycling are perfectly adequate means of transportation for most daily needs. Many cities have bicycle rental programs, although not on the same scale as the “Vélov” and “Vélib” schemes in Paris and Lyon, but they are available just the same. There is also a relatively new nationwide programme called “Mobility” where subscribers to the system can use for a very nominal fee one of the small, energy-efficient cars available at the several convenient pickup and drop off locations in each city.
To encourage mobility of another kind, one that is more related to the health and wellbeing of the citizens, but also to encouraging people to adopt alternate modes of transportation, the country has an impressive network of bike paths and hiking trails that crisscross the countryside. It is impressive to see the number of people on the bike paths during the weekend. The French-speaking part of Switzerland also has another event that encourages people to leave their cars at home and use other forms of transportation. It’s called “slowUp” and involves blocking motorized traffic from about 30 kilometres of roads on a designated Sunday
Issue Number 15
so that people can enjoy them on their bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, etc. There are now ten slowUp events per year with over 450,000 participants. While certainly not everyone in Switzerland is a committed environmentalist, nor does every canton and commune promote environmental protection equally well, the country has an impressive overall record of environmental awareness and the kind of hand-in-hand cooperation between government, businesses and the population that is necessary. It is indeed a model for others to follow. Roger Stevenson
Organic Farming in Switzerland
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Two other factors played a rganic farming has a significant role: the governlong history in Switzerland. ment’s official agri-environSome of the pioneering work mental policies support orin organic agricultural meth- ganic farms with annual subsiods was done in Switzerland dies; the two main supermarin the 1930s and 40s, and ket chains, Migros and Coop since that time the number of carry an increasingly large list organic farms has steadily in- of organic (bio) products on creased. Of the roughly their shelves, both in the form 70,000 farms in Switzerland, of fruit and vegetables but also more than 10% of them are organic and must adhere to strict norms to retain their organic designation. The number of organic farmers increased dramatically in the 1990s when the number of organic farms increased from 800 to over 5,000. This was largely due to increased public awareness of the benefits for the environment of organic farming practises and for public health because of healthier, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables. A selection of the organic products at Coop.
packaged goods. Today, there are over 6,500 organic farms in Switzerland, most of which are affiliated with the umbrella organization Bio-Suisse.* Contrary to the situation in France where you have to hunt long and hard to find any organic products in a typical Carrefour, Champion or Auchan supermarket, the Coop stores in Switzerland have an especially impressive variety of organic products: fruit & vegetables, dairy products, bread, soft drinks, muesli and other grains and cereals. And nearly every open-air market in Switzerland will have one or two organic stands. R.S. * www.bio-suisse.ch
Issue Number 15
French Accent, October-November 2008
The Swiss Culture Scene — Sonia Grimm, the Rising Star in Children’s Music creative musical talents and write her own children’s songs. Since then, not only her own but children all over French-speaking Switzerland have been charmed and enchanted hen Sonia Grimm’s by the result. two beautiful children were young, she searched in vain Every song sends for sweet and meaningful a positive message songs for them to listen to. She decided that she should Her music and positive mesinstead turn to her own warm sages embedded in her songs and beautiful voice, her were an instant hit with her charming way with words and young audiences. For the
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past three years she has taken her musical shows that not only showcase her songs but feature up to fifty young children to large and small cities alike throughout Suisse Romande. To date, Sonia has four albums out that sell like hotcakes after her shows. She and her producer have written and choreographed fairytale-like productions for children from 2 to 12 years old. Her Christmas shows alone fill up concert halls with audiences of 2000+ children and adults. Not only can Sonia appeal to the little ones, but to their parents as well
The Christmas show fills up concert halls with audiences of 2000+ children and adults. And parents love it as much as children. There is so much happening on the scene and the show is so magic that even English-speaking children adore it. It is wise to reserve as early as possible. The main shows take place on 6 December in Sion, on 14 December in La Tour de Trême, and and on 20 and 21 December in Geneva, theâtre du Léman (former Casino). Booking infos: www.sonia-grimm.com/soniagrimmactual
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French Accent, October-November 2008
Issue Number 15
Sonia Grimm (cont'd) with the meaningful and positive messages she communicates through her songs, such as the one that encourages children to stop sitting on the sofa in front of the TV and get out and move, or the imaginary voyages she invites her audience to join. Penguins, ducks, little mice, hippos, elephants, rabbits, cats, little soldiers, witches, Japanese girls, Africans, belly dancers and much more appear on stage! The decor and the costumes are also a real treat…
The most popular female artist for children Sonia has today become the most popular female artist for children in Switzerland and will soon conquer the hearts of the French neighbours in France! Her hard work and determination, her soft and loving personality and her unconditional love for children have made her a very successful and beloved entertainer. Everyone loves to see Sonia on stage; she’s even able to get the dads to pay attention no need to mention how beautiful she is! After each concert, she spends hours signing autographs, giving a hug or kiss to each child and posing for pictures with them… Another reason that makes Sonia a special and unique person. Every Wednesday, Sonia teaches dancing, singing and acting classes to more than 100 children in Geneva. She
After each concert, she spends hours signing autographs, giving a hug or a kiss to each child, posing for photos with them... then picks the more experienced, hard working and gifted ones for her shows. Each child is given a role to play or to dance. Having the children on stage with Sonia adds a magical and very touching dimension to her concerts. It is a huge logistical and coordination task for Sonia and her producer to put into place, but they always come through and the result is beautiful and impressive.
dren! These colourful concerts full of sweet and fun melodies will keep everyone’s attention, even if you cannot understand the full story.
To find out more about her concert tours, have a look at Sonia’s website.* Her Christmas concert, which is the most spectacular of all of them, should not be missed! They are held in Geneva and also in two other cities: Sion and Tour de Trême. To get an idea of what the songs are Sweet and fun melodies about – you can listen to an excerpt of each song on her Even if your French is not four cds.** perfect, or far from it, it is a must to see if you live in French-speaking Switzerland, Céline and Vincent Anthonioz especially if you have chil* www.sonia-grimm.com ** www.sonia-grimm.com/soniagrimmlesalb
Click here!
Issue Number 15
French Accent, October-November 2008
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Geneva: Festival Cinéma Tous écrans
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world. The selection is al- Hazan Reinharz, and it ways very diverse and appeals takes place every year early in March in Geneva, the to a wide audience. city which calls itself the The festival also has an in- “capital of human rights.” triguing twist to it: all-night- Based on the principle of long sessions of short sub- “a theme, a film, a dejects. And there is also an bate”, the festival presents amazing parallel festival for a wide variety of feature children’s films, which is a films and documentaries dealing with human rights huge success. issues around the world The director of the festival, that never fail to attract Léo Kaneman, is also the overflow audiences, espeguiding force behind Ge- cially for the intense and fascineva’s other signature film nating post-film discussions festival, The Geneva Interna- and debates. Annick Stevenson tional Human Rights Film As the festival is international, Festival**. Kaneman estabit showcase films made by lished the festival in 2003 to- *www.cinema-tout-ecran.ch producers from all over the gether with journalist Yaël ** www.fifdh.ch or a small country, Switzerland boasts an impressive number of film festivals all throughout the year. One of the most important is held in Geneva: Festival Cinéma Tous écrans* (films for all sizes of screens), from 27 October to 2 November. The festival is unique in that it includes not only films created for the cinema but also for television (series) and, for the first time this year, for multimedia platforms such as computers and mobile phones.
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La Fête de l’Escalade
'Escalade, or Fête de l'Escalade (escalade both means climbing and the act of scaling defensive walls) is an annual festival held in December in Geneva. It celebrates the defeat of the surprise attack of the old city of Geneva by troops sent from the neighbouring Royaume de Savoie (today part of France) by Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, during the night of 11–12 December 1602. According to a legend, Catherine Cheynel, originally from the French city of Lyon and the wife of Pierre Royaume, (usually called Mère Royaume), a mother of 14 children, living close by, seized a large cauldron of hot soup and poured it on the attackers. The heavy cauldron of boiling soup landed on the head of a Savoyard attacker, killing him. The commotion that this caused also helped to rouse the townsfolk to defend the city. After the defeat, the Duke of Savoy was forced to accept a lasting peace, sealed by the Treaty of StJulien on July 12, 1603.
Celebrations include a large marmite (cauldron) made of chocolate filled with marzipan vegetables and candies wrapped in the Geneva colours of red and gold. During the Fête de l’Escalade, which now lasts for three days,* children wearing costumes pass by restaurants and bars where they sing for money. Since 1978, another element to the celebration is a running event** held the weekend preceding the actual Escalade. The run, or La Course de l’Escalade, is a very popular event and draws upward of 20,000 runners of every level, including children. The route (3 distance choices of from 2 to 8 kms) goes through the narrow streets of the old city of Geneva. It is one of the most important annual events in Geneva and one of the most prestigious sporting events in Switzerland. A.S. * 12-14 December 2008. www.compagniede1602.ch ** 6 December 2008. www.escalade.ch
© Franck Auberson
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French Accent, October-November 2008
Issue Number 15
Les femmes dans les vignes, C. F. Ramuz Charles Ferdinand Ramuz is one of Switzerland’s best-known francophone writers and one of the few, other than those Swiss writers, such as Rousseau, who have been “appropriated” by the French, to have their works published by the distinguished Editions de la Pléiade. In the following excerpt*, written in 1914, Ramuz suggests the plight of the women who toil in the vineyards perched along the steep slopes overlooking Lake Geneva. His style is very down-toearth and colloquial and is a fascinating combination of both descriptions as well as the women’s thoughts and conversations that he imagines, all in a language that reflects the everyday idiom of the time.
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omme il fait une grande chaleur, elles ont noué autour de leur chapeau un mouchoir qui leur tombe sur les épaules, et elles disent : “On n’en peut plus”. Elles se redressent avec un soupir, posant leurs mains à plat sur leurs reins qui leur font mal, et, tournées vers le lac et vers la profondeur, elles cherchent, ouvrant la bouche, une bouffée d’air qui ne vient pas. Il ne monte des eaux qu’un grand miroitement, et un double soleil les frappe de face, celui-ci qui vient d’en haut, celui-là qui vient d’en bas. [...] On commence tôt, cette année. Déjà le lac est blanc, déjà le ciel est blanc ; ils tirent leurs canons à grêle. [...] Rien ne bouge, une pesanteur agit, il n’y a par moments qu’un bateau à vapeur qui passe, avec, dessus, des chants d’école, et ses roues maladroitement battent l’eau et font de l’écume, comme des pattes de canard. [...]
Voilà que tout de même elles n’en peuvent plus. Il n’est pas étonnant qu’on soit tellement maigres, cuites, brûlées, la peau collée aux os, voûtées dès vingt-cinq ans, vieilles avant l’âge. Moi, quand mon mari m’a prise, j’étais jolie et fraîche comme tout, du moins il me le disait : maintenant il ne me le dit plus. D’ailleurs, il me le dirait que je ne le croirais pas. J’ai plutôt l’air d’une Chinoise. La vigne, les enfants, le ménage, comment y tenir ? Nous autres du vignoble, nous ne sommes jamais à l’ombre comme celles du plateau qui peuvent aller s’asseoir sous un arbre pour se reposer et boire leur café ; nous n’avons point non plus de variété dans le travail, n’ayant point comme elles, tour à tour, les foins, la moisson, la cueillette des fruits à faire ; nous sommes attachées à une seule espèce de plante, à une seule espèce de production. Ainsi pense l’une, ainsi se dit l’autre - et elles songent, se taisant. _____ * Les femmes dans les vignes, in Nouvelles et morceaux, tome 4. Editions Slatkine, Genève, 2007.
Deux dictées Beginner Level Parfois Françoise n’est pas contente de vivre en Espagne. De temps en temps elle pense sérieusement s’installer dans un autre pays, mais elle ne sait pas lequel. Un jour elle trouve que la France sera le pays de ses rêves, et le lendemain c’est la Suisse romande qui lui semble être la plus intéressante. Comment choisir ? Ce n’est pas du tout évident !
Intermediate Level Il faut que j’écrive à mes parents. Ils m’ont envoyé un très joli cadeau la semaine dernière, et je veux vraiment qu’ils sachent combien je l’aime. Mais, où vais-je trouver le temps ? Un soir il faut que je fasse la cuisine pour la famille, et puis le lendemain je dois absolument terminer ma déclaration d’impôts, etc. Je n’ai jamais un moment tranquille. Ce serait dommage qu’ils aient l’impression que je ne l’apprécie pas.
Issue Number 15
French Accent, October-November 2008
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Faut pas manger du chocolat A grand pas, je sens l’hiver qui arrive C’est la saison où je dois manger des endives Mais moi je préfère le chocolat En forme de pive même si Ma maman me répète de voix vive :
C’est pas juste car dans tous les magasins On nous montre que ça Des rayons en sont pleins Ca sent trop bon comme ça fait du bien Mais dans ma tête je n’entends plus que ce refrain :
Faut pas manger du chocolat la la la la la On devient malade et c’est trop gras gras gras gras gras Et c’est très mauvais pour les dents dents dents dents dents Surtout quand on croque dedans dans dans dans dans Faut pas manger du chocolat la la la la la On devient malade et c’est trop gras gras gras gras gras Et c’est très mauvais pour les dents dents dents dents dents Surtout quand on croque dedans dans dans dans dans
Children’s song written by Frédéric, from Carambole, Neuchâtel, Switzlerland. Chosen, sung and illustrated by Alexandra Photo by Marco Sorrentino
Faut pas manger du chocolat la la la la la On devient malade et c’est trop gras gras gras gras gras Et c’est très mauvais pour les dents dents dents dents dents Surtout quand on croque dedans dans dans dans dans Faut pas manger du chocolat la la la la la On devient malade et c’est trop gras gras gras gras gras Et c’est très mauvais pour les dents dents dents dents dents Surtout quand on croque dedans dans dans dans dans Faut pas manger du chocolat la la la la la On devient malade et c’est trop gras gras gras gras gras Et c’est très mauvais pour les dents dents dents dents dents Surtout quand on croque dedans dans dans dans dans Faut pas manger du chocolat.
Exercise on the Subjunctive: Solutions from page 9 1. b; 2. c; 3. a; 4. c, 5. b; 6. c; 7. a; 8. a; 9. b; 10. a
Click here
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French Accent, October-November 2008
Issue Number 15
The Olympic Museum in Lausanne: A Taste of Nostalgia
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Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the Olympic games
ne really has to ask the question: why are there so many international organizations in Switzerland? Aside from the nearly twenty United Nations entities, which include the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization and the Universal Postal Union, there are also a number of important governing bodies for international sports, such as the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and the International Olympic Committee (ICO). Is it the country’s long heritage of stability and neutrality? Could it be because of its multi-cultural, multi-lingual and truly cosmopolitan society? The Swiss government’s policies and welcoming attitude toward such organizations certain play an important role, to be sure. Whatever the reasons, it seems to be a mutually satisfying situation for both the country and the organizations.
© CIO Daniel Stücki
is based in Lausanne, and one of the side benefits for tourists and citizens alike is the modern Olympic Museum that overlooks Lake Geneva in the Lausanne suburb of Ouchy. The current museum is relatively new, but the idea for an Olympic museum was the brainchild of the founder of the modern-day Olympic movement and games, Pierre de Coubertin. It was Coubertin who revived the idea of Olympic games and established the IOC in Lausanne in 1894. He dreamed of a museum reflecting the ideals of the One of the more visible and Olympic spirit that combine active is the International sport, art and culture. There Olympic Committee, which have been a series of Olym-
The entrance of the museum. © Jean-Jacques Strahm
pic museums in Lausanne, but the modern version was inaugurated in 1993 and underwent a major facelift in 2001. A visit to the museum, which is one of the most visited museums in Switzerland, is a veritable trip down memory lane. The exhibits combine displays of actual uniforms and sports equipment used by former Olympic champions and hi-tech audio-visual presentations. You can not only see a pair of ski boots worn by JeanClaude Killy, but also watch videos of his three goldmedal victories in the slalom, giant slalom and downhill at the 1968 Grenoble Winter Games. The historical part of the exhibit has a fascinating review of the history of the games complete with all of the Olympic torches. Whether you are a visitor, newcomer or long-time resident of Switzerland, a visit to the museum will certainly bring back a flood of memories from games past. Roger Stevenson www.museum.olympic.org
Issue Number 15
French Accent, October-November 2008
Une recette de cuisine suisse : les “Spatzli”
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This recipe by “Betty Rossi” has been adapted by Rosa @ Rosa's Yummy Yums* who has kindly accepted that we reproduce it in French Accent Magazine, so that our readers can discover this typical, and delicious, Swiss meal. Ingredients (4 people): 400g plain white flour 200g Durum flour 150ml milk 150ml water 6 eggs 2 tsp salt
Ingrédients (4 personnes) : 400 g de farine blanche/fleur 200 g de farine de semoule de blé dur 150 ml de lait 150 ml d'eau 6 œufs 2 cuillerées à café de sel
Preparation: Mix the flours and salt together in a bowl. Whisk the eggs together with the milk and water. Pour the egg/milk/water mixture into the bowl containing the flours and salt. Beat well until the pastry is shiny and makes bubbles. Cover the bowl and reserve at room temperature for around half an hour.
Préparation : Dans un bol, mélanger les farines et le sel. Battre les oeufs avec le lait et l'eau. Verser le mélange oeufs/lait/eau dans le bol où se trouvent les farines et le sel. Battre jusqu'à obtention d'une pâte brillante, lisse et qui fasse des bulles. Couvrir le bol et laisser reposer environ 30 minutes à température ambiante.
Bring at least 3 liters of water to a boil and add a tablespoon salt. Once the water is boiling, turn the heat down and let the water simmer gently. Sieve the pastry into the boiling water (through a medium-holed sieve) helping it along with a spatula. Proceed in batches. When the “Spätzli” are floating on the surface of the water, take them out with a perforated skimmer. Place the cooked “Spätzli” in a heatproof bowl or dish, add some butter, mix well and keep warm in the oven.
Porter environ 3 litres d'eau à ébullition et ajouter une cuillère à soupe de sel. Une fois que l'eau frémit, baisser la température et laisser gentiment mijoter (à feu doux). A l'aide d'une spatule, passer la pâte au tamis/à la passoire, au-dessus de l'eau frémissante. Procéder par petites quantités. Dès que les “Spätzli” seront remontés à la surface, les repêcher à l'aide d'une cuillère à trous et les égoutter (tamis). Les mettre dans un plat résistant à la chaleur, ajouter une noix de beurre, bien mélanger et les garder au chaud (au four à 90° C).
Note: If you can't find “Durum flour” anywhere, here's an alternative : the flour mixture of 250g plain white flour and 50g cream of wheat. The pastry should not be too runny; it should be thickish and viscous. Your arm should ache while beating the mixture. Once the “Spätzli” have been cooked, you can add a little butter (prevents them from sticking together).
Note : Si vous ne trouvez pas de “farine de semoule de blé” (farine pour “Knöpflis”), vous pouvez remplacer le mélange de farines par 250g de farine fleur/blanche et 50g de semoule de blé fine. La pâte ne doit pas être trop coulante mais assez épaisse et visqueuse. Les muscles de votre bras doivent être fatigués lorsque vous battez la pâte. Une fois les “Spätzli” cuits, vous pouvez ajouter un peu de beurre (cela les empêche de coller).
Serving suggestions: “Spätzli” are widely appreciated as an accompaniment (side dish) with wild meat/venison served with chestnuts and bilberry jam. They are also fine when spiced up (curry powder, garlic powder, tomato purée, pesto, etc…), enriched (cheese, dry meat, spinach, etc…) or prepared as a sweet dish. You could also flavour the basic pastry with spices/ ingredients (cheese, herbs, ground meat, etc…) as long as it’s consistency is still correct. They can be used in the same way as pasta or served as main course when oven-baked like a gratin, and can be eaten either “al-dente” or slightly fried in butter, until nice and golden. http://rosas-yummy-yums.blogspot.com/2008/02/sptzli-presto-pasta-night-1st-bday.html
© Photos Rosa's Yummy Yums
A Scenario and Audio Book A 90 pages e-book with French-English scenarios of daily life in France, with vocabulary and grammar tips, and audio links. An excellent way to learn current French expressions, and to exercise pronouncing them! Selected from past issues of
French Accent Magazine Price: 18 euros.
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