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The Americanization of France: Economy and Culture

Alliance Francaise of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA

The Americanization of France: Economy and Culture
"Forget Franglais - it's so passe! France's Love-Hate Relationship with Franricain"

Contrary to the traditional, "essentialist" narrative of French identity, contemporary France is fast americanizing in its outlook, social mores, economic patterns and linguistic habits. Dr. Michel Gueldry of the Monterey Institute for International Studies defines what 'Americanization' consists of and what it is not, and provides and discusses examples of France's Americanization in two key fields: 1) Economic life and policies, and 2) Media influence and linguistic changes. After this discussion, participants are invited to guess (and enjoy!) the meaning of a number of new French expressions borrowed variously from English, American English or made out from "Globish' (Global English). For instance, do you know what French politicians and pundits mean when they denounce "les bangsters"? They are "les banquiers-gangsters" blamed for our current economic woes!

Participants receive bibliographies, webographies, and list of key quotes, facts and figures to help them further their knowledge of these questions. The lecture will be followed by a Q&A session with participation in French encouraged.

Dr. Michel Gueldry is the Program Head of French and Francophone Studies and a Professor of European Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in California. A few of his recent publications are France and European Integration (Praeger, 2001), Les Etats-Unis, lEurope et la crise dIrak, languages and Cultures in and for the Professions.

Kid Friendly: No

Dog Friendly: No

Non-Smoking: No

Wheelchair Accessible: No

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