Language & Landmarks: Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter)

Bonjour and welcome to le Quartier Latin, or the Latin Quarter, a vibrant area of France located on the left bank of the river Seine near the University of Paris also known as the Sorbonne. This area got its name in the Middle Ages when the university students, professors and other intellectuals would gather at cafes near the university and argue and dispute the topics of the day---in Latin! Their ability to think and debate in a second language, one which today we call “dead”, gives us a glimpse of the French psyche and love (amour) of both reasoning AND language. As we so often hear: “the French have a word for it”. Knowledge of language expressions, vocabulary, sentence structure and word choice can increase our appreciation and understanding of a culture and the thought process of a people. The French have influenced many countries and cultures, as is evidenced in the number of English topics which employ French words. We use French in discussing politics, fashion, cuisine and the social graces. Most of us are familiar with words like: laissez-faire, coup d’etat, a la carte, faux pas, escargot, rendez-vous and RSVP! In the U.S. we often think that learning a language is best accomplished as a child, when our brains are like “sponges”, yet adults have practical experience and savoir faire. We are able to increase our vocabulary expand our repartee and choose le mot juste, when working in the global workplace. What second language would you like to learn?

 

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