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187: Un diplôme universitaire, cela en vaut-il la peine? Apr 21, 2017

Show notes

In some countries, particularly the U.S., a university education has become so expensive that some wonder if it is even worth going to college at all, any more. Let's start with a conversation. Then we'll come back and look more closely at some key vocabulary.

186: "Est-ce que tu regardes quelque chose d'intéressant à la télé?" Dec 21, 2016

Show notes

It's holiday season, a time of year when we might discuss a film or TV series we've seen. That's the subject of our conversation this time. First, let's talk about a French production called 'Spiral'.

185: Les récifs coralliens menacés de disparition Nov 04, 2016

Show notes

The coral reefs of the world's oceans are in mortal danger but, as is often the case with environmental concerns, few people seem to appreciate that the dangers are imminent. That is the focus of our lesson this time.

184: Les tablettes tactiles en classe: un 'canular' coûteux? Oct 25, 2016

Show notes

Digital tablets in the classroom were recently described as a 60 billion dollar hoax. Despite these strong words, it seems we're on an inexorable drive to place a screen in front of every child in the classroom. But to whose benefit ? That's the subject of our conversation in this lesson.

183: La Norvège : 'un pays de cocagne' Oct 06, 2016

Show notes

This lesson is inspired by our having heard about Norway in Michael Moore's latest satirical documentary. Now, no country is perfect but Norway certainly seems to have a lot going for it. Let's start with a conversation.

182: Les centres d'appel: 'les ateliers de misère du 21e siècle'? Jul 29, 2016

Show notes

The title of this Advanced lesson may be controversial. After all, it is a fact that tens of thousands of people – some of whom have been lifted out of abject poverty – work in call centres around the world. However, questions one might ask are: what kind of work do call centre workers actually do? What kind of career prospects can workers realistically expect from such work? Béatrix talks of her friend's experience in one such call centre. Let's listen.

181: 'Tu' or 'vous'? Jul 21, 2016

Show notes

A listener asked about 'tu' and 'vous'. In English, we simply use the pronoun 'you' but, in French, things are more complicated. In this conversation, we talk about when to use 'tu' and 'vous'… and how to 'make the switch' between the two when our relationships have evolved over time. Let's listen.

180: 'Tu as l'air stressé aujourd'hui!…' Jun 24, 2016

Show notes

A listener asked said he had recently been in France and had heard a few slang words used frequently. In this lesson, our dialogue makes use of a variety of slang words, some of which are very common. Let's listen.

179: "La Loi travail: une réforme controversée" Jun 17, 2016

Show notes

This time, our lesson centres on the social tensions in France, arising from the proposed introduction of new work laws. The main protagonists are, on the one hand, the CGT - a very powerful union - and, on the other, the government which insists that there is no alternative to the new measures it is proposing.

178: "Mohammed Ali: une personnalité exceptionnelle" Jun 10, 2016

Show notes

He was the world's most famous boxer. But, to many, he represented much more than a particular sport. In this lesson, let's talk about Mohammed Ali.

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