In the French-speaking world, Notre-Dame de Paris is the name of a cathedral, a novel, and a rock opera. The gothic cathedral, whose cornerstone was laid in 1163, was completedContinue Reading…Notre-Dame de Paris: The Cathedral, the Book, and the Musical
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Two Holidays: Mexican Independence Day and Cinco De Mayo
Yes, you just read that right. Mexican Independence Day and Cinco de Mayo are in fact two distinct holidays. Mistaking Cinco de Mayo for Mexican Independence Day is equivalent to confusing theContinue Reading…Two Holidays: Mexican Independence Day and Cinco De Mayo
Maple Syrup Time in Québec
The first robins and snowbirds (both avian and human) are beginning to return north. It’s the time of new life, daffodils and crocuses, dyeing Easter eggs and the Seder. Warmth andContinue Reading…Maple Syrup Time in Québec
La Bamba and Other Sounds from Mexico
If Americans know any Mexican songs, it is most often “La Bamba” with which they are familiar. Whenever I wanted to teach a song to my college Spanish students, even thoughContinue Reading…La Bamba and Other Sounds from Mexico
Immerse Yourself in French in Québec City
I first visited Québec as a student at Université Laval’s French summer school for non-Francophones (non-native-speakers of French). There, I took graduate-level courses about Québécois culture, society and literature as well asContinue Reading…Immerse Yourself in French in Québec City