Glossary
Armistice Day (November 11th)
A holiday observed in France and some other countries to commemorate the end of World War I and honor war veterans.
Example:
Every Armistice Day, ceremonies are held at war memorials across France to remember those who served.
Baccalauréat
The national high school graduation examination in France, which is crucial for university admission and considered a major life milestone.
Example:
Passing the baccalauréat is a huge accomplishment for French students, often celebrated with family and friends.
Bastille Day (July 14th)
France's national holiday, commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, which symbolized the start of the French Revolution.
Example:
On Bastille Day, Parisians enjoy spectacular fireworks over the Eiffel Tower and military parades on the Champs-Élysées.
Confirmation
A Christian sacrament, particularly significant in Catholicism, where a baptized person affirms their faith, often marking a step towards adulthood in places like Quebec.
Example:
For many Catholic teenagers in Quebec, receiving their confirmation is a meaningful spiritual and social event.
Conversation (FRQ)
A Free Response Question format on the AP French exam where students engage in a simulated informal conversation, responding to prompts and questions.
Example:
For the Conversation FRQ, practice using informal language and natural responses, as if you're chatting with a friend.
Cultural Comparison (FRQ)
A Free Response Question format on the AP French exam requiring students to deliver a formal oral presentation comparing an aspect of their own culture to a Francophone culture.
Example:
To excel in the Cultural Comparison FRQ, provide clear examples from both cultures and organize your presentation logically.
Easter
A major Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, observed in many Francophone countries, including some in Africa.
Example:
Families often celebrate Easter with special church services, festive meals, and the traditional hunting for chocolate eggs.
Email Reply (FRQ)
A Free Response Question format on the AP French exam where students must write a formal email response, demonstrating comprehension and appropriate language use.
Example:
When tackling the Email Reply FRQ, remember to use formal greetings like 'Madame' or 'Monsieur' and include specific details from the prompt.
Formal Tone
A respectful and polite manner of speaking or writing, typically used when addressing someone in authority, an unfamiliar person, or in professional contexts.
Example:
When writing to a French university, it's crucial to maintain a formal tone by using 'vous' and precise vocabulary.
Informal Tone
A relaxed and familiar manner of speaking or writing, typically used with friends, family, or peers.
Example:
When chatting with your French pen pal, you can use an informal tone and expressions like 'Salut!' or 'Ça va?'
Kanaval
A week-long festival in Haiti, similar to Carnival, celebrated with vibrant music, dancing, and parades, marking the transition from the old year to the new.
Example:
The streets of Port-au-Prince come alive during Kanaval with colorful costumes and energetic rhythms.
L'Éducation
The system of schooling and learning, which is highly valued in Francophone cultures, though access and quality can vary significantly between regions.
Example:
L'éducation in France is free and highly competitive, emphasizing academic rigor from a young age.
La Logement
Housing or accommodation, which differs across Francophone regions, from modern urban apartments in France to traditional rural homes in parts of Africa.
Example:
Finding affordable la logement in major French cities can be a significant challenge for students.
Les Fêtes
Holidays or festivals, often with cultural, historical, or religious significance, celebrated in Francophone countries.
Example:
During les fêtes de fin d'année, families gather to share traditional meals and exchange gifts.
Les Rites de Passage
Ceremonies or events marking a significant transition in an individual's life, often from one social status to another. They vary widely across Francophone cultures.
Example:
A wedding ceremony is a universal rite de passage that signifies the transition from single life to married life.
Urbanization
The process by which populations shift from rural to urban areas, often driven by the search for better housing, employment, and opportunities.
Example:
Rapid urbanization in many African Francophone countries leads to the growth of large cities and new infrastructure demands.