How to teach French slang?

Currently Reading the electronic book ‘Cher Connard’ by Virginie Despentes…

After teaching French for more than 20 years I thought I had seen and taught it all: The basics, the tenses, the subjunctive, legal terminology or else… And then, a student who had reached the proficient level with me (he had started with me at beginner level) asked me to teach him French slang, something that had never ever been requested before.

Initially puzzled, I wondered how I would do that as French slang is a huge topic and there are many different styles or types of it (Depending on the group(s)  we belong to, we would use different types of words and expressions).

My first impulse was to share the French slang I knew, which is what I was reading in French female magazines, while on holiday, and started scanning some articles for him. I would list the key expressions, would research all the definitions and explanations and would create bespoke exercises for him to practise.

Then, I looked for books including many familiar slang expressions. Some book sellers recommended a variety of options. One was a book with a main character who was a transexual prostitute getting trashed by a client. I checked a few pages and read a few dialogues and was so shocked by the language used, the vulgarity of it, how graphic the scenes were… That I realised I could not teach this type of vocabulary as I did not know anyway half of the expressions used.

I ordered a slang dictionary whose introduction enlightened me on the fact that the slang words were initially used like a secret code by small groups in the known.

I then looked at the latest book releases and found an amazing book to teach a widely used range of slang expressions. It’s ‘Cher Connard’ by Virginie Despentes.

The plot feels to me a bit improbable but the slang vocabulary used in this books is so incredibly varied and rich. It is the perfect book for my student at this level.

What astonished me while researching this topic is how often slang expressions are used mixed with very high level of French and complex structures, like with the subjunctive mood or more formal words… As if you still had to show a certain style and ability even when speaking in a familiar way.   

At the moment, while my student enjoys the book ‘Cher Connard’, I am now looking for some slang expressions in songs and will have a look at rap productions to identify if I can find anything interesting.

It’s only the start of the search…

Annie Gentil-Kraatz

In Heidelberg, Germany, on the 19th of October 2022

'L' Anomalie' and Tips on Books

I have not written in a long time because I was so busy completing a Photography MA that was taking all my time and energy. I still have a lot to do and many projects on the go, but I use my commuting time to write a few lines. And first, I want to recommend the book: 'L’ Anomalie' by Hervé Le Tellier.

My student Gorm had read a highly positive review and wanted to read it in French, so we both went through it in parallel. Initially, I found the style a bit too easy and simple, but I soon realised it was extremely clever and showed an absolute mastery in storytelling. I am not usually into Sci-Fi and unreal situations, but this was so well crafted with an exciting plot, well-developed characters, some incredible twists, and a touch of fun. It was delightful to read, and I can only recommend it to you now.

Reading helps to develop your range of vocabulary and enables you to learn accurate spelling (even when you are a native user of the language). Currently, I use books and various articles to teach French slang. It is a great way to see the vocabulary in context and to understand the situations in which the words are used.

As you can see in the picture, There are different versions of this book ‘l’Anomalie’. In England, you would have hard copies and then (cheaper) soft copies. In France, an initial premium copy (that can also have a soft cover) is produced, and then, around a year later, a cheaper version is released, and we call it the ‹pocket› version: «Livre de poche». The premium version of a book is usually around 20€, and the pocket version is usually around 10€. It can be slightly confusing when you order French books on Amazon UK as you order a book with a soft cover, but you are not 100% sure if you will get the premium version.

By law, the price of new books in France is fixed by the publishers, and this price can only be reduced in shops by 5%, for example, if you have a membership card from the bookshop. If you want cheaper books, you must get them second-hand. In the past, I used to find real gems in a second-hand shop in Orléans called 'Cash Easy'. The books were often premium versions in top condition for around £5. I have even found good premium books in a bookshop in Paris called 'Boulinier' for 20 cents each.

Of course, it was before the pandemic, but I am sure there are still some good offers to find.

Just keep your eyes peeled.

Bonne Lecture!*

Annie Gentil-Kraatz

In London, the 20th of September 2022.

(*Have a good read!)