Celebrating the languages of East Dulwich

[languagelounger]

The UN has nominated some days to celebrate its official languages and is kicking off with International French Language day, which is being celebrated in Central London on March 17th, right under Admiral Nelson's column in Trafalgar Square, with a free concert.

International English language day will be on April 23rd (Shakespeare's birthday)and 6th June, the birthday of Aleksandr Pushkin, will be Russian day. Spanish day is in October and the Chinese day hasn't been agreed yet.

It would be nice to do something locally. A guided walk around the area in French and English to highlight French connections has been suggested for the 17th, the only problem is knowing whether there are any? Would be grateful to hear from anyone who knows. Thanks.

[Peckhampoet]

to kick this off... how about starting or finishing at the French Cafe in Forest Hill Road? And taking in a visit to Melange the wonderful French chocolatier in Bellenden Road...

[minder]

Seems strange to me that the UN have chosen March 17th to celebrate a French language day, when March 17th is St Patrick's Day!

I'm sure there will be a lot of St Patrick's Day celebrations going on all over London rather than something French.

[languagelounger]

I know what you mean Minder. I would have thought it should be 14 July for a celebration of the French language anyway, since that's the French national day and also is an important symbolic date for the independence of many Francophone countries.

The official date they have chosen is March 20, but in London the French govt is paying for a party on the Saturday, 17th. Possibly a good day to be French-Irish. Apparently 20 March was chosen by a group of American teachers of French, originally. You can imagine that they aren't allowed to mention Bastille Day in the US. Perhaps if anyone says the word "revolution" in US schools they get locked up for being socialistic.

I like the idea of the food trail, but I don't know whether the French cafe is ever so French, is it? - although the coffee is quite nice.

[minder]

Yes, Languagelounger, I wouldn't have know that 14th July is the French national day. I suppose we just associate it with American Independence Day!

Oh well, good to know the French government are paying for the party on the 17th! Why should we in these times of recession?

[Cedges]

minder Wrote:

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> Yes, Languagelounger, I wouldn't have know that

> 14th July is the French national day. I suppose

> we just associate it with American Independence

> Day!

Erm, thats the 4th July! You may more familiar with the 14th of July as my birthday - I always think thats its lovely how a significant part of Europe takes the day of work just to throw me a party. :)-D

[GSJ57]

Ooooh Cedges - It's my birthday too! I have always wanted to spend the day in Paris but somehow never do!

[minder]

Yea, sorry it's the 4th July, but you know what I mean!

Getting my dates mixed up!