Day of French brings cultural lessons

Suzie Harrison

Closing one’s eyes and listening, one could think they had traveled

to France as the eloquent use of the language flowed . But the

reality is that such skilled usage is common in Odile Dewar’s AP

French V class at Laguna Beach High School.

Her class got a special treat on March 16, when Miss African Times

2001, Amelie Mbaye came as a guest speaker to talk about her life and

have a dialogue with students so they could practice their French.

Dewar, a native of France, said the experience exposed the class

to a native French speaker from Senegal and allowed students to talk

about issues like “Francophonie,” mixed cultures, cultural identity

and globalization.

French Club President Cassidy Hazelbaker, 16, said that having

Mbaye is a good opportunity for French students to see different

aspects of French culture and its influences.

Brenden Hexberg, 16, asked many questions and learned things about

sports, some of Mbaye’s beliefs and politics.

Mbaye talked about politics and said she likes the politics better

here because of the freedom of speech.

Jeremy Frimond, 16, had not realized the French influence in other

countries. The language is used so frequently around the world.

On a lighter side, she spoke of the climate being similar to

Southern California and about her family. She spoke of economics,

natural resources, religion, history and geography and what her life

is like now in the U.S. living in Los Angeles.

She also talked about education and that each student was required

to take at least two languages, adding that most people from her home

knew many languages. She speaks five.

“I am learning French that will get me to and from France in one

piece,” Brenden said. “I intend on going to France to study abroad

and use the skills I’ve learned for the rest of my life.”

Emma Proctor, 16, was an avid participant in the conversation with

Brenden and her classmates. She said she learned a lot and previously

did not know much about African culture.

“It’s really interesting because when you think of France and the

language, you never think how it impacts the culture in other

countries,” Emma said.

The class ended with a song and dance. The students joined in as

Mbaye illustrated some of her other talents.