French ‘Language of Love’
By: Erina Ananda Ridwan
France, the homeland of love. This is arguably one of the most powerful clichés associated with France. Why is French often regarded as a language of love? Is it probably due to the romantic behavior of the French? Or because of the so-called elegance of their language?
- French is Sexy
French is considered a sexy language. This is one of the most rooted stereotypes of French. According to the latest poll by Babbel (Language Learning Specialist), 34% of respondents said French is the sexiest language. French accents are also popular. 37% of 140,000 respondents put him at the top of the chart with the “sexiest” accent. Also, 90% of Babbel Internet users say they probably choose French when learning a language after romance. Yes, there is certainly a perception that French is a language of love.
2. A Little More Than A Matter of Musicality
But what is it about French that makes it so appealing? According to foreigners’ ears, the French tone appears to be musical and harmonious. A liaison connects many words, adding a softness to the rhythm of the sentences. Non-native listeners perceive such phrases as gracious tessitura if there are no harsh interruptions. In contrast to English or Italian, there are few melodic variations.
The French language is very precise and contains many nuances to describe emotional and sensational ranges. Despite the fact that French has fewer lexical expressions than English.
Can we, however, rely solely on linguistic nuance? Perhaps, but only in part. If we look at French expressions, we might be surprised by how many terms there are for love. For instance, “fiancé,” “ménage à trois,” “liaison,” “femme fatale,” “cinq à sept,” and “tête à tête.” Words that have crossed linguistic and national boundaries to become part of the English language. If a language always reflects a country’s culture, the answers to our questions must be found elsewhere.
3. Movies and Literature
Love and its practiced demonstrations do seem to hold an exceptional cultural stand in France. For instance, in France showing certain physical intimacy in a public place is widely practiced and accepted culturally. While in other countries, public displays of affection is often perceived as inappropriate or shocking.
4. An Exceptional Status All The Way Into The Penal Code
In France, love and passion, as well as their flaws, have always been revered and tolerated. Even into its legislation and regulations. In the French penal code, for example, a marriage crime committed out of passion in the case of adultery was considered “excusable” until 1975. Or, at the very least, its verdict was unfavorable. It may appear inconceivable today. Particularly when we consider the tragedies committed in the name of marriage and vengeance. Nonetheless, it was not until 1994, with the publication of a decree amending certain penal laws, that French marital crime was elevated to the status of a serious crime.
6. Tolerance Regarding Famous People’s Scandalous LivesFrench
President Francois Hollande’s affair with actress Julie Gayet reminds us of a remake of Ménage à trois. François Mitterand was married, but also had a mistress and a hidden daughter. The Lewinsky affair repercussions would have been unthinkable on this side of the Atlantic.
As a result, French is a lovely, rich, melodious language that is often referred to as the language of love. It’s also an analytical language that helps organize thoughts and improve logical thinking. French is the only language taught in every nation on the planet, along with English.
References
Fact or fantasy: Why the French language is considered to be “The language of love”. (2017, February 9). LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fact-fantasy-why-french-language-considered-love-florence-harang/
Why is French the language of love? (2021, November 29). Journey To France. https://journeytofrance.com/why-is-french-the-language-of-love/
