C’est lundi, le seize janvier. Aujourd’hui est un jour férié aux États-Unis, honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s a day of reflection and service for many, honoring his memory and legacy.

I have to say it’s funny not hearing about Dr. King today, I’ll have to check the news to see if they make mention of his life.

I spent a good part of the afternoon studying. Okay, all day. Pronouncing all the vowel sounds – les voyelles – exercising the mouth muscles, as well as studying/understanding the different categories of les liaisons and how they differ from les enchaînements.

1. Les Enchaînements Consonantiques – this is when the first linking word ends in a consonant that is normally pronounced, but will now link to the new word because the next word begins with a vowel. So, « Viens par ici » is pronounced Viehn PAH r-ee-see. (Remember to roll or gargle that « r. »

2. Les Liaisons – when the ending of the first linking word is usually NOT pronounced, well, now you’re going to pronounce it. Why? Because the next word begins with a vowel. So, « un léger ennui » becomes Ahn Lay-zhay rehn-oo-ee.

3. Les Enchaînements Vocaliques – this is when you have vowel-to-vowel and you must differentiate between the two, vocally. So, « Il va a l’aéroport » becomes eel va-AH l’ahAIRoporh. (I asked her to let me practice this one a few times in class. It’s a tough one!)

Some of the « reasons » for liaisons and enchaînements in French are: flow (!), aesthetics, syntax confusion (logic), and some just for the purposes of allowing proper breathing.

There are obligatory and forbidden liaisons, and also optional liaisons.

C’est assez pour maintenant, non?

Part of my homework meant listening to this charming French song – La Seine, from the movie, Un monstre a Paris. I then had to record myself repeating the lyrics, not singing them. (Can you imagine?) The song is catchy, profitez-la!

I’m looking forward to my next class because I get so many opportunities to speak, and really work on my French accent, liaisons, and oral comprehension, which has improved, but which is still my weak spot.

Tomorrow, I get to see the Schiaparelli exhibit at le Musée des Arts Décoratif, (Phonetically: Leuh Moozay dayzAHR Daycor-ah-TEEF – now say it at speed, and you’ve got it!)

The museum is situated in a wing of le Musée du Louvre. Not sure if I’ve been there or not. Maybe, when I saw the Yves Saint-Laurent pieces last year, I don’t know. Stay tuned.

À toute à l’heure!

Unbelievably, as I was checking a map for a local event, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Snd to find this – after I mentioned it – and on THIS day, is really quite amazing.

^^^Martin Luther King