Life in Other Countries and Communities

Life in Francophone Countries

Understand that French is spoken in many regions worldwide, such as France, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, and parts of Africa.
Recognise the regional specifics and dialect variations which can occur in different Francophone regions.

Daily Life and Routines

Recognise and describe daily routines in French speaking societies by using common phrases like ‘je me brosse les dents’ (I brush my teeth), etc.
Understand the concept of ‘la sieste’; an afternoon nap which is a cultural norm in some Francophone regions.
Discuss transportation and commuting norms, including the use of the ‘métro’ in Paris or the ‘vélib’ bike rental scheme.

Cultural Diversity

Discuss and appreciate the cultural diversity present within Francophone countries.
Understand the blend of French and native cultures particularly visible in countries like Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.
Understand the francophone community in countries that are not majority French speaking but still have significant French-speaking populations, such as Vietnam and Lebanon.
Discuss the influence of French culture and language in the Caribbean; specifically, the French Creole heritage in regions like Haiti.

Francophone Festivals and Celebrations

Familiarise with key Francophone celebrations and the unique customs associated with them such as ‘Fête de la Musique’, ‘Carnaval de Nice’, or ‘Fête de la Bastille’.
Highlight the importance of dining and mealtimes within Francophone cultures and the traditions associated with them, for example, the long and leisurely “rholade” meal tradition in France.

Comparative Perspectives

Compare and contrast socio-political, economic, and cultural aspects of Francophone and Anglophone societies. Use comparative phrases like ‘plus que’ (more than), ‘aussi que’ (as much as) and ‘moins que’ (less than).
Compare school systems, food cultures, and celebrations and why these aspects of daily life may differ across countries.
Use personal experiences or researched case studies to highlight pros and cons of life in different Francophone communities.

Understand and discuss social issues affecting Francophone societies such as income inequality, racial tensions, political diversity and others.
Understand the importance of the “laïcité”, the French principle of secularism in state and society.
Discuss the re-emerging debates around the wearing of religious symbols such as the hijab in public spaces in France.

Environmental Issues

Discuss environmental concerns like climate change, pollution, and deforestation in the Francophone world.
Understand the Paris Agreement** and France’s commitment to combat climate change.
Discuss the impact of industrialization and urban development on the environmental health of French-speaking countries.

Remember to use appropriate vocabularies and tenses while discussing these topics. The key to acing this part of the syllabus is a solid understanding of the cultural nuances of the Francophone world, along with a thorough grip on the French language. With proper practice and understanding, you’ll be able to express your views on these topics comfortably and accurately.