Passerelles ep. 1, Quiz 17: à travers

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across

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What does “à travers” mean?

“À travers” is a French prepositional phrase that means “through” or “across” in English. It is used to indicate movement or passage from one side or point to another. The literal meaning of “à travers” is related to physical movement through a space or object. It implies going from one side to the other, crossing something, or passing through a particular area.

“À travers” is used to describe movement or actions that involve crossing or traversing something. It can be used with both concrete and abstract entities.

For example,

• “Passer à travers la porte” (Go through the door),
• “Regarder à travers la fenêtre” (Look through the window),
• “Vivre à travers des expériences” (Live through experiences).

In addition to its literal usage, “à travers” can also be used metaphorically to express the idea of experiencing or perceiving something deeply or from different perspectives.

For example,

• “Voir à travers les mensonges” (See through lies),
• “Comprendre à travers les mots” (Understand through words).

“À travers” is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts and with different verb constructions. It can be combined with verbs of movement (passer, traverser), perception (voir, entendre), expression (parler, écrire), and more.

Here are a few examples of “à travers” in sentences:

• “Je marche à travers le parc” (I walk through the park).
• “Il a réussi à traverser l’océan à la nage” (He managed to swim across the ocean).
• “Elle a exprimé ses émotions à travers la danse” (She expressed her emotions through dance).
• “À travers ses livres, l’auteur nous fait voyager dans le temps” (Through his books, the author takes us on a journey through time).

What does “selon” mean?

“Selon” is a French preposition that is commonly translated as “according to” in English. It is used to introduce a source, authority, or point of reference for information or opinions. Here are some key points to know about “selon”:

“Selon” indicates that the information or opinion being expressed is based on the perspective or judgment of a particular source or authority.

“Selon” is typically followed by a noun, a pronoun, or a clause that represents the source or authority from which the information or opinion is derived. It introduces the source of the information or the basis on which a statement is made.

Here are a few examples of “selon” in sentences:

• “Selon les experts, il est important de faire de l’exercice régulièrement.” (According to the experts, it is important to exercise regularly.)
• “Selon moi, il vaut mieux prendre cette décision.” (According to me, it’s better to make this decision.)
• “Selon le journal, le film a reçu des critiques positives.” (According to the newspaper, the film has received positive reviews.)
• “Selon les statistiques, le taux de chômage a augmenté.” (According to the statistics, the unemployment rate has increased.)

In addition to “selon,” you may also come across similar expressions that convey a similar meaning, such as “d’après” (according to) or “suivant” (following).

The usage of “selon” can vary depending on the context and the nature of the information or opinion being conveyed. It is important to pay attention to the context to understand the intended meaning.

What does “les étapes de la vie” mean?

In a linguistic context, “les étapes de la vie” translates to “the stages of life” in English. It is a common expression used to refer to the various phases or periods that individuals go through from birth to death. Linguistically, it is a straightforward and commonly used phrase in French to discuss the different milestones and transitions that mark the course of a person’s life.

Culturally, “les étapes de la vie” hold significant importance in French society. Like many cultures, the French place considerable emphasis on different life stages and view them as crucial markers of personal and social development. These stages are often celebrated and are considered essential in shaping an individual’s identity and role in society.

Some of the key “étapes de la vie” in French culture include:

1. Naissance (Birth): The arrival of a new baby is celebrated with joy and excitement. It marks the beginning of a person’s life journey and is a time for family gatherings and festivities.
2. Enfance (Childhood): Childhood is viewed as a period of innocence and playfulness. It is when children start their formal education, and families often cherish these years as a time of discovery and growth.
3. Adolescence: This stage is characterized by significant physical and emotional changes. Teenagers are navigating their identity, independence, and social relationships, which can sometimes lead to various challenges and rewards.
4. Jeunesse (Youth): In French culture, “jeunesse” often refers to the period of early adulthood when individuals are exploring their careers, relationships, and ambitions. It is a time of self-discovery and decision-making.
5. Adulte (Adulthood): Adulthood is considered the prime of one’s life, where individuals take on more significant responsibilities, such as work, family, and community involvement.
6. Retraite (Retirement): Retirement is another important stage in French culture. It is a time when individuals leave the workforce and start a new chapter in their lives, often focusing on leisure, hobbies, and spending time with family and friends.

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