Take on this short clip of a song in French to improve your French listening skills. Dive into French culture and see if you can catch vocab sung to a tune. What words did I look up? “d’écart”, “polar”, “trois nouvelles”, “fusillade, and “patinoire”. Set your level and fill in the blanks as you listen.
Learn French with a pop song snippet! This clip is from the song “Les amants parallèles” by Vincent Delerm; songwriters: Clement Ducol / Vincent Delerm; Les amants parallèles lyrics © Lili Louise Musique Sarl. Listen and fill in what you hear below. Read more and find a translation below. Find the full song here.
The above audio sample and transcription is from the song “Les amants parallèles” by Vincent Delerm; songwriters: Clement Ducol / Vincent Delerm; Les amants parallèles lyrics © Lili Louise Musique Sarl. We do not own the content. Find the full song here.
apart
How are you getting on?
The snippet in English
Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?
Et nous lisons en parallèle
À 30 centimètres d’écart
Un polar et un trois nouvelles
Une fusillade, une patinoire
And we read in parallel
À 30 centimètres d’écart
A thriller and a three-part novel
A shooting, an ice rink
English translation by Deepl. Check it.
What does “À 30 centimètres” mean?
“30 centimètres” (about 12 inches in imperial measurement) symbolizes the close yet distinct proximity between two individuals.
This small distance, while physically minimal, metaphorically represents the concept of parallel lives — close and almost touching, yet each engaged in separate experiences, as illustrated by reading different types of literature.
This imagery reflects common scenarios in Paris, where closeness is a part of everyday life,
- Café Tables: In the cozy, often cramped spaces of Parisian cafés, tables are sometimes placed very close to each other.
- Seats in the Metro: The seating in the Paris Metro can have people sitting or standing quite close together, especially during rush hours.
What does “d’écart” mean?
The term “d’écart” in French means “apart” or “difference” in English.
It’s used to describe the distance, gap, or deviation between two points, items, or concepts. In various contexts, it can refer to physical separation (as in spatial distance), differences in opinion, or variations in measurement.
For example, in the phrase “30 centimètres d’écart,” it implies a physical distance of 30 centimeters between two objects or people.
This concept is often relevant in describing spatial relationships or differences in various settings, whether it’s in everyday life, in artistic representations, or in technical discussions.
What does “polar” mean?
In French, the term “polar” is a colloquial abbreviation for “roman policier,” which translates to “police novel” or “detective novel” in English.
This genre typically includes mystery, crime, and thriller novels. The origin of the term “polar” as a shorthand for “roman policier” is rooted in its ease of use and the popularity of the genre. It’s a linguistic abbreviation that reflects the informal and evolving nature of the French language, particularly in how genres and artistic forms are referred to in everyday speech.
The use of “polar” to describe detective and crime stories has become commonplace in French, reflecting the genre’s widespread appeal and the French audience’s affinity for mystery and intrigue in literature and cinema.
What does “un trois nouvelles” mean?
“Un trois nouvelles” literally translates to “a three short stories” in English, but this direct translation is a bit awkward. The phrase likely refers to a collection of three short stories. In French literature, “nouvelles” means “short stories,” and they are a popular literary form.
Context in Literature:
- Compilation of Short Stories:
- “Un trois nouvelles” could refer to a book or a compilation that includes three distinct short stories.
- Popularity in French Culture:
- Short stories have been a significant part of French literary tradition, with famous authors like Guy de Maupassant and Honoré de Balzac contributing to the genre.
Cultural Recognition:
- Well-Known Form:
- Short stories are a familiar and recognized form of literature in French culture, appreciated for their brevity and narrative efficiency.
- Educational and Recreational Reading:
- These stories are often included in educational curricula and are popular for leisure reading among the French populace.
In Summary:
“Un trois nouvelles” refers to a collection of three short stories, a format well-known in French literary culture. Short stories are a popular and respected genre in France, with contributions from many renowned authors. They are commonly read both for education and leisure.
What does “une fusillade” mean?
“Une fusillade” in French translates to “a shooting” in English. It refers to an incident where multiple gunshots are fired, often rapidly and in a chaotic manner.
Usage and Context:
- Describing Gunfire Incidents:
- Used to describe situations where guns are fired, typically involving multiple shots, such as in a gunfight or an attack.
- Example: “Il y a eu une fusillade en plein centre-ville.” (There was a shooting in the city center.)
- Associated with Violence:
- “Fusillades” are often associated with violent confrontations, crime, or conflict.
Cultural Notes:
In Vincent Delerm’s song, the use of “une fusillade” (a shooting) within the lyrics might not be literal but rather metaphorical or symbolic. The context of the song, which explores themes of parallel lives and experiences, suggests a few possible interpretations for including “une fusillade”:
- Contrast and Juxtaposition: The mention of “une fusillade” could be used to create a stark contrast with the more peaceful or mundane aspects of life depicted elsewhere in the song. This juxtaposition might emphasize the complexities and varied experiences of life.
- Intensity of Experience: The term “fusillade” could symbolize moments of intense or dramatic experiences in life, contrasting with quieter, more introspective moments.
- Narrative Imagery: It might be used to paint a vivid picture or to introduce an element of surprise or unpredictability in the narrative of the song.
- Emotional Impact: The word could be employed to evoke a strong emotional response or to highlight the emotional peaks and valleys in the characters’ lives.
Without more context from the song, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for its inclusion, but these interpretations align with common artistic uses of striking or evocative imagery in songwriting
In Summary:
“Une fusillade” means “a shooting” in French, referring to an incident involving rapid and often chaotic gunfire. It’s a term typically associated with violent events and is used in various contexts, from news reporting to literature and film, to describe gun-related violence or confrontations.
What does “une patinoire” mean?
“Une patinoire” in French translates to “an ice rink” in English. It’s a surface area of ice created for ice skating, typically used for recreational skating, ice hockey, figure skating, and other ice sports.
Usage and Context:
- Recreational and Sports Venue:
- Used for leisure activities like public ice skating or for organized sports such as ice hockey and figure skating.
- Example: “Nous allons à la patinoire ce weekend.” (We’re going to the ice rink this weekend.)
- Indoor and Outdoor Settings:
- Can refer to both indoor and outdoor ice rinks.
Cultural Notes:
- In France, ice rinks are popular during the winter season, especially in cities where temporary outdoor rinks are set up for the public.
- “Une patinoire” can also be a social gathering place, especially for families and young people during holiday seasons.
In Summary:
“Une patinoire” means “an ice rink” in French, a venue for ice skating and other ice sports. It’s a popular recreational spot in France, especially in the winter, and serves as a venue for both leisure activities and organized sports.
Discover the Rhythms of French with Music: Enhance Your Learning Experience
Music, with its catchy melodies and repetitive structures, is a powerful tool for language learners. It not only entertains but also reinforces linguistic patterns, making it easier to grasp and remember new vocabulary and phrases.
Why Learn French with Music?
- Cultural Immersion: French music offers a window into the rich tapestry of French culture, traditions, and history. By exploring different genres – from classic chansons to contemporary pop – you gain deeper insights into the French way of life.
- Memorable Vocabulary: Lyrics in songs are often catchy and repetitive, aiding in memorization. Music acts as a mnemonic device, making retention of new words and phrases more effective.
- Pronunciation Practice: Singing along with French songs is a fun way to improve your accent and intonation. It helps in mimicking native speech patterns and rhythms.
- Emotional Connection: Music evokes emotions, making the learning experience more engaging and memorable. You’re more likely to recall phrases associated with emotions stirred by a song.
- Diverse Learning: Through songs, you’re exposed to a variety of dialects, slangs, and expressions used in everyday French, broadening your understanding of the language.
Why Practice Transcriptions with Music to Improve Listening in French?
- Enhanced Listening Skills: Transcribing lyrics sharpens your listening abilities. It challenges you to distinguish words and phrases within the flow of music, improving your auditory comprehension.
- Contextual Learning: Understanding the lyrics within the context of a song helps in grasping the nuances of French language usage, such as idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms.
- Active Engagement: The process of transcription is an active learning exercise. It encourages you to focus intently on the language, enhancing concentration and retention.
- Grammar and Structure Exposure: Analyzing song lyrics exposes you to different grammatical structures and sentence constructions, contributing to a deeper understanding of French grammar.
What did you love about this?
Comment below with your feedback! Tells us what you think. Send a note or leave a comment below. We appreciate the feedback. Also, we’re always looking for partners to build this site and grow the content available.
