{"id":67585,"date":"2013-10-10T16:17:05","date_gmt":"2013-10-10T05:17:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theproject.com.au\/myfrenchlife\/?p=67585"},"modified":"2013-10-11T18:36:00","modified_gmt":"2013-10-11T07:36:00","slug":"what-do-pasteur-and-pascale-have-in-common","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theproject.com.au\/myfrenchlife\/2013\/10\/10\/what-do-pasteur-and-pascale-have-in-common\/","title":{"rendered":"What do Pasteur and Pascale have in common?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"pascale\"<\/a><\/b>\"s-quotationmarks\"pontaneous, loyal and passionate\u201d \u2013 this is how Pascale de Schuyter Hualpa,\u00a0Directrice<\/i> of the Alliance fran\u00e7aise Paris \u00cele-de-France describes herself.<\/b><\/p>\n

For her, these qualities represent \u201cthree states of mind that are important in life and work.\u201d Mme. de Schuyter Hualpa has much to say on her passion for the evolution and future of language, and the colourful history of the institution for which she works.<\/p>\n

Over the time she has worked for the Alliance fran\u00e7aise Paris \u00cele-de-France<\/a> (AFPIF), she has observed much change. Is the sacred art of crossing cultures by learning a new language being lost? And where does this leave institutions like the Alliance fran\u00e7aise?<\/p>\n

My French Life\u2122 correspondent Carolyne Lee sits down to discuss all things langue<\/i> with la Directrice<\/i>, Mme. de Schuyter Hualpa.<\/p>\n

Cliquez ici<\/a> pour lire cet article en fran\u00e7ais.<\/span><\/address>\n

<\/h2>\n

Carolyne Lee:<\/span> <\/span>Pascale, how long have you worked as the Director of the Alliance fran\u00e7aise Paris-\u00cele-de-France?<\/b><\/p>\n

Pascale\u00a0de Schuyter Hualpa:<\/span> I\u2019ve been the director for three years. But in a few months, I will celebrate 20 years of working for the Alliance fran\u00e7aise. I\u2019ve always been highly motivated to promote my language and culture.<\/p>\n

CL:\u00a0<\/i><\/span>F\u00e9licitations<\/i><\/strong>! What are some of the things you think the AFPIF does the best?<\/b><\/p>\n

PSH: <\/span>What I like here is that we are able to respond to precise requirements. The Alliance fran\u00e7aise can offer traditional classes, or \u2018haute couture\u2019 tailor-made courses. We love to meet specific needs.<\/p>\n

We have excellent phoneticians here who are often also researchers or writers.<\/p>\n

The Alliance fran\u00e7aise accommodates learners of French in the best possible way. Conviviality is a key value that really informs what we do here, and I care deeply about this.<\/p>\n

CL:<\/span> <\/span>Over 20 years, you will have observed a great deal of change. <\/b><\/p>\n

W<\/b>hat do you think, for instance, of the proposed new legislation to mandate at least some courses be taught in English in French universities?<\/strong><\/p>\n

PSH: <\/span>Well, I say: \u2018Why English and not Spanish, German or Chinese?\u2019 The Alliance fran\u00e7aise is open to all; it does not close itself to other languages. We are part of EUNIC<\/a>,\u00a0a unique group of European cultural centres. In this world one learns to be open to the French-speaking world, and to all the other languages.<\/p>\n

What seems most complex to get across to our foreign partners is that making English obligatory in education is detrimental to other languages. And if I were to put myself in the shoes of a foreign student coming to France, my motivation for coming here would be because I want to be in France to learn French, not English.<\/p>\n

There are two choices: perhaps we could have French professors who are qualified in English and who could teach at the same level in both English and French. Does that exist? I\u2019m not sure it does.<\/p>\n

Or we could bring in English mother-tongue teachers. I think we should have more teaching in foreign languages, to promote mutual understanding. It would be beneficial to be able to listen to lectures in different languages; to listen, and to answer questions, but in one\u2019s own language, in order to maintain the quality of argument that one rarely attains in another language.<\/p>\n

For above all, language is the mirror of thought, and a thought is always slightly changed when one uses a different language. This is my feeling, anyway. But this is attested by people who speak several languages. They speak in a thematically different way, according to the language. There will be areas that are perceived in accordance with the language that one is learning.<\/p>\n

Now, let\u2019s look back further\u2026<\/h3>\n

This year is the 130th anniversary of the creation of the Alliance fran\u00e7aise in Paris in 1883. The founders were Paul Cambon<\/a>, a diplomat, and Pierre Foncin<\/a>, a professor. The founding committee also included some well-known individuals, like Louis Pasteur and Jules Verne.<\/p>\n

\"foundersafpif\"<\/a><\/p>\n

CL:<\/span> What was their main motivation for creating such an organisation?<\/strong><\/p>\n

PSH:<\/span> I don\u2019t know if they felt they were trying to create something big. I think they were motivated by an ideal, but I’m not sure they could have imagined the extent of today\u2019s worldwide Alliance fran\u00e7aise network.<\/p>\n

CL:<\/span> What would the founding members think if they could see the Alliance fran\u00e7aise today?<\/strong><\/p>\n

PSH:<\/span> I think they would be proud, and surprised that it\u2019s so successful today. Theirs was an era in which one expressed one\u2019s political ideas in one\u2019s actions; in their case by sharing a noble idea, based on deep values of cultural diversity and exchange, and with a great pride in their language and culture.<\/p>\n

CL:<\/span> What is the most interesting aspect of the founding of the Alliance Fran\u00e7aise?<\/strong><\/p>\n

PSH:<\/span> I think that what they had in common was that they were visionaries. They were very creative people, who had already played innovative roles in their different fields. Although grounded in the present, they were looking to the future. And this might be the defining quality of our own Alliance fran\u00e7aise network.<\/p>\n

CL:<\/span> Could you tell us about the events that the AFPIF is organising to mark the 130th anniversary?<\/strong><\/p>\n

PSH:<\/span> We\u2019re having a gala dinner on 10 October\u00a0– our very first. It will be at La Coupole and it\u2019s going to be a very big celebratory gathering. It will be a key moment for looking further afield, towards the future.\u00a0 The idea is to increase awareness of us among Parisians generally, as well as businesses, and our large cultural partners. We will also be organising various gatherings and cultural events throughout this commemorative year, and extending into 2014.<\/p>\n

Pascale’s favourite places in Paris<\/h2>\n

To eat<\/h3>\n

This is difficult because I love food and have loads of ideas, but\u2026 I do have three favourite places.<\/p>\n

Chez Marcel<\/a> isn\u2019t far from the Alliance francaise; it\u2019s a small Parisian restaurant, a brasserie, bistro, with a welcoming charm, and a chef who listens to you. I recommend the delicious praline tart. It\u2019s a place you should get to know. Reservations are required.<\/p>\n

7 rue Stanislas, 75006 Paris
\nM\u00e9tro: Notre Dame des Champs<\/a> or Vanvin<\/a><\/address>\n

\"Musee<\/a><\/p>\n

The Museum of Romantic Life<\/a>\u00a0(above) –\u00a0brunch on Sunday morning under the canopy.<\/p>\n

16 rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris
\nM\u00e9tro: Blanche<\/a>, Pigalle<\/a>, Saint Georges<\/a><\/address>\n

The Pagoda Cinema<\/a>.<\/p>\n

57 Bis rue de Babylone, 75007 Paris
\nM\u00e9tro: Saint-Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier<\/a><\/address>\n
\"Cin\u00e9ma<\/a><\/address>\n

And for sweet things…<\/strong><\/p>\n

The not-to-be-missed Pierre Herm\u00e9<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Various locations<\/a> in Paris.<\/address>\n

There\u2019s a Japanese pastry chef working on a great concept [at Patisserie Sadaharu AOKI<\/a>]. It\u2019s based on French pastry, but transformed with Japanese flavours. The tradition of both countries – so symbolic for the Alliance fran\u00e7aise – the meeting of two or more cultures. It\u2019s next to Monoprix Gourmand, in the rue Vaugirard.<\/p>\n

35 rue de Vaugirard,\u00a075006\u00a0Paris
\nM\u00e9tro: Rennes<\/a> or Saint-Placide<\/a><\/address>\n

There\u2019s a little confectioner\u2019s near the Metro Duroc, which sells old-fashioned French bonbons: Les Gourmandises de Nathalie<\/a>.<\/p>\n

67 boulevard des Invalides,\u00a075007\u00a0Paris
\nM\u00e9tro: Duroc<\/a><\/address>\n

\"Les<\/a><\/p>\n

To drink<\/h3>\n

The rum distillery in Saint-Germain-des-Pr\u00e8s – La Rhumerie<\/a>. Best rum-based cocktails in Paris.<\/p>\n

166 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
\nM\u00e9tro: Saint-German-des-Pr\u00e9s<\/a> or Mabillon<\/a><\/address>\n

\"Rue<\/p>\n

To shop<\/h3>\n

Rue du Dragon<\/a>, in the 6\u00e8me (pictured left).<\/p>\n

To play<\/h3>\n

Museum of Fairground Arts<\/a><\/p>\n

53 Avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris
\nM\u00e9tro: Cour Saint-Emilion<\/a><\/address>\n

For a day trip<\/h3>\n

I like golf, so I recommend playing golf\u00a0 in front of the Chateau de Maintenon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2 Place Aristide Briand, 28130 Maintenon, France<\/address>\n

<\/h2>\n

Merci Pascale, for speaking with My French Life\u2122 – it was a pleasure to get to know you better!<\/b><\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

What are you passionate about when it comes to France: the language, food, culture, fashion?<\/b>\u00a0Join the conversation by commenting in the box below.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n
Image credits:<\/span>
\n 1. \u00a9 Alliance fran\u00e7aise Paris \u00cele-de-France<\/span>
\n 2. All portraits via Wikipedia<\/span>
\n 3. La Mus\u00e9e de la Vie Romantique<\/a>, by gabrilu via Fotopedia.<\/span>
\n4. Cin\u00e9ma La Pagode, Paris (1977)<\/a> via Wikipedia.<\/span>
\n5. Les Gourmandises de Nathalie<\/a>, via Yelp.<\/span>
\n6. Rue du Dragon<\/a>, via Wikipedia.<\/span><\/address>\n

<\/h2>\n
Proud\u00a0Partner<\/a>\u00a0of\u00a0Alliance fran\u00e7ai<\/a>se Paris\u00a0\u00cele-de-France<\/a>\u00a0(AFPIF)<\/address>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

130 years after the creation of Alliance fran\u00e7aise in Paris in 1883 – Read about Pascale de Schuyter Hualpa, Directrice of Alliance fran\u00e7aise in Paris & her passion for France et la langue fran\u00e7aise.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1556,"featured_media":67803,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[1096,1089,1125,1261],"tags":[213,220,236,237,240,253,281,287,366,368,373,384,172,436,196,1093,197,211],"class_list":["post-67585","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-french-focus","category-vie-francaise","category-columns","category-interviews","tag-france","tag-french","tag-french-guide","tag-french-history","tag-french-life","tag-french-thread","tag-in-english","tag-interview","tag-paris","tag-paris-guide","tag-passion","tag-places-to-go","tag-culture","tag-things-to-do","tag-expat-life","tag-french-language","tag-expats","tag-foreign-language"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theproject.com.au\/myfrenchlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67585","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theproject.com.au\/myfrenchlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theproject.com.au\/myfrenchlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theproject.com.au\/myfrenchlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1556"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theproject.com.au\/myfrenchlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=67585"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/theproject.com.au\/myfrenchlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67585\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theproject.com.au\/myfrenchlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67803"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theproject.com.au\/myfrenchlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67585"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theproject.com.au\/myfrenchlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67585"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theproject.com.au\/myfrenchlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67585"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}