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Language:  Reading & Viewing Questions

Nadeau & Barlow, Ch. 12 Strong Language

1.  Why are the French so vocal about protecting their language?

2.  What is the "Académie française?"

3.  What are some other regional languages in France?  What contributed to their decline in favor of French?

4.  What are some of the differences between Quebec French and Continental French?

5.  In what ways do the French have a "complex" relationship with the English language?

6.  What are some of the strategies the French government uses to promote French culture and language and to protect it from English influence? 

7.  Explain the term, "The cultural exception."

"Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain"

8.  First off, why do you think the title of the movie was changed for the U.S. market?

9.  Amélie lives in Montmartre, a rather famous neighborhood in Paris.  How does the film portray Montmartre? 

10.  What seems particularly "French" to you about this movie?... Consider the characters, the scenery, the situations, the music, the dialogue, etc. 

11.  In what ways can you or can you not identify with Amélie and her desires, dreams, fears & actions?

12.  What are the central themes of "Amélie"?  Do the special effects support or detract from their exploration?