A look into the French world

By Yaa Antwi

Blog Content Contributor

Bonjour! The French Club at Texas offers a multitude of opportunities for student to lean about France and French culture.

Le Cercle Français, also known as the French club, is open to all students interested in French language and French culture. From speaking of French arts to French cuisine, the French club brings France to the Texas State campus.

Like other multicultural clubs at Texas State, the French opens up multiple avenues for students to be involved in gaining knowledge on international affairs. Officers choose matching themes that match French-based traditions while also implementing a way for members to learn about other cultures influenced by France.. Other events include the French Club mixing the Reign of Terror with Halloween, French Karaoke and Mardi Gras.

“Every meeting had a theme for example, in February they were a Saint Valentines theme,” Professor Di Mauro-Jackson said. “It focused on how they celebrate valentine’s day in France and French speaking worlds and one of the themes match Pancake celebration that is French Canadian but there’s always a theme.”

The French club also collaborates with other language groups, associations, other universities and various option. The French club partners with other groups such International Student and Scholar Services to bridge connections for a combination of experiences for Texas State students.

“One of our officers is also an officer in another organization and we love to use that to connect,” said Di Mauro-Jackson. “We are better through collaboration and that’s what events such as French Outside of France has turned into.”

French Outside of France, an event that has carried on for three years, originates from a cultural festival that was put on by the French Embassy in the U.S. Each focus will be on the family, food and fraternity of the Francophone world. This event involves guest speakers from places such as Senegal, Quebec and other French speaking municipals to showcase how different culture is within these French speaking places.

“A lot of people don’t know just how much French is spoken in African and the Caribbeans and different parts of the world,” said President Eden Reichert. “So, we just try to show people that and that’s why we get speakers for example from Senegal, Canada, Egypt and Guadalupe and they present their culture.

People looking to learn about France and French culture are encouraged to join, even if they’re currently not associated with French classes or organizations. While French is commonly spoken at these meetings, it’s paired with English for beginners and anyone looking to join.

“We do try to have that balance between learning French and people learning about the culture and the actual language,” said Reichert. “Even if you don’t speak French, you’re welcome to come.”

Meetings are every other Tuesday in Centennial Hall room 100 and snacks and cultural food are occasionally provided at these meetings. The French club offers ample opportunities to expose people to the varieties of French culture.

“Our last meeting, we are doing what French children do in France and we’re having baguettes with a bar of chocolate in it,” said Clegg. “If anyone is really wanting bread or chocolate, come to our last meeting and get some exposure to France.”