La Francophonie en Tension (Francophonie in Tension)

Learning ObjectivesAnalyze texts about social issues in the French-speaking world.Express an opinion, a doubt, or a hypothesis on complex topics.Correctly use the present subjunctive, the relative pronoun 'dont' (of which/whose) [dohn], and conditional clauses.Understand and discuss cultural and linguistic tensions in the French-speaking world.Imagine you're in a debate about the future of French in Quebec. 🗣️ What points would you use to defend your view on protecting the language? It's a complex issue with many different opinions. In this lesson, we'll learn the language tools to navigate these kinds of discussions. 🍁Real-Life ApplicationsUnderstand international news from French-speaking countries like Senegal, Belgium, or Haiti.Take part in informed conversations about language policy...

French TermWhat it MeansExample in a Sentenceun enjeu (an issue/a stake) [uhn ahn-ZHUH]A problem or important question that is the subject of a debate or conflict.La protection de l'environnement est un enjeu mondial. (Protecting the environment is a global issue.) [la pro-tek-SYOHN duh lahn-vee-ron-MAHN eh tuhn ahn-ZHUH mohn-DYAL]un débat (a debate) [uhn day-BAH]An organized discussion between people who have different opinions on a topic.Il y a eu un grand débat sur la nouvelle loi. (There was a big debate about the new law.) [eel ee ah oo uhn grahn day-BAH soor la noo-VEL lwah]un conflit (a conflict) [uhn kohn-FLEE]An opposition or struggle between people or groups.Le conflit entre les deux groupes a duré plusieurs années. (The conflict between the two groups lasted for several years.)...

1. The Present Subjunctive for Opinions, Wishes, and DoubtsWe use the subjunctive mood to talk about actions or ideas that are uncertain, wished for, or subjective. It's often introduced by the word 'que' (that) [kuh].Rule: Verbs expressing a wish (like 'vouloir que' (to want that) [voo-LWAR kuh]), an emotion (like 'être content que' (to be happy that) [EH-truh kohn-TAHN kuh]), a doubt (like 'douter que' (to doubt that) [doo-TAY kuh]), or impersonal phrases (like 'il faut que' (it is necessary that) [eel foh kuh]) + que (that) [kuh] + subject + verb in the subjunctive.Example: Il est essentiel que nous agissions maintenant. (It is essential that we act now.) [eel eh tay-sahn-SYEL kuh noo zah-zhee-SYOHN mant-NAHN]2. The Relative Pronoun 'dont'The word 'dont' (whose / of which / about which)...