"The measure of a Life is its Service."
The Sam Houston State University foreign languages department will celebrate National French Week beginning Saturday (Nov. 1), with numerous events scheduled to promote awareness about French culture.
This is the fourth year the department has sponsored the week's activities, which are all open to the public.
"The AATF (American Association of Teachers of French) created National French Week to promote love and admiration for the French language and francophone culture," said Shirin Edwin, assistant professor of French.
On Saturday (Nov. 1), the festivities will begin with a poster and craft competition from 2-7 p.m. in Evans Building Room 320. During the competition, members of the community are encouraged to come and show off their artistic abilities and take part in decorating the halls in the Evans Building to help set the mood for French culture.
On Sunday (Nov. 2), the department will begin a French film series with "Au revoir les enfants" at 3 p.m. and "Les Triplettes de Belleville" at 6 p.m.
The series continues the following Saturday (Nov. 8) with" La vie en rose" at 3 p.m. and "Le Ballon rouge" at 6 p.m. Finally, "Joyeux Noel" will cap off the series on Sunday (Nov. 9) at 3 p.m.
Each of the five award-winning films will be shown in Evans Building Room 313. Popcorn, sodas and cookies will be served during the movies.
The French Poetry Reading competition and soiree de musique, "one of the more popular events of National French Week," will take place on Thursday (Nov. 6) from 5-6:30 p.m., according to Edwin.
During the competition in Evans Building Room 105, participants read a French poem of their choice and will be awarded based on their pronunciation and reading ability.
The competition has grown from 16 participants in the first year to 42 participants last year. Edwin anticipates there to be an even greater turn out of competitors for 2008.
A short reception, with a collection a French music will follow the competition.
To wrap up the celebration, the "Soiree of French Cuisine," including an assortment of French foods and beverages, takes place on Nov. 11 at 4 p.m. in Evans Building Room 317.
According to Edwin, National French Week has had a tremendous growth in popularity among faculty, students and the Huntsville community.
The observation was first implemented in 2001 by the American Association of Teachers of French.
For more information on the week, contact Edwin at see001@shsu.edu or 936.294.4732.
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Oct. 30, 2008
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"The measure of a Life is its Service."