Last week I told both of my 4ieme classes (French equivalent of 7th graders) to work in groups of four and create sketches. One of the scenarios I assigned is "Teacher talks with a student," and I suggested they discuss a recent exam grade, or something like that. Here's what one group came up with, performed yesterday:
"Teacher" : Hello Johnny.
"Student" : Hello Mr. Bean.
T: Can I talk with you?
S: Yes. When?
T: Now.
S: OK.
"Student" sits down, "Teacher" stays standing.
T: You're a loser.
That's it. I once heard that French is the language of diplomacy because one can say many words without saying much of anything, so I guess this is what happens when you translate - or distill - from French to English.
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1 comment:
Sean, that sketch is a brilliant expression of their experience in talking with teachers. The economy of language is breathtaking.
It says to me that one thought has been communicated the most to that group of students by teachers: You are a loser.
You used the contraction "you're" in translation, so the phrase loses some formality and, with it, some force. With the contraction, it is a throwaway line in America; I'm not sure that is so in France.
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