MetaFilter posts tagged with French and Canada

Les érections de Stephen Harper

Capt. Renault — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:07:36 -0800

Les érections de Stephen Harper. (SL video) (SFW). Speaking in French, Prime Minister Stephen Harper asks the hard questions about Canadian "érections". (Via MontrealMemes)

Rock and roll / Rock et roll

asnider — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:37:01 -0800

While Quebec’s status as the only primarily French-speaking province in Canada has resulted in a distinct cultural industry—particularly with regard to film and music—the province still enjoys many cultural products from English Canada. While movies and TV shows are often subtitled or dubbed into French, it is rare that the same is true of music. A notable exception is the music of Toronto-based Big Sugar. In 1996, Big Sugar decided to record a French-language version of their single “Open Up Baby.” The song, titled “Ouvre-toi Bébé”, was a big hit on Quebec radio stations. As a result, the band recorded French versions of each single they released from their 1999 follow-up album. The French songs were eventually compiled on an EP titled Chauffe à bloc. In 2001, the band decided to go beyond just recording French versions of the singles and recorded an entire album in both official languages: Brothers and Sisters, Are You Ready? / Brothers and Sisters, Êtes Vous Ready? The English version of the album was nominated for Best Rock Album at the 2002 Juno Awards, while the French version included four French-only tracks not included on the English version. After playing what was to be their final show on New Year's Eve, 2003, the band has since reformed and released a new full length album—in English only—in 2011. Bonus links: A few English songs:

A few French songs:

Speak white

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 13:00:27 -0800

Speak white .

Don't speak.

maudlin — Thu, 05 Jun 2003 17:52:39 -0800

This mildly salacious Mini commercial showed up halfway through the Canadian broadcast of The Amazing Race tonight. But the French version seems to work even better with the subtle use of captions and slightly louder gasping. Cheap production trick for the bilingual Canadian market or Gallic subtlety? (Quicktime required)

Dubbing the Simpsons

joeclark — Thu, 04 Jan 2001 16:28:07 -0800

Dubbing the Simpsons Should The Simpsons in French be egalitarian or classist? Depends on whether you use Quebec or national French, apparently. (Second article.)

October Coffee Crisis.

todd — Thu, 12 Oct 2000 04:45:21 -0800

October Coffee Crisis. Montreal Gazette: "In its communiques, the BAF warned that Second Cup franchises were to be 'in the line of fire' and warned of an escalation of violent acts if Second Cup and other chains insist on keeping their trademark English names." More Trudeau nostalgia?