By: Benedict Smythe
Submitted: 2008-10-11 20:36:13 | Word Count: 487
If you love food and love going out with people you care about, then you are the person that will never miss a picnic.
Did you know that picnic is an event that started in France? Picnic or Pique nique is a word coined by the French for their indoor food sharing in the early 17th century. The tradition spread to England and other countries. By the 19th century, picnic is a word adopted by languages all over the globe.
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Picnic is even featured in some of the greatest paintings by famous artists. If you are into arts, then try to look up Dejeuner sur lherbe (Lunch on the Grass) by Edouard Manet. This painting which was created in 1863 inspired other works from renowned maestros like Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, and Paul Cezanne.
Le Pique nique like you re in Paris
Any sunny, warm day is perfect for picnic. It will be nice to picnic like youre in Paris and share the language with other people who have the same interest.
The basket will not just over flow with food and drinks, but with exchanges of thoughts, experiences, and languages.
If you are going to have a picnic with friends who are also trying to learn the language, try to encourage everyone to use some of these phrases:
Piqueniquer to picnic
Sur l herbe on the grass
La pelouse lawn
Le dιjeuner lunch
Faire un pique nique to have a picnic
En plein air in the open air
Passez moi Pass me
S il vous plaξt Please
Merci Thank you
De Rien/Pas de quoi You re welcome
Bon appιtit Enjoy your meal
J ai faim I m hungry
J ai soif I m thirsty
Un panier a basket
Une nappe tablecloth
Une assiette plate
Une fourchette fork
Une cuillθre spoon
Un couteau knife
Un verre glass
Une tasse cup
What will the picnic be without a very nice menu? Here s a list of some common food.
Le jambon ham
Le gβteau cake
La tarte pie
Le chocolat chocolate
Le vin wine (sparkling juice for the kids)
L eau minιrale mineral water
L Orangina an orange soda
La baguette French bread
Le fromage cheese
Les fruits fruits
Les raisins grapes
La pomme apple
La quiche quiche
Le sandwich sandwich
Learning the French Language
As you can see, learning the French language can go beyond than the usual classroom set up or the use of audio CD or flashcards. It can be fun time learning with friends during some picnic on the grass. An activity like this breaks the monotony that makes learning a bit boring.
It can be a daunting task to learn a language, but knowing how you can help your brain absorb the new words and phrases will hasten the process. Dont forget to enjoy the food though when you go on a pique nique.
