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The battle between old and new France is now impossible to ignore
Columnist Nabila Ramdani argues that the colonial mindset is still very strong in a country looking to the past
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France’s speed cameras are infuriating – and that’s why they keep getting vandalised
Columnist Samantha David says the devices seem designed to catch drivers out
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Reinstating the French monarchy makes no sense at all
Columnist Nick Inman argues against a right-wing delusion
Teaching hero
Your recent invitation to share “language contretemps ” led to a happy memory and a surprising discovery.
My school textbook was written by my two teachers of French, one of whom was a Frenchman named John Jammes.
I discovered recently he was a World War Two hero and was remembered on the school’s former pupils’ Facebook group: “Former French teacher John Jammes (1955-68) was a member of the French Resistance and was awarded the Croix de Guerre in recognition for his bravery and heroism.
“A popular figure within the school community, John spends his retirement sharing his wartime experiences with the younger generation.”
The textbook remains a prized possession as it was signed by both authors:
Alan Francis, Manche
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