BBC Learning English
Words in the News
5th November 2010
French rockers are singing in English
There are growing numbers of rock bands in France singing in English rather than French.
Musicians are familiar with American and English rock culture and believe English is the
most natural language to use when they perform. Hugh Schofield reports:
The breakthrough for bands that sing in English has not been straightforward. Under
France s cultural protection laws, radio stations can only play a set amount of English-
language music, and most prefer to fill their quota with actual British or American bands.
That means little airtime for French-English bands.
There s also a feeling among some critics that singing in English is perhaps a bit of a cop
out. But for the members of Anorak, in rehearsal here outside Paris, singing in English is
simply a recognition of changing times.
The internet generation cares little for national barriers, today s French youngsters are
tuned into English like everyone else is, so why feel guilty? Language has always been a vital
part of French culture, so whether you like it or resent it, what s happening is undoubtedly
significant. Young French musicians are abandoning their linguistic heritage, and joining the
globalised world.
Hugh Schofield, BBC News, Paris
Words in the News © British Broadcasting Corporation 2010
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Vocabulary and definitions
breakthrough important development or achievement
quota an agreed quantity of something
airtime broadcast time on the radio or TV
a feeling among shared opinion within a group
a bit of a cop-out choosing an easier option that may be disappointing to
come
in rehearsal preparing for a performance
internet generation people who have grown up using the internet from a young
age
cares little for does not have very much interest in a topic
a vital part a very important or essential role
linguistic heritage a long tradition of using their own language
More on this story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11663306
Read and listen to the story and the vocabulary online:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2010/11/101105_witn_french_bands_page.shtml
Words in the News © British Broadcasting Corporation 2010
Page 2 of 2
bbclearningenglish.com