An exhibition called "French through Idioms About Fruits and Vegetables" was inaugurated on March 25, 2025, at the French Consulate General on Le Duan Street in Ho Chi Minh City. This event is part of the annual French Language Month, which aims to promote the French language and culture across the globe.
The exhibition featured 12 captivating photographs that portrayed well-known French idiomatic expressions related to everyday vegetables and fruits. For instance, phrases like "small as three apples" (referring to a small stature) and "having the heart of an artichoke" (being easily hurt) were illustrated visually, helping to bring these idioms to life. Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser, the Consul General of France in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized the significance of the chosen theme, stating, "In French, there are many idioms related to fruits and vegetables which allow for a vivid conveyance of ideas. These idioms can be regarded as historical heritage because many phrases were birthed from daily life centered around agriculture."
Brought together under this creative framework, the exhibition sheds light on the cultural and linguistic connections between France and Vietnam. Pavillon-Grosser pointed out the parallels in idiomatic expressions between the two languages. She noted, "Vietnam, a nation rich in agricultural tradition, also has numerous idioms related to fruits and vegetables, including sayings like 'the older the ginger, the spicier it gets' and 'the thick skin of the tangerine has sharp nails.'" The similarities underscore a mutual appreciation for agriculture that transcends linguistic barriers.
The launch event was more than just an exhibition; it was a celebration of cultural exchange involving students from various schools engaged in French language education. Participants included students from Minh Dao Elementary School, Colette Middle School, and Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted, alongside students from several French international schools. These students had the unique opportunity to engage with French culinary traditions and culture through interactive activities, including a tasting challenge where they were blindfolded to guess the ingredients used.
Highlighting the collaboration between Vietnamese and French educational institutions, Jaime Peypoch, a representative of the French Culture and Space Association (CEF), commented, "The photographs taken by the students and proudly exhibited at the Consulate perfectly reflect the spirit of cooperation and sharing." His remarks underline the significance of such events in fostering friendships and enhancing language skills among students from different cultural backgrounds.
A choir of over 80 French-speaking students from Marguerite Duras French International School and Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted performed during the opening ceremony, delivering a lively rendition of French songs that added to the festive atmosphere of the event. This performance not only entertained attendees but also embodied the collaborative spirit that the exhibition aimed to promote.
The Flavors Contest, which has been held annually since 2022, served as a backdrop for many of the photographs displayed at the exhibition. This contest, organized by CEF in alignment with the spirit of the Flavors Week held in France each October, emphasizes the importance of food and agricultural produce in fostering community ties and understanding various cultures.
As the exhibition progresses throughout the month, attendees will have several opportunities to learn more about the idioms that form part of the rich tapestry of the French language. The event serves as a reminder of the powerful connections forged through language, culture, and shared experiences, showing how gastronomic traditions and idiomatic expressions can unite people across geographic and cultural divides.
In summary, the "French through Idioms About Fruits and Vegetables" exhibition not only celebrates language but also underscores the importance of cultural exchange in education. The vibrant expressions of French culture resonate with the agricultural heritage of Vietnam, showing that no matter the language, there are universal themes that connect us all.
