On March 25, 2025, the Consulate General of France in Ho Chi Minh City launched an exhibition entitled "French Through Idioms about Fruits and Vegetables" at the French Residence located at 6 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. This exhibition features 14 colorful photos that depict various French idioms related to fruits and vegetables, highlighting the rich cultural exchanges between Vietnam and France.
The event coincides with the French Language Month, celebrated annually in March, and aims to showcase the vibrant imagery of the French language through idiomatic expressions. According to Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser, the Consul General of France in Ho Chi Minh City, "In French, there are many idioms related to fruits and vegetables that allow for vivid and pictorial expression. These idioms can be seen as historical legacies, as many phrases originated from daily life revolving around agriculture. Similar to Vietnam, a country rich in agricultural traditions, there are also many idioms related to fruits and vegetables."
The exhibition is set to be displayed on the wall of the French Residence until June 2025. The French Residence itself is an iconic example of 19th-century Indochinese architecture, and at 153 years old (built in 1872), it adds historical significance to the event. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the exhibition during European Heritage Days on September 17 each year, a tradition initiated by the French Ministry of Culture in 1984, allowing the public to appreciate cultural heritage.
The exhibition's photos were taken during the annual “Flavor” contest organized by the Association of French Language and Culture. Students from various schools in Ho Chi Minh City, including Boule & Billes, La Petite Ecole, Marguerite Duras, Saint Ange, Colette, Hong Bang, Marie Curie, Minh Dao, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, and Tran Van On, participated in interpreting the French idioms about fruits and vegetables.
This collaborative effort from the students not only showcases their understanding of the French language but also emphasizes an interesting similarity between French and Vietnamese idioms. For example, the expression “miệng hình trái chuối” (literally meaning "mouth shaped like a banana"), evokes the image of a broad smile akin to the curve of a banana. This mirrors similar imaginative expressions found in Vietnamese language, such as “gừng càng già càng cay” (the older the ginger, the spicier), or “vỏ quýt dày có móng tay nhọn” (a thick tangerine peel has sharp nails), which carry rich metaphorical meanings that reflect cultural nuances.
In addition to celebrating linguistic richness, the event signifies Vietnam's continued commitment to the Francophonie community, where it serves as an active member of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). The occasion underscores the cordial relations between Vietnam and France, exemplified by Vietnam’s participation in significant Francophone events, including the 19th Francophone Summit held in Paris in October 2024, attended by General Secretary To Lam, and the hosting of two notable Francophone conferences by Can Tho in January 2025.
Currently, approximately 321 million individuals across five continents speak French, making it one of the world's most taught and widespread languages, second only to English. This underscores the importance of such cultural events that not only teach language but also connect people through shared histories and meanings.
The Consulate General’s efforts through exhibitions like this aim to enhance cultural interactions and promote France's rich linguistic heritage while fostering deeper ties with Vietnamese culture. As we delve into the vast world of idioms, we uncover not just the language but the shared experiences and values that bind communities together.
This exhibition serves as a vibrant reminder of the intricacies of language and culture, illustrating how idioms can serve not only as everyday expressions but also as bridges connecting two distinct cultures through their historical narratives.
In closing, the exhibition at the French Residence showcases a delightful intersection of art, language, and education, inviting everyone to explore and appreciate the playful nuances that both cultures represented through idioms.
