News in Slow French #761 – French Course with Current Events
Date: September 25, 2025
Hosts: Imane (A), Dominique (B)
Episode Overview
This episode of News in Slow French covers international political news, recent scientific research, and French cultural events, all while focusing on language learning for intermediate students. Main topics include President Trump's controversial address to the United Nations, accusations against former Philippine President Duterte, scientific discoveries related to caffeine and dreams, the playful Higgs-Nobel prizes, a lesson on French imperfect tense (l’imparfait), a deep dive into France’s cultural heritage, and a common French expression.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Introduction and Episode Outline
[00:11–02:13]
- Imane and Dominique greet listeners and preview the main topics:
- Trump's contentious UN speech, particularly on immigration and climate change.
- Former President Duterte's crimes against humanity charges.
- The link between caffeine consumption and vivid dreaming.
- Higgs-Nobel prize discussion: fun and creative science awards.
- French language focus: imperfect tense, third group verbs, cultural deep dive into France's architectural heritage, Institut Pasteur, and the expression "se croire sorti de la cuisse de Jupiter".
“Nous commencerons la première partie de notre émission par quelques réflexions sur le discours du président Trump à l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies...”
— Imane [00:35]
2. French Language and Culture Segment Preview
[02:13–03:59]
- The rest of the episode focuses on:
- The final lesson in the imperfect tense series, emphasizing irregular verbs.
- Journees Européennes du Patrimoine, specifically architectural heritage, and the Institut Pasteur.
- The use and meaning of the French idiom: "se croire sorti de la cuisse de Jupiter."
- The modern experience of Versailles with virtual reality tours.
“Cette semaine, nous terminerons notre série de leçons sur l’imparfait. La dernière leçon sera les verbes du troisième groupe...”
— Dominique [02:13]
3. Trump’s Speech at the UN
[03:59–07:41]
- Donald Trump delivered a disjointed, hour-long speech at the United Nations on his 80th birthday, sharply criticizing the institution, proclaiming himself as the world’s only true problem-solver.
- Called climate change “la plus grande arnaque” and a “canular,” and accused environmentalists of irrational policies to “tuer toutes les vaches.”
- Mocked renewable energy: “une plaisanterie et une escroquerie,” and praised fossil fuels, especially “de beaux charbons propres.”
- Attacked Sadiq Khan, London’s Muslim mayor, and claimed immigrants are ruining European heritage.
- Asserted that all Muslims in the West want to impose sharia law.
- Discussion highlights Trump's confrontational attitude and disregard for established science.
“Trump a qualifié le changement climatique de plus grande arnaque et de canular. Il a accusé les écologistes de vouloir tuer toutes les vaches.”
— Imane [04:25]“Tu sais, j’ai été vraiment choqué d’entendre Trump dire que le changement climatique est la plus grande arnaque jamais vue.”
— Dominique [06:16]“Il se moque du concept de l’empreinte carbone qu’il a présenté comme un canular inventé par des gens mal intentionnés.”
— Imane [07:12]
Memorable Moments and Tone
- Dominique expresses shock at Trump's rhetoric.
- Imane and Dominique reflect on the dangers of a world leader openly mocking scientific consensus and how his position protects him from direct rebuke.
“Il sait que sa position ne sera pas ouvertement contestée par d’autres pays. Du moins, il semble compter là-dessus. Et il pourrait avoir raison. C’est effrayant.”
— Dominique [07:41]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- “[Trump] s’est vanté d’avoir mis fin à cette guerre et a affirmé que la situation des autres pays était en train de se détériorer...”
— Imane [04:10] - “Il a rejeté les énergies renouvelables qui sont pour lui de la plaisanterie et une escroquerie.”
— Imane [04:42] - “Exactement. On s’attendrait à ce qu’un leader mondial fasse un peu plus attention à ce qu’il dit.”
— Dominique [07:12]
Additional Segments Previewed for Full Episode
- Duterte’s Crimes (Upcoming in Full Episode)
- Discussion on the charges against the former Philippine president.
- Science News (Upcoming)
- Findings linking caffeine intake to vivid dreams.
- Higgs-Nobel Prizes (Upcoming)
- Exploration of this year’s quirky scientific awards.
- French Grammar & Expression (Upcoming)
- Focus on irregular verbs in the imperfect tense and the idiom “se croire sorti de la cuisse de Jupiter.”
- Heritage weekend and the new virtual Versailles experience.
Important Timestamps
- 00:11 – Show introduction and greetings
- 00:35 – Episode preview and main topics
- 02:13 – Language and culture objectives for the episode
- 03:59 – Trump’s speech at the United Nations
- 06:16 – Hosts discuss shock at Trump’s climate change denial
- 07:41 – Reflection on international responses to Trump
Tone and Style
The hosts’ exchanges blend clear French with discussion paced for learners, maintaining an approachable and slightly playful tone, especially regarding quirky topics like the Higgs-Nobel prizes. Political discussions are straightforward, occasionally critical, but always aimed at language comprehension and vocabulary building.
For New Listeners
If you missed the episode, this summary covers the main events and discussion points. The full episode (available for subscribers) promises detailed explorations of science, heritage, language lessons, and more vivid examples of French in real contexts. It’s an engaging listen for learners seeking both contemporary news and practical language skills.