Actual conversation that recently took place in a 90 Degrees office.
J: As-tu vu? On a donné un nom aux plantes dans notre bureau.
Me: Cool! Oh, I see, you wrote them on Post-its. Umm…RiRi, FiFi, and LouLou? Who are they?
J: Ce sont les neveux de Picsou.
Me: Erm… Is that an Astérix thing? Or a Tintin thing?
St: Non. C’est des canards. Ils existent en anglais.
Me: Oh, you mean Huey, Dewey and Louie? Nephews of Donald Duck?
St + J (emphatically): Oui!
Me: I think I prefer the English version. They sound like girl names in French…
These types of conversation are commonplace in our office. We switch between the two languages so frequently – and unconsciously – that an English copywriter often finds him/herself speaking French to a francophone colleague who replies in English.
But the ease with which all employees can move between English and French is one of the great assets of life at 90 Degrees. And this is true whether we’re discussing a project, laughing about last night’s Presidential debate, or making fun of Adriana for knocking over yet another glass of water near an electrical source (sorry Marc-Olivier!).
Language not as a barrier – but as an opportunity
Although we come from different linguistic/social backgrounds — and thus have different cultural references, we revel in the discoveries and hilarity that come with bridging that gap. It all comes down to being on the same creative wavelength. As we are from the same age group, have avid interests in reading, music, movies and the world at large, and work in the same industry, we are naturally drawn together and can find common points to discuss – regardless of mother tongue.
Ultimately, our clients reap the greatest reward because our versatility with language translates into killer text in both English and French. But it also produces a pleasant and interactive work environment where employees experience a broader spectrum for expression.
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Dario Palombi, Contributor
