Wednesday, 24 January 2024

Francophone songs for teaching: an index

I love using songs when teaching French.  They help to introduce language and culture, they make a lesson memorable, and they can motivate learners to keep listening after the lesson.

TEACHING
Here's a sequence I can recommend:

  1. Listen to the song
  2. Follow a gap fill version - the gaps are all at the ends of the sentences, and the words needed are all listed alphabetically at the side
  3. Select the words to fill the gaps -  this could be done by guessing them in advance of hearing a second time
  4. Listen and perhaps pause at the end of each line
  5. Check answers against a version which has a translation
  6. Read aloud with a partner
  7. Only at the end - watch the video!  (This is the carrot!!)
  8. OPTIONAL: sing along / dance.
  9. IDEAL: Add to personal playlist and collect more from singers you like.

I find that this sequence works for all learners, and that comprehension of the words is not necessary to make it a worthwhile exercise.  Recognising sound/spelling is rewarding on its own.
Usually there is a natural desire to know what the words mean, but that can come later.

RESOURCES
I have created a section in my 'Miss Myers Learning French' Google site devoted to songs and on the home page of the section I have just published a link to a spreadsheet listing songs which I have used with my French classes. There are  more to come, including links to online exercises I have created using TeachVid and Textivate.  I have put examples below the spreadsheet.

The columns are as follows:
  • Artist  - usually full name
  • Title  - song title
  • Date  - approximate date (I found these in seconds via ChatGPT - they may not be totally accurate)
  • Topic  - my own judgement of topic - most of them are 'relationships' unsurprisingly!
  • Language  - if I have selected song for a specific language reason, I write it here
  • Resource link  - link to a document in my Google drive.  Usually (but not always) French / translation / gap-fill exercise 
  • Video  - usually referenced in document, but I hope to get around to putting direct link on the spreadsheet.
Hope someone finds this useful!  There are bound to be typos / mistakes, and I would welcome any corrections or advice.

I have written a separate blogpost with some ideas for other singers which may appeal to teachers and/or students here.

Thanks to Caroline Grant for inspiring me to do this!  All the best  to her  lucky students!

Tuesday, 23 January 2024

Chat GPT finds dates of songs in seconds

I am putting together a list of songs I've used in my teaching.  I have written a list in an Excel spreadsheet.  I was painstakingly going through each one to find an approximate date of release.  Then I decided to try out ChatGPT.  Again, I am AMAZED at the speed with which it can come up with the information.

Of course there is  a caveat from ChatGPT: "Please note that some of these songs may have been released in different versions or as part of albums with different release years. The years provided are based on the most well-known or original releases."  I'm fine with that!

Here's a copy and paste of the first part.  It even copes with my many typos / mistakes!

Wow.  Just, wow.  

User:

When were these songs released? 

ChatGPT

I'm sorry, but you haven't provided a list of songs for me to check their release dates. Could you please provide the names of the songs you're interested in, and I'll do my best to provide their release dates?


User

Bori+B13:C105s Vian Le déserteur

Calogero Les feux d'artifice

C'est ma terre

Christophe Mae Belle demoiselle

Claude Nougaro Assez

Claude Nougaro Tu verras

Claudio Capéo Ça va

Corneille Seuk au monde

Corneille Le bon dieu est une femme

Desireless Voyage voyage

Diam's + Vitaa Confessions nocturnes

Eddt de Pretto Normal

Edith Piaf Je ne regrette rien

Edith Piaf Je ne regrette rien

Flight of the Conchords Foux de fa fa

Francis Cabrel Octobre

Francis Cabrel Petite Marie

Francis Cabrel Repondez-moi

Francis Cabrel L'encre de tes yeux

ChatGPT

Here are the release years for the songs you provided:


Boris Vian - "Le déserteur" - 1954

Calogero - "Les feux d'artifice" - 2014

Calogero - "C'est ma terre" - 2007

Christophe Maé - "Belle demoiselle" - 2008

Claude Nougaro - "Assez" - 1989

Claude Nougaro - "Tu verras" - 1995

Claudio Capéo - "Ça va" - 2016

Corneille - "Seul au monde" - 2003

Corneille - "Le bon dieu est une femme" - 2005

Désirless - "Voyage voyage" - 1986

Diam's + Vitaa - "Confessions nocturnes" - 2006

Eddy de Pretto - "Normal" - 2018

Édith Piaf - "Non, je ne regrette rien" - 1960

Édith Piaf - "Non, je ne regrette rien" - 1961

Flight of the Conchords - "Foux du fafa" - 2008

Francis Cabrel - "Octobre" - 1980

Francis Cabrel - "Petite Marie" - 1977

Francis Cabrel - "Répondez-moi" - 1994

Francis Cabrel - "L'encre de tes yeux" - 1979


ChatGPT recommendations: francophone song

 I have recently been asked for recommendations for francophone singers to use in the FLE classroom.

 I selected my Zaz/ISA CD album to listen to in the background (-yes, I still like having physical CDs!), and asked these 3 questions.  I am just SO impressed!

 User

Please list francophone singers who are popular with teachers

ChatGPT

Certainly! It's important to note that musical preferences can vary widely among individuals, including teachers. However, I can provide a list of francophone singers who have gained popularity and recognition across different audiences. Keep in mind that popularity may change over time, and new artists may have emerged since my last knowledge update in January 2022. Here are some francophone singers who have been well-received:

 Édith Piaf - Known for her iconic voice and timeless classics.

Charles Aznavour - A prolific singer-songwriter with a vast catalog of emotional and poetic songs.

Jacques Brel - A Belgian singer-songwriter whose work is highly regarded for its depth and storytelling.

Céline Dion - A global superstar with a powerful voice and numerous hits.

Johnny Hallyday - Often referred to as the "French Elvis," he was a rock and roll icon in the French-speaking world.

Zaz - A contemporary singer known for her unique voice and a mix of jazz, French chanson, and gypsy music.

Stromae - A Belgian artist who blends electronic music with insightful lyrics, gaining international acclaim.

Francis Cabrel - A singer-songwriter known for his poetic and introspective songs.

Mylène Farmer - An influential figure in French pop music, recognized for her artistic and theatrical performances.

Jean-Jacques Goldman - A highly successful songwriter and performer with a significant impact on French music.

These artists cover a range of genres and styles, so you might find something that resonates with different tastes. Keep in mind that music preferences are subjective, and teachers may have diverse tastes as well.

 User

Please list francophone singers who are popular with francophone teenagers

ChatGPT

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the popularity of singers among francophone teenagers can be dynamic and subject to change. New artists may have emerged, and trends may have shifted. However, here are some francophone singers who were popular with teenagers around that time:

 Angèle - A Belgian singer-songwriter known for her catchy pop songs and relatable lyrics.

Aya Nakamura - A French-Malian pop and R&B artist with energetic and danceable tracks.

Nekfeu - A French rapper and member of the group L'Entourage, appreciated for his thoughtful lyrics.

Orelsan - A French rapper and songwriter, known for his clever and humorous approach to storytelling.

Lomepal - A versatile artist blending rap and melodic elements in his music.

Ninho - A popular French rapper with a distinctive style and numerous hits.

Vitaa - A French R&B singer known for her collaborations with other artists and solo work.

Slimane - Winner of The Voice France, his soulful voice and pop-infused songs have gained popularity.

PNL - A French rap duo consisting of two brothers, known for their atmospheric and introspective style.

Aloïse Sauvage - A singer, rapper, and actress whose music often explores personal and social themes.

Remember that music trends can evolve quickly, and new artists may have risen to popularity since my last update. It's always a good idea to check current charts, social media, and streaming platforms for the latest information on popular francophone artists among teenagers.

 User

Could you give me ten more examples for each category?

ChatGPT

Certainly! Here are ten more examples of francophone singers who were popular around 2022, considering both general popularity and appeal to teenagers:

Popular with Teachers:

 Raphaël - A singer-songwriter known for his poetic and introspective songs.

Carla Bruni - An Italian-French singer-songwriter with a soothing and elegant style.

Benjamin Biolay - A singer and composer recognized for his sophisticated and melodic compositions.

Louane - A singer and actress who gained fame through The Voice France and her role in the film "La Famille Bélier."

Michel Sardou - A veteran singer with a vast repertoire of classic French chansons.

Vanessa Paradis - An actress and singer, known for her early hit "Joe le taxi" and later, more mature work.

Calogero - A pop-rock artist with a successful solo career and collaborations with other musicians.

Alain Souchon - A singer-songwriter celebrated for his witty and poetic compositions.

Christophe Maé - A pop and folk-influenced artist with a soulful voice and catchy melodies.

Julien Doré - A singer-songwriter with a charismatic and playful style.

 

Popular with Francophone Teenagers:

 Lous and The Yakuza - A Congolese-Belgian singer known for her unique blend of pop, R&B, and rap.

Koba LaD - A French rapper recognized for his energetic and streetwise style.

GIMS (Maitre Gims) - A singer and rapper who was part of the group Sexion d'Assaut and later pursued a successful solo career.

Claudio Capéo - A singer and accordionist known for his catchy and folk-influenced songs.

Dadju - A French singer and songwriter, part of the musical group The Shin Sekaï and successful solo artist.

Slimane & Vitaa - A collaboration between Slimane and Vitaa, combining their talents in the French music scene.

Lefa - A rapper and former member of Sexion d'Assaut, known for his solo work as well.

Hoshi - A singer-songwriter with a powerful voice and emotionally charged songs.

Bigflo & Oli - A hip-hop duo consisting of two brothers, known for their thoughtful and socially conscious lyrics.

Aloïse Sauvage - Repeated from the previous list, as she resonates well with both teenagers and a broader audience.

These artists represent a mix of genres and styles, reflecting the diverse musical landscape in the French-speaking world. Keep in mind that popularity can shift, so it's a good idea to check more recent sources for the latest trends.

 User

I recommend Souleymane Diamanka.  Do you know his work?

ChatGPT

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Souleymane Diamanka is a French rapper and slam poet. He is known for his engaging and thought-provoking lyrics, often exploring social issues, identity, and personal experiences. Diamanka's work is characterized by a poetic and intellectual approach to rap and slam poetry.

 However, the popularity of artists can change over time, and there may have been developments in Souleymane Diamanka's career since then. If there have been new releases or changes in his status within the music scene, I recommend checking more recent sources for the latest information on Souleymane Diamanka and his work.

User

Thank you.  You are amazing!

ChatGPT

You're very welcome! I'm glad I could assist you. If you have any more questions or if there's anything else I can help you with, feel free to ask. Enjoy exploring the world of francophone music!