Summary
5 November 2010
There are growing numbers of rock bands in France singing in English rather than French. Musicians are familiar with American and English rock culture and believe English is the most natural language to use when they perform.
Reporter:
Hugh Schofield
French rock bands are breaking down barriers
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The breakthrough for bands that sing in English has not been straightforward. Under France's cultural protection laws, radio stations can only play a set amount of English-language music, and most prefer to fill their quota with actual British or American bands. That means little airtime for French-English bands.
There's also a feeling among some critics that singing in English is perhaps a bit of a cop out. But for the members of Anorak, in rehearsal here outside Paris, singing in English is simply a recognition of changing times.
The internet generation cares little for national barriers, today's French youngsters are tuned into English like everyone else is, so why feel guilty? Language has always been a vital part of French culture, so whether you like it or resent it, what's happening is undoubtedly significant. Young French musicians are abandoning their linguistic heritage, and joining the globalised world.
Hugh Schofield, Â鶹Éç News, Paris
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Vocabulary
- breakthrough
important development or achievement
- quota
an agreed quantity of something
- airtime
broadcast time on the radio or TV
- a feeling among
shared opinion within a group
- a bit of a cop out
choosing an easier option that may be disappointing to come
- in rehearsal
preparing for a performance
- internet generation
people who have grown up using the internet from a young age
- cares little for
does not have very much interest (in a topic)
- a vital part
a very important or essential role
- linguistic heritage
a long tradition of using their own language
