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| London Olympics 2012 Official Logo |
It is that
time of the year again when the whole world becomes alive as everybody gives
way to the Summer Olympics, which is currently being held in London.
Participants from all over the world are all geared up, ready to make their country
proud as the grand opening ceremony, which is called the “Isle of Wonder,” has
now been officially inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke
of Edinburgh.
Cultural Awareness
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| The Flame arrives at City Hall Amber Charles stands underneath the giant Olympic Rings on the edge of the River Thames outside City Hall during Day 70 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. |
With 204 countries competing, the Olympic Games can certainly increase and heighten
everyone’s awareness regarding their respective cultures. After all, nobody
thinks about their culture not until you find someone to compare it to. That is
why these seasonable games are special. It can make us proud of who we are,
where we come from, and what we can offer.
Each
athlete is a representation of his country, fighting hard to shine among
others, hoping to win the torch that signifies the milestones and achievements
that his nation has earned. This event is not only about the games. It is about
uniting the whole world in one single event, displaying all their strengths
while maintaining a healthy camaraderie and respect among each other.
English and Other Languages
English,
being known as the universal language, is often mixed with other dialects just
so each participant can relate and connect with each other. This is how they
explore each other’s culture as they try to reach out by exchanging words in
different languages, with English as their common ground.
Καλώς Ορίσατε (Greek), Salve (Latin), Bienvenidos (Spanish), Bienvenue (French), and many other
languages are heard and exchanged, representing one single word in English,
which is welcome!
This single
word may be short but it represents a lot of things that are unsaid but clearly
understood. All conflicts that have happened in the past, may it be political
or social, are all but momentarily forgotten, replacing it with warm tentative
smiles as they greet each with their native tongue. It is rather fascinating
how this one incredible event can create a harmonious relationship among
nations.
The Languages of the Olympics
There are
two official languages of the Olympics. These are English and French. Although
English is spoken among the majority of the commonwealth nations, we have the
French to thank for the modern day Olympics.
Of course,
let us not forget the Greek who has founded the games however, ancient Olympics
has long been gone and after a century of dormant activity, Baron Pierre de
Coubertin, a French professor, is the one responsible for bringing the Olympics
back. To honor its founding fathers, the first modern Olympic Games were aptly
located in Athens, Greece.
London 2012: All About French
Today, July
27, 2012, marks the first day of this influential event and you can already
feel the excitement in the air as the participants start to compete with their
fellow athletes, all of which are considered as the best in their respective
countries.
“Bienvenue à Jeux Olympiques d'été!”
Welcome to
Summer Olympics! It has been unanimously decided that the official language to
be used is French, taking precedence over English particularly on the main
ceremonies, billboards, and ads. However, there is nothing to worry about if
you can’t understand a single “mot.” Rest
assured that everything would also be translated in English.
Most Common Games in French
Since the
Summer Olympic Games will be labeled en français,
it would be fun if you try to learn the most common Olympic events in the said
language.
Athlétisme – Track or Athletics
Base-ball – Baseball
Basket-ball – Basketball
Boxe – Boxing
Canoë-kayak – Canoe or Kayak
Cyclisme – Cycling
Escrime – Fencing
Football – Soccer
Gymnastique – Gymnastics
Lutte – Wrestling
Natation – Swimming
Sports équestres – Equestrian
Tennis de Table – Table Tennis
Tir à l’arc – Archery
Volley-ball de plage – Beach Volleyball
Knowing the Language
Langue française, with all of its gloriously seductive
qualities, can be extremely difficult to read and pronounce due to its missing
vowels and silent consonants. Touche, oui?
1 comment:
The biggest kick I get is to communicate with those who are exiled from the game - in hospitals, homes, prisons - those who have seldom seen a game, who can't travel to a game, those who are blind.
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