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Bonjour could be the most widely known French word, but at Friday’s Fifth Annual Francofolie Celebration at the Red Barn, students explored and expanded their French knowledge.

The free event from 10-2 p.m. was in conjunction with the French division of the Classical and Modern Language Department in the Arts and Sciences and the French division at Indiana State University.

Dr. Charles Pooser, a former U of L professor and now a professor at IUS, was one of the initial pilots of the event in 2002. Through Pooser and other professors, both schools were able to collaborate first the first time to expand the event.

“I wanted our students to be able to explore more of the Francophone culture,” said Pooser. “The event is student-driven. The French Club and many French students help plan, organize and set up in the Red Barn.”

Dr. Matthieu Dalle, assistant professor of French, said, “we begin organizing soon as the previous year’s event ends, but the real work kicks into gear in the spring semester, especially after spring break.”

The event itself offered a variety of cultural venues. Booths were set up by French classes displaying informative projects on French-speaking counties, leaders and festivals.

“Faculty in French [helped] make Francofolie a success, as they [guided] the students in the preparation of activities and also on the day of the event,” as stated in the press release.

“The event [is] a great way for students to display their projects and became an important part of the celebration,” said Pooser.

Free French food also attracted the interest of many students. Chez Seneba African Restaurant, Gumbo A Go Go, The Blue Dog, and several other restaurants catered the event.

The food displayed various French influenced foods from African, Caribbean, Cajun and Franco cultures.

Besides food and student projects, students from French 323 classes presented a video entitled “Corporate Image” on “those who are really in charge,” French 590 students played French Jeopardy, French 121 and 122 classes presented a fashion show and local accordionist Michael O’Bryan showcased the Red Barn stage.

Another agenda in the hopes of the program is to increase the number of French majors and minors at U of L.

“We have a very good foreign program here. Half of the professors are native speakers and all the Francophone countries are well represented,” said Dina Lalonde, a grad student and graduate teaching assistant.

Lalonde, a Russian native, chose U of L’s graduate program for the school’s reputation and the “department’s quality and the professors.”

The French Club also sold t-shirts to fundraise. The shirts are $10 each and can still be purchased.

If interested, contact the French department or French Club President, senior French major Laura Gordon.

For more information about majoring or minoring in French, contact the department or Dr. Wendy Pfeffer at pfeffer@louisville.edu.