Portrait du Mois - Linda Ciampoli

Meet the People Behind the Alliance Française de RenoTahoe: Celebrating Our Community!

We Couldn't Be Here Without Them!

You may have heard or met Linda Ciampoli: but do you really know her! Her dreaming in French for the first time? Sailing in Arcachon or Honeymooning in France?

In this post, we shine a spotlight on an inspiring member of our community. Linda Ciampoli has had a real love for the French language and culture since she was a junior in high school despite her parents forbidding her to take French because "it was not practical".

The Start of a Love Affair with French

1/ Where, when, and how did you fall in love with the French language?

I fell in love with the sound of the French langue in junior high school, but my parents wouldn’t let me take French because “it wasn’t practical.” When I got to UCLA, I took French 1 in my freshman year unbeknownst to my parents followed by French 2 and 3 in following years. When I had opportunity to go to Bordeaux, France for the Year Abroad Program, I begged them to let me go. Reluctantly, they capitulated, and my life was forever changed! Then 25 years later, I married my French husband! and translated his memoires, which became a bestselling book: Churchill's Secret Agent.

2/ What elements of French culture appeal to you the most?

The cuisine is superb! And I love to pass pleasant hours over a meal while savoring new and different flavors, and participating in engaging conversation. I love the classic French music: the songs and voices of Charles Dumont, Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour. The nuances of the language itself and its slang (I’argot). The countryside and villages and architectural beauty. Spending time getting to know the differences in culture as I visit France’s many regions.

3/ How would you encourage someone to learn how to speak French?

*  Go live in France or in a French-speaking country for a period of time. If that is not possible right now, put it on your bucket list.

*  Take conversational classes.

*  Seek out French-speaking people and practice with them.

*  Subscribe to TV5Monde.

*  Watch movies in French.

Above all, do not worry about making mistakes. Everybody does. The goal is to communicate in another language. Just do the best you can and do not self-judge!

4/ What are the most memorable experiences you've had in France or in a French or francophone environment?

-- Dreaming in French for the first time.

-- Going sailing in Arcachon with my neighbors in Bordeaux,

-- Visiting France on my honeymoon in 1991 with my late husband, Max and experiencing his astonishing reactions after not seeing his homeland for 44 years.

-- Being surprised with a dinner cruise on the Seine by my cousin Réjane and her children

-- Visiting Bretagne and the Châteaux of the Loire with my cousin Réjane

-- Visiting Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine-Iti, Bora-Bora on a catamaran with French captain and cook, both from Bretagne

-- This March, going skiing in Les Trois Vallées in the French Alps

-- Meeting my partner David’s many relatives in France and serving as interpreter

-- Staying with my French friends on their barge (péniche) on the Saone River

Join us to meet inspiring individuals like Linda and embark on your own journey into the world of French language and culture. Let’s celebrate our passion for French together!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this vibrant community. Learn more about our programs and events at the Alliance Française de RenoTahoe.