Description:
Exploring French and Francophone culture in the U.S., this work highlights migration, bilingual education, and artistic expressions. From enduring enclaves to emerging voices, it showcases French as a dynamic force shaping American life.
Brief description: Kathleen Stein-Smith is a dedicated foreign language educator and advocate in the United States. She serves as Chair of the American Association of Teachers of French Commission on Advocacy. She has written several books on the place of languages in our societies and educational systems. She is Officier dans l'Ordre des Palmes académiques.
Review Quotes: This wide-ranging volume offers a fresh and compelling lens onto the landscapes of Francophonie in America. By showcasing the resilience and creativity of communities from the Rust Belt to Louisiana, these stories highlight that French, in all its forms, is more than a language of Europe or the classroom-it's a dynamic tool of connection, identity, and growth. It is a vital read for educators, researchers, and anyone who treasures linguistic and cultural diversity.
-Prof. Teboho Moja, New York UniversityAs someone who has spent years researching the historical arcs of French education in the United States, I find this new collection profoundly illuminating. The chapters demonstrate that, far from a relic, French remains a living thread woven through family stories, community activism, and educational innovation. This thoroughly engaging and much-needed resource will enrich the conversation around our shared linguistic heritage.-Dr. Jane Ross, author of Two Centuries of French Education in New YorkAs a principal at École Bilingue, I have witnessed firsthand how the French language galvanizes curiosity, empathy, and creativity in students. French All Around Us reaffirms that power, delivering insightful glimpses into the communities, classrooms, and cultural spaces where French continues to thrive and inspire. This book is a testament to both the enduring legacy and the modern relevance of French in American life. -Darcey Hale, former School Principal, École Bilingue, The International School of Boston