891. The Bilingual Journalist (with Charles Pellegrin)
7Digest
This episode of Luke's English Podcast features a conversation with Charles Pelagrin, a journalist for France 24. Charles is bilingual in French and English, and he discusses the unique ways that newsreaders and reporters speak when they read the news or do their reports in English. He also talks about his experiences working as a journalist in China, where he spent three years as a correspondent for France 24. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the challenges of working in a fast-paced news environment, the conventions of news reporting in different countries, and the economic impact of the Paris Olympics. Charles also shares his thoughts on the importance of bilingualism and the benefits of learning multiple languages. Charles discusses the challenges of working as a journalist in China, including the limitations on media freedom and the pressure to conform to government expectations. He also shares his personal experiences of navigating cultural differences and the impact of China's rapid development on everyday life. The conversation touches on the importance of understanding China's role in the world and the need for a more nuanced perspective on the country's political and economic systems. The episode concludes with Luke and Charles discussing their upcoming comedy show in Paris, where they will be performing stand-up routines in English.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast and its purpose, which is to help English learners get more listening practice into their everyday lives. Luke Thompson, the host, explains that he aims to help listeners listen to more English for longer periods of time on a regular basis.
Charles Pelagrin: Journalist and Stand-Up Comedian
This Chapter begins the conversation with Charles Pelagrin, a journalist for France 24 and a stand-up comedian. Luke and Charles discuss how they met through stand-up comedy in Paris and how Charles's stand-up routine about newscaster voices sparked a conversation about the unique ways that newsreaders speak.
Charles's Background and Education
This Chapter delves into Charles's background and education. He shares his experiences growing up as an expat kid, moving around Southeast Asia, South Africa, and Canada. He discusses his studies in history and political science at university in Canada and how he eventually found his way into journalism.
Charles's Journey into Journalism
This Chapter explores Charles's journey into journalism. He talks about his time in journalism school in Paris and New York, his first job as an intern for CNN in Paris, and his transition to working as a freelancer for France 24. He describes the different roles he has held within the news organization, from assistant producer to desk producer to on-air presenter.
Charles's Work at France 24
This Chapter focuses on Charles's current work at France 24. He discusses his regular presenting roles on the morning edition and the weekly business and economics show, People and Profits. He shares his insights on the challenges and rewards of working in a 24-hour news environment and the importance of teamwork and communication.
The Paris Olympics and Economic Impact
This Chapter explores the economic impact of the Paris Olympics. Charles and Luke discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of hosting the games, including the potential for increased investment in infrastructure and the risk of creating white elephant projects. They also discuss the public perception of the Olympics in Paris and the challenges of balancing economic development with the needs of local communities.
Charles's Experience Living and Working in China
This Chapter delves into Charles's experience living and working in China for three years. He shares his insights on the challenges and rewards of working as a journalist in a country with a different political and cultural landscape. He also discusses the impact of COVID-19 on his time in China and the challenges of navigating travel restrictions.
Comedy Show Announcement
This Chapter concludes the episode with Luke and Charles discussing their upcoming comedy show in Paris, where they will be performing stand-up routines in English. They discuss the format of the show, the venue, and the potential for a live podcast recording after the performance.
Rambling Episode Preview
This Chapter previews the next episode of the podcast, which will be a rambling episode where Luke will discuss various topics, including the Euro 2024 football tournament, the recent UK election results, and listener comments.
Keywords
China
China is a vast and populous country located in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country and one of the world's oldest civilizations. China has a rich history and culture, and it is a major economic and political power. The country is known for its rapid economic growth, its technological advancements, and its unique political system.
France 24
France 24 is a French international news channel that broadcasts in English, French, Arabic, and Spanish. It is known for its comprehensive coverage of global news and its commitment to providing a diverse range of perspectives. The channel is headquartered in Paris and has bureaus around the world.
Journalism
Journalism is the practice of gathering, analyzing, and reporting news and current events. It is a vital part of a democratic society, as it provides citizens with the information they need to make informed decisions. Journalists play a crucial role in holding power to account, informing the public, and promoting transparency.
Media Freedom
Media freedom is the right of the media to operate independently and without censorship or interference from the government or other powerful entities. It is a fundamental principle of democracy and is essential for a free and open society. Media freedom allows journalists to investigate and report on issues of public interest, hold power to account, and inform the public. Restrictions on media freedom can have a chilling effect on journalism and can lead to the suppression of dissent and the spread of misinformation.
Authoritarian Regime
An authoritarian regime is a form of government in which power is concentrated in the hands of a single person or a small group of people. Authoritarian regimes typically suppress dissent, restrict civil liberties, and control the media. They often rely on force and intimidation to maintain their power. Examples of authoritarian regimes include China, North Korea, and Saudi Arabia.
Cultural Differences
Cultural differences are the variations in beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors that exist between different cultures. These differences can be significant and can impact communication, relationships, and business interactions. Understanding cultural differences is essential for effective cross-cultural communication and collaboration.
Stand-Up Comedy
Stand-up comedy is a form of comedic performance in which a comedian performs in front of a live audience, typically telling jokes and stories. It is a popular form of entertainment that requires a combination of wit, timing, and stage presence. Stand-up comedy can be used to address a wide range of topics, from social commentary to personal experiences.
Paris Olympics
The Paris Olympics are the Summer Olympic Games scheduled to be held in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The games will be the third time that Paris has hosted the Summer Olympics, after 1900 and 1924. The games are expected to attract millions of visitors and generate significant economic activity for the city and the country.
Bilingualism
Bilingualism is the ability to speak two languages fluently. It is a complex cognitive skill that involves the ability to switch between languages, understand different grammatical structures, and navigate cultural differences. Bilingualism has been shown to have a number of cognitive benefits, including improved memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Elephant in the Room
The phrase "elephant in the room" is a metaphor for an obvious problem or issue that is being ignored or avoided. It is often used to describe a situation where people are uncomfortable discussing a sensitive topic, even though it is clearly present and affecting everyone involved.
Q&A
How did Luke Thompson and Charles Pelagrin meet?
They met through stand-up comedy in Paris, where they both perform in English.
What is Charles Pelagrin's profession?
He is a journalist for France 24, a 24-hour news channel that broadcasts in multiple languages.
What are some of the unique ways that newsreaders and reporters speak when they read the news or do their reports in English?
Charles notes that newsreaders often have a specific intonation and accent, particularly in British news reporting. He also mentions that reporters often use a more formal and clear style of speech to ensure intelligibility for a diverse audience.
What are some of the challenges of working in a fast-paced news environment?
Charles highlights the tight deadlines and the need for effective communication within the team. He emphasizes the importance of being able to adapt to unforeseen circumstances and changes, as breaking news happens frequently.
What are some of the conventions of news reporting in different countries?
Charles discusses how the conventions of news reporting can vary across cultures. For example, he mentions that in French journalism, it is common for reporters to start their reports with a quote from someone else, while in English journalism, this is less common.
What are some of the economic impacts of the Paris Olympics?
Charles and Luke discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of hosting the Olympics, including the potential for increased investment in infrastructure and the risk of creating white elephant projects. They also discuss the public perception of the Olympics in Paris and the challenges of balancing economic development with the needs of local communities.
What was Charles Pelagrin's experience like living and working in China?
Charles shares his insights on the challenges and rewards of working as a journalist in a country with a different political and cultural landscape. He also discusses the impact of COVID-19 on his time in China and the challenges of navigating travel restrictions.
What is Charles Pelagrin's perspective on bilingualism?
Charles believes that bilingualism is beneficial for the brain and can improve cognitive skills. He also discusses the concept of a dominant language and how it can shift depending on an individual's experiences and habits.
What is the definition of a native speaker?
Charles and Luke discuss Barbara Sarah's definition of a native speaker as someone who cannot remember having to learn the language. They also discuss the concept of a dominant language and how it can influence an individual's language proficiency.
What are some of the challenges of being bilingual?
Charles shares his personal experience of feeling more comfortable in English than in French, even though he is fluent in both languages. He attributes this to his daily work in English and his family's use of English as their primary language.
Show Notes
Talking to bilingual journalist Charles Pellegrin (France 24) about how the conventions of broadcast journalism influence the way the English is used in news reports, how Charles started as a journalist, the challenge of making TV news reports, our time at university, the Olympics in Paris, and Charles' experiences of living and working in China.
👉 Episode page https://teacherluke.co.uk/2024/07/16/891-the-bilingual-journalist-with-charles-pellegrin/
🎤 Luke & Charles' stand-up comedy show in Paris on 19 July (few tickets left) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/french-fried-comedy-night-tickets-603182383747
📲 Charles on Instagram & X
👉 https://www.instagram.com/chpilgrim/
👉 https://www.x.com/chpilgrim/
👉 https://www.instagram.com/charles_pellegrinf24/
Sign up to LEP Premium on Acast+ and add the premium episodes to a podcast app on your phone. https://plus.acast.com/s/teacherluke.
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