Culture and Cuisine in Upper School French

Parker’s Languages and Cultural Studies Department believes that there is more to learning a language than reading and writing. And so, in line with Parker’s mission, a Parker student will “also develop cultural competence and an appreciation of people and lifestyles that differ from their own.” This is showcased in myriad ways, from Upper Schoolers singing a song to their Lower School friends to students connecting with their peers from around the globe and conversing in the language they are studying.

Upper School French teacher Frank Schaldenbrand shares this belief and wanted to give his junior French III students a taste of French culture, literally. In concluding a unit dedicated to French food, and preceding the students’ first cooking contest, Schaldenbrand brought in a special treat: escargot. “France being the country of gastronomy and the crib of the Michelin Guide,” he shared, “I wanted to expose them to a French delicacy: ‘Les escargots de Bourgogne’ (regulated and protected) that we eat for winter holidays and/or celebrations.”

While the shock and fun factor certainly was enough to keep the juniors riveted, Schaldenbrand said the lesson was about more. “The class objective was more cultural than linguistic this time and focused on opening their taste and Western sensitivity about a product with a disgusting look, as well as the appropriate manners to consume it. They could also appreciate how we can transform a simple gastropod into a fancy meal.”

After each student took a crack at showcasing the proper manners involved with opening escargot, Schaldenbrand had a class full of converts! “Only three students out of 18 had already tried it, but everybody loved it at the end of the class,” he said. “I had 20 extra snails that they finished on their own after the tasting-manners contest. This trial was a success. They discovered a new French product, opened their minds and learned how to use very specific French utensils that are hard to find. They went beyond stereotypes, so Bravo les Juniors!”