She intuitively exploits the graphic blocks of Chinese characters literally to translate French expressions. Below is one of my favorites (contains link to Emilie Saint-Pé's website):
... Comme un poisson dans l'eau
Literal translation: like a fish in water
Meaning: to be in one's element
In this way, she bridges 2 cultures as far apart as cats and dogs. See the connection?
YK’s 2-Cents:
This exhibition was particularly interesting to me because I am currently trying to self-study French, and it presents an interesting way for me to learn a few French idioms.
But it also makes me question, as an ethnic Chinese and French language student, are these 2 cultures really poles apart?
Take for example my favorite expression "... Comme un poisson dans l'eau". In Chinese there is also the saying '如鱼得水', which has the exact same meaning.
Also in food culture, '"Frogs' legs" are delicacies of both French and Cantonese cuisine. While travelling in Paris, I was pleasantly surprised at how common it is to find '姜葱田鸡' (Frogs' legs stir-fried in ginger and spring onion) on the menus of Chinese restaurants, while most typical Chinese restaurants in other countries offer only the usual 'Sweet and Sour' stuff.
Won't it be better if the French and Chinese were able to focus more on their similarities rather than their differences; just like how their ancestors have both similarly observed and appreciated life in its elements, and be equally passionate about cuisine?
