The more English is heard in the world, the more gratifying it seems to speak French, and above all to know the culture of our country. They find a kind of French social grace in the language and culture.

About Bernard Pivot

Bernard Pivotwas a French journalist, interviewer and host of cultural television programmes. He was chairman of the Academie Goncourt from 2014 to 2020.

More about the author

More quotes from Bernard Pivot

I agreed on condition that we found a completely new concept that had nothing to do with the latest books.

Bernard Pivot

French writer and presenter (1935-2024)

All the English speakers, or almost all, have difficulties with the gender of words.

Bernard Pivot

French writer and presenter (1935-2024)

There is a pride in speaking this language.

Bernard Pivot

French writer and presenter (1935-2024)

The more English is heard in the world, the more gratifying it seems to speak French, and above all to know the culture of our country. They find a kind of French social grace in the language and culture.

Bernard Pivot

French writer and presenter (1935-2024)

French is a language that makes those who speak it both calm and dynamic.

Bernard Pivot

French writer and presenter (1935-2024)

They place great stress on the clarity of our language for expressing nuances and showing subtleties.

Bernard Pivot

French writer and presenter (1935-2024)

It is very difficult to generalise. Everyone’s adventure is original.

Bernard Pivot

French writer and presenter (1935-2024)

This programme would only really make sense and work properly if it was also broadcast on France’s international television channel TV5. So I ended up with a double production, on France 2 and TV5.

Bernard Pivot

French writer and presenter (1935-2024)

You get the feeling that many of my guests feel that the French language gives them entry into a more cultivated, more intelligent world, more highly civilised too, with rules.

Bernard Pivot

French writer and presenter (1935-2024)

People who do not speak our language very well do complain of feeling rebuffed by French people, who can sometimes be impatient, or even intolerant.

Bernard Pivot

French writer and presenter (1935-2024)