Canadian astronaut’s bon mots help heal wounds from French language row
Summary
Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen spoke French during NASA’s Artemis II mission on the way to the moon, marking the first time French was spoken in deep space. His use of the language came shortly after a controversy involving Air Canada’s chief, who resigned for not speaking enough French in a tribute video.Key Facts
- Jeremy Hansen said “Bonjour tout le monde” from nearly 125,000 miles away during the Artemis II mission.
- This was the first time French was spoken in deep space.
- The Air Canada chief, Michael Rousseau, resigned after a backlash for speaking only two words of French in a tribute video for two pilots killed in a crash.
- One of the pilots was a native French speaker, and Quebec’s population is mostly French-speaking (about 80%).
- Canada’s Prime Minister criticized Rousseau’s video for showing “lack of judgment” and “lack of compassion.”
- Mark Carney praised Hansen for speaking French and inspiring Canadians.
- Hansen learned French at Canada’s Royal Military College and uses it often in public events.
- Many Canadians appreciated Hansen’s effort, saying respect and trying is more important than speaking perfect French.
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