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Lesson

Astronaut's French Greeting in Space

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen spoke French in space, promoting the language after a recent controversy involving Air Canada’s CEO. His words helped heal tensions related to language in Canada.

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During NASA’s Artemis II mission, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen greeted the world in French, marking a historic moment for the language in space. His decision to speak French came after Air Canada’s CEO faced backlash for not using the language in a tribute to pilots. Hansen's actions helped ease tensions related to language in Canada.

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Test your understanding

Test your understanding

01What language did Jeremy Hansen speak in space?

02What was the reason for the controversy involving Air Canada’s CEO?

03What did Hansen's decision to speak French help to do?

04What historic event did Hansen's French greeting represent?

Discussion

Discussion

How does language influence national identity and culture?

Vocabulary

Vocabulary

  • astronaut word

    a person trained to travel in space

    The astronaut floated in zero gravity.

  • greet word

    to say hello to someone

    She waved to greet her friend.

  • controversy word

    a disagreement or argument about something

    The new law caused a lot of controversy.

  • tension word

    stress or strain in a situation

    There was tension in the room during the debate.

  • heal word

    to make something better or to recover

    Time can help heal emotional wounds.