I hope some of you remember me from my earlier blogs...

If you don’t, then let me introduce myself. I’m Diarmuid and I’m a BBC Learning English writer. Like my colleagues, I’m here to help you with your English.

I hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year break.

Christmas in France　　

I had a wonderful family Christmas at my mum’s house in France.

Mmm looks delicious... but what is it?　　

It may surprise you that a British person would have family living in France but it has become relatively common for British people to move to another country when they retire.

In fact there are currently more than a million retired British ex-pats (people who have moved abroad) living in different countries around the world.

I imagine many of them are looking for a better climate and a cheaper cost of living.

French Food

Whatever the reason, I’m very pleased that my mum is living in France as it gives me the chance to visit her and enjoy the fantastic food and drink that the French produce.

I have to say that the Christmas dinner was really excellent: a delicious pate de fois gras followed by a beautiful capon.

Hmm, I bet you haven’t heard of those foods before... who can tell me what those things are - pate de fois gras and a capon?

I know that strictly speaking this is an English learning site but we also use many French words in English too!

So while we’re at it, I’d like to set you another little test.

Please send me words from foreign languages that have become part of the English language – of course I’ll need the meaning and an example sentence too so that I know you understand how to use that words.

I’ll give you a few examples to get you started:

Fascinating, isn’t it? So let’s see what you guys know. Send me your foreign/English words and I’ll praise you when you’re right!
　　
New Year

So the New Year celebrations here in London were as impressive as ever... a huge fireworks display over the Thames, thousands packed into Trafalgar Square, all-night parties...

And where was I?

At home on the sofa watching it on TV... looks like I really am a grumpy old man!

What about you guys? What did you do for New Year and how will you celebrate Chinese New Year?

Write to me here folks. I can’t wait to hear from you all.

Bye for now,

Diarmuid