Learn How to Pronounce François Hollande | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce François Hollande

Quick Answer: In French, the name François Hollande is pronounced [fʁɑ̃swa ɔlɑ̃d].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

François Hollande, a pivotal figure in modern French politics, served as the 24th President of the French Republic from his election in 2012 until 2017, representing the Socialist Party. His presidency, following that of Nicolas Sarkozy, was defined by the implementation of key domestic policies such as the legalization of same-sex marriage, the "loi Travail" labor reforms, and a focus on economic revitalization amidst the European sovereign debt crisis. Hollande's tenure was also marked by significant foreign policy challenges, including the terrorist attacks in Paris in 2015, which led to a state of emergency, and military interventions in Mali and against ISIS in Syria and Iraq. As a former First Secretary of the Socialist Party and a graduate of the prestigious École Nationale d'Administration (ENA), his political career, though facing low approval ratings later in his term, remains a critical chapter in the history of the French Fifth Republic and the evolution of the French left.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct spelling is François Hollande. The most common error involves omitting the cedilla (ç) in his first name, resulting in the incorrect "Francois Hollande." The cedilla is crucial for proper pronunciation, as it softens the 'c' to an 's' sound. Another frequent typo is misspelling his surname, often seen as "Holland" (dropping the final 'e'), which is also the name of a country, or "Holande" (with a single 'l'). When using diacritics, one might also encounter "Françcois" with an extra 'c' or "Hollände" with an umlaut, which is incorrect. In formal writing and for SEO purposes, ensuring the accurate spelling with the cedilla is essential for proper indexing and credibility.

Example Sentences

Following his election in 2012, François Hollande faced immediate pressure to stimulate growth and reduce unemployment across France.

Critics often point to Hollande's controversial "loi Travail" as a major point of contention with trade unions and the political left.

During a 2015 address to the nation, President Hollande firmly declared France to be "at war" with terrorism in the wake of the attacks on the Bataclan and other sites.

Historians analyzing the French Socialist Party frequently examine Hollande's presidency as a period of significant internal division and ideological challenge.

Although he chose not to seek re-election in 2017, Hollande has remained an active commentator on French and European political affairs.

Related Pronunciations

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