Corny humour should never be underestimated as an educational aid. As a teacher of French, I never allow the word “fourgon” (luggage-van) to pass without remarking that it usually comes at the end of the train, like a foregone conclusion. Even if the joke elicits groans, the pun may assist in the learning process. In the verb “compter”, I have often observed, the “p” is silent, as in swimming-bath. This level of humour is also intended to test: it is accessible only to those who are listening thoughtfully and are capable of grasping a double entendre. One man’s meat is indeed another man’s “poisson”.

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