Par
Mathis Launay
Published on
Jan 13, 2025 at 3:20 p.m.
“At the end of 2024, Les Podcasts du Perche were in distress, in weakness,” recalls Sarah Denisco-founder of the association based in Nogent-le-Rotrou, with Jessica Lenfant.
A situation such as call for donations was launched in October 2024 to help the association survive. Without which Les Podcasts du Perche would no longer be.
Thanks to this action, 700 euros were collected on an initial objective of 2,500 euros, for this structure in Nogent-le-Rotrou (Eure-et-Loir). “The call for donations worked,” breathes the podcaster.
Not to the point of ensuring a peaceful whole year, but at least we are more serene for the next six months.
A podcast on the Percheron language, Patois du Perche, in 2025
And in fact, the Nogentaise association has big plans for this new year.
A long-standing idea that will finally be able to be launched: a podcast around the Percheron language. “The objective is to reawaken this forgotten language, this local language,” explain the members of the association.
A project carried out in partnership with Les Amis du Perche, the Écomusée du Perche and the magazine Le Pays du Perche, following the launch of the “Treasure of Percheron Speaking”, the fifth edition of the Percheron dictionary, published by Les Amis du Perche.
When we contacted them, they said: “That’s good, the dictionary is coming out soon.” Before the publication of this reissue, Sarah and I already had this desire to make a funny podcast on the Percheron language. The timing is perfect.
Wednesday January 8, 2025, at the Écomusée du Perche, visitors were able to discover a unique interactive installation: the Sonomatonsa device designed to make relive the Percheron language.
He will also be one of the key elements in the creation of these podcasts, entitled “Parle Percheron”.
Expressions recorded by an expert in this Percheron dialect
Inspired by the photo booth, the Sonomaton invites the public to immerse themselves in the Percheron language.
We enter a small cabin, and rather than showing our face, we pick up a receiver and listen to three expressions recorded by Jean-François Leroux, an expert in this dialect.
Then, everyone can propose their translation or share your thoughts. Reactions, whether amused, perplexed or nostalgic, are recorded and digitized.
This language, no longer widely spoken today, is nevertheless part of the heritage of Perche.
“The Sonomaton allows you to awaken memories among the elders and to arouse the curiosity of the youngest. Above all, Jean-François Leroux with an authentic accent,” says Sarah Denis.
-The device, designed by Joseph Sardin, a member of Podcasts du Perche, is designed to circulate.
We aim to install it in various locations, such as nursing homes, high schools or cafes, to reach a diverse audience. We are waiting to have the authorizations, but everything should be done during the year.
“A patois is spoken”
The recordings collected using the Sonomaton will feed into a series of short podcasts. “Each episode, lasting approximately two minutes, will highlight one or two expressionsaccompanied by reactions from the public,” explains Sarah Denis.
The objective is to make this heritage accessible and attractive. “And of course it will go on our social networks! »
The podcast is a way of making things more alive. Above all, Percheron is a spoken language!
Perche Podcasts in search of sustainability
Created in 2020, the Podcasts du Perche association was built on a voluntary basis, with initial funding provided by its founders. “We started by putting our own resources into the association. Then, we had members, but in the current context, asking for paid memberships was not our policy,” explains Sarah Denis.
“The podcast is generally managed by production companies, but we wanted to make it a participatory media, anchored in the Perche,” explains Jessica Lenfant.
However, this approach relies on significant volunteer time. “Producing a quality podcast takes a lot of work. With Sarah, we have professional training, and it didn’t seem complicated to us at first. But investing in a whole team that doesn’t have this know-how is more complicated.”
An organization to rethink
Today, the association is reorganizing to face financial and human challenges. “We must review our model, while retaining our spirit: working with motivated, caring people who are committed to promoting Perche,” emphasizes Sarah Denis.
With its 11 volunteers, the association is now moving towards a more structured approach. “Before, when we had a project, we started with it. But today, we will first look for financing and then think about the feasibility before committing.”
A call for support and local partnerships
At the end of 2024, Les Podcasts du Perche launched a call for donations. And even if 700 euros were collected, this appeal is still relevant. The money collected will be used to meet the operating needs of the association: equipment, website costs and various subscriptions relating to the production of podcasts.
“We have also established partnerships, such as with Crédit Agricole de Nogent-le-Rotrou, which shows that local players are ready to support our initiatives. You just have to take the step,” concludes Sarah Denis.
And even if the “Treasure of Percheron Speaking” remains the reference of this dialect“a patois is spoken,” attests Jessica Lenfant.
Leo Vargassound designer, created the design. That is to say the beginning and end credits of the podcast.
A language registered with the CNRS
With modern formats and original initiatives, Podcasts du Perche hope to reach all generations and rediscover the richness of Percheron, a language registered with the CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research).
“Now that the dictionary has been published, we are ready to dive into the adventure,” concludes Jessica Lenfant enthusiastically.
The appointment is given: whether via a Sonomaton or a podcast episode, the experience promises to be both fun and memorable.
Practical: to access the “Parle Percheron” podcasts: lespodcastsduperche.com/parlez-percheron or Facebook: Les Podcasts du Perche.
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