l'inné et l'acquis
Nature versus nurture in French is l'inné et l'acquis.
l'inné et l'acquis names the debate over whether behavior comes from what we are born with or from what we learn.
What does it mean word for word?
l'inné means the innate and l'acquis means the acquired. Both are adjectives used as nouns with the definite article.
Which one should you use?
French joins the two with et, and, where English uses versus. To stress the conflict, say l'inné contre l'acquis. A formal wording is Les influences innées par rapport aux influences acquises.
Did you know?
- French has no single-word equivalent for 'nurture'. Instead, it relies on the concept of l'acquis (the acquired) to describe everything a human gains through environment and education.
- The word inné is closely related to the verb naître (to be born). This linguistic link makes the connection between genetics and birth more explicit in French than in the English word 'nature'.
- The word et used in this phrase is a direct descendant of the Latin et. Its spelling was actually changed back to include the 't' in the 12th century to better match its Latin ancestor.
Examples in context
- Lors de discussions scientifiques, il est préférable d'utiliser des expressions formelles telles que "Le déterminisme génétique vs. l'apprentissage".In scientific discussions, it is preferable to use formal expressions such as "Genetic determinism versus learning".
- Est-ce la génétique ou l'éducation qui façonne réellement notre comportement ?Is it genetics or education that truly shapes our behavior?
- La question de l'équilibre entre la génétique héritée et l'environnement dans lequel on grandit est un aspect complexe du débat inné/acquis.The question of balance between inherited genetics and the environment in which one grows up is a complex aspect of the nature versus nurture debate.
- C'est le débat classique entre l'inné et l'acquis.It is the classic debate between nature versus nurture.
- L'inné et l'acquis influencent le développement de l'enfant.Nature and nurture influence a child's development.
- On étudie souvent l'inné et l'acquis en psychologie.We often study nature versus nurture in psychology.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a topic for a psychology essay.
- LéaTu as choisi quel sujet pour ton essai ?Which topic did you choose for your essay?
- NathanJe vais parler de l'inné et l'acquis.I am going to talk about nature versus nurture.
- LéaC'est un sujet passionnant, Nathan.That is a fascinating subject, Nathan.
- NathanOui, il y a beaucoup de choses à dire.Yes, there is a lot to say.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries et, CC BY-SA 4.0.
