Picard

The Picard language is spoken in the northernmost regions of France, particularly in Hauts-de-France, and parts of Belgium (notably Wallonia). This area has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its proximity to Belgium and historical ties to Flemish culture. The region is known for its strong traditions in music, culinary specialties such as Maroilles cheese and carbonnade flamande (beef stew), and its industrial history centered on coal mining and textiles. Festivals and local folklore also play an important role in the region’s identity.

Ch’ti

Picard is a Romance language closely related to French but distinct enough to be considered a separate language. It belongs to the Oïl language family and has notable differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar from standard French. “Ch’ti” refers to a dialect of Picard spoken mainly in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais area. The term gained wider recognition through popular media, particularly the 2008 film Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis, which humorously explores linguistic and cultural differences between northern and southern France.

Asterix speaks Picard

Several Asterix albums have been published in Picard. Editions Albert René published the first Picard translation, Astérix i rinte à l’école, in 2004. The translations were done by Alain Dawson, Jacques Dulphy, and Jean-Luc Vigneux. Other Picard editions include Ch’village copè in II (2007) and Astérix pi Obélis is ont leus ages (2010).