French in Code d' Odalisque (Repost)

15.17. - Training in French

An odalisque may be trained to speak French or at least taught certain useful and common terms in French or French phrases and words that are erotic or pleasing to her Keeper.

French is the natural language of odalisque slavery, as it is other types of eroticism, including the popular forms of BDSM given their dependence upon Marquis de Sade. The word “odalisque” is itself French and by design this style of slave play draws upon ideas and traditions from the French colonial encounter with the orient, French orientalism.

An odalisque (where she is not a natural French speaker) may be trained in French. A Slavekeeper may decide to send his slave on sojourn to French lessons, or may pay a tutor to visit the house. Instruction in French is a very useful addition to a slave’s life and training. A full-time slave will not be engaged in sexual service all day every day. She can usefully spend some of her free time learning French. This is a natural activity for an odalisque. It makes good sense for a woman to spend the time she lives as an odalisque learning a language.

But it is not necessary that a slave learn the whole French language. This is an entirely optional part of Code d’ Ode. Players use as much or as little French as they like. The French theme in Code d’ Odalisque is, in fact, an aesthetic affect. It is an aesthetic device. French is used to help create an appropriately erotic and exotic atmosphere and style of play, with allusions to history. It is regulated by the Code but it is not an essential part of play and where it is used it need not involve becoming fluent in French. Sometimes bad French, or French with a bad accent, is quite off-putting and ugly. In that case it is probably better to avoid French or keep it to a minimum. But if a slave can speak some French with a demure elegance and grace, it is a great asset.

Only a few French words are needed. All that is necessary is to instruct a slave to use a quite small vocabulary of French words and phrases. In her role an odalisque is not required to speak to her Keeper a great deal. She answers subserviently to his questions, yes or no. To begin, then, teach your slave to use the French “oui” instead of “yes.” Then add some other French words – “merci”, “s'il vous plait”, “au revoir”. Only a handful of words is required. This adds a francophonic dimension to play. The slave’s speech is peppered with a few French words.

As well as adding an erotic French flavor to odalisque play, the requirement that the slave use some French words helps her to psychologically move into a slave role. It is a good element of mental discipline. She should be reprimanded or punished if she says “yes” instead of “oui”. Her Keeper should make French part of her slave persona. It is psychologically useful to speak in a different idiom, using foreign words, when she is in occlusion.

A slave should not use her French vocabulary when she is on sojourn and when she is not in her slave role. She only uses French during active play. She uses it when she speaks to her Master, but not when she speaks to strangers. It is slave talk.

Other than using French titles (eg. Mademoiselle) Slavekeepers, Trainers and other players under Code d’ Odalisque do not need to speak French to each other. It is only the slave who needs to use some French terms. Slave talk in Code d’ Odalisque is francophonic. This is just to add a certain flavour, a certain spice, to create a certain atmosphere for Code play.