Hello

We are a band of French hikers and we try to develop the concept of light excursion in France.

For that we wish to create an association.

There is a debate between us on the name of this association. The majority among us is for initials M.U.L. (light ultra walk : marche ultra légère).

This exploits the opposition with the mule (the animal) which represents "heavy" walk and the overloaded hiker.

However some think that this feature of humor is very Franco-French and that it will not be understood by the Anglo-Saxons.
They think that will tarnish our image abroad and that we will not be taken with serious by the companies (mainly American). That would miss professionalism.

We would thus like to know what think the American hikers light of BackpackingLight.

Thank you in advance and that all the hikers light of the whole world are held the hand.

The french M.U.L

(this thread has been writed by Hightpictv from www.randonner-leger.org)

Edited by PEYOfrance on 03/05/2006 04:34:46 MST.

For my part, I like it. I think that it is very clever.

A double "entendre", as we also say in english (thanks for loaning that word, "entendre", to us) gives one something to think about and muse upon.

It works even in english, since M.U.L. is close enough to the english word "mule". Je ne parle pas francais, so what is the word for "mule" en francais, sil vous plait?

Americans, generally speaking, and I can only really speak for this particular American, enjoy such humor. Actually, for my part, I'm a bit envious that we only have "light" and "ultra-light", now and that you will have your M.U.L.

Kudos to whoever came up with that acronym.

Je ne parle pas francais, so what is the word for "mule" en francais, sil vous plait?

In french "mule" says "mule" :)

I work on a logo for the M.U.L You can see it here:

Will the Anglo-Saxons understand it? (for the text but especially for the symbol)

Edited by highpictv on 03/05/2006 06:07:25 MST.

Thought that might be the case, but didn't want to assume.

Merci beaucoup.

Hi ! Cheer for your very beautiful forum !

Our french link is:
Le forum de la randonnée légère ou ultra-légère !

Welcome to you also !

Laurent from France

My personal site

Edited by laurent on 03/05/2006 07:19:29 MST.

I understand all of it, now.

I would have grasped most of it if it were presented in the context of L/UL backpacking or mountaineering.

I would NOT have understood "MUL" had it not already been explained to me.

M.U.L. (note the periods) would have alerted me to the fact that "M.U.L." was an acronym, or an abbreviation for something, but, not knowing the french language, I would not have guessed it's meaning - only known that it stood for something in french. I would have assumed (thinking in english) that the UL stood for "ultra light" (which in this case would have been correct), but I have forgotten marche is french for walk.

If it's a French organization, why not have all of the words in French? What I mean is don't use the english word "go", instead use the properly conjugated/inflected form (2nd pers. plural) of allez, and instead of "be", the properly conjugated form (2nd pers plural) of aimi/etre? Excuse-moi, I really don't know any french. Same for "light" (legere).

Or, did you just use english translation on the logo so that we could read it on these Forums?

Edited by pj on 03/05/2006 09:16:39 MST.

One point for you Paul ;)
We know Frenchies seems to be a little ethnocentric so with this logo we want to be more open on the world.

In other hand, we had logos for French but we thought it wasn't enough clear for non-french people.
What do you think ?

Edited by PEYOfrance on 03/05/2006 10:13:43 MST.

Pierre,

I thought I'd save you some time ;-)

From IndianaJeff


From Highpictv

Edited by procab on 03/05/2006 09:57:52 MST.

Thanks Robert, i'm a M.U.L but not really a good computer specialist,LOL, shame on me :-D

Pierre,

Many thanks for being understanding of many American's (especially me) language limitations. Yes, you are obviously right. Had the actual French version of the logo been posted, I, for one wouldn't have any idea what it meant.

It's really a nice logo. I think if you used periods after each letter, so... M. U. L. that non-French speaking people would understand that it is an acronym, and since its' backpacking or mountaineering related and since you have a feather (very clever; that communicates a great deal), I would guess that the U. L. stood for ultra-light. I would not guess the M. = marche though, but no matter. It still communicates a lot. Very nice logo.

This has nothing to do with the neat logo or the name of your group. But...

A good hunk of North American - the little part from N. Canada to E. Texas and the Atlantic to the Rockies - was explored by French traders known as -- pardon the spelling -- couriers du bois (woods runners). Something about the term has always sounded light and fast to me. A french UL organizaiton seems appropriate. Glad to have ya'll on board.

Edited by vickrhines on 03/05/2006 12:19:16 MST.

Pierre,

I don't think anyone would consider you un-serious or unprofessional if you choose the proposed acronym of MUL.

Both IndianaJeff and Highpictv demonstrate excellent skills in their contributions.

I like the eye catching orange in the logo by IndianaJeff. The human figure with wings does not communicate well with non French speakers like myself. If you had not explained the words "marche ultra légère" I would guess this logo has something to do with hang gliding or ultralight flying.

The logo by Highpictv through the use of the mountain is better at communicating that your organization is about hiking. I think most people associate mountains with hiking. The clever use of your URL snaking up the canyon and over a ridge, trail like, further clarifies your message. I would check out this URL, knowing full well that I would not be able to read anything on it, just to check out the pictures that like minded people might share.

Good luck on you project,
Robert

Edited by procab on 03/05/2006 13:05:49 MST.