Why is Ça used to begin the specific statement relating to the play?

Barrie S.C1Kwiziq community member

Why is Ça used to begin the specific statement relating to the play?

Ça a toujours été ma pièce de théâtre ....etc.  Bit surprised to see 'Ca' rather than 'Il a toujours etc .....' (as I answered), reasoning that this is a statement relating to a specific thing, ie, the play 'Waiting for Godot', whereas 'Ca' is used for general statements?
Asked 3 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

"Ça" is a demonstrative pronoun and means "that", so it's very specific.

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Barrie,

"Waiting for Godot". "It has always been my favourite play by Samuel Beckett" 

I think this is a case of being "idiomatic" because the "Waiting for Godot" immediately preceded. Strictly speaking, you are correct but this is how I see it.

Jim

CélineNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Bonjour Barrie,

'Ça' (= cela) refers to an idea already mentioned - see link here (under 'Notions'): Ceci, Cela = That, this.

Other useful links: when to use ça/il  -  J'adore ça / Je l'adore

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Barrie S. asked:

Why is Ça used to begin the specific statement relating to the play?

Ça a toujours été ma pièce de théâtre ....etc.  Bit surprised to see 'Ca' rather than 'Il a toujours etc .....' (as I answered), reasoning that this is a statement relating to a specific thing, ie, the play 'Waiting for Godot', whereas 'Ca' is used for general statements?

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