Why di the frane call english channel la manche?

The French call the English Channel "La Manche" because the word "manche" in French translates to "sleeve." This name arose due to the channel's shape, resembling a long, narrow sleeve of water extending from the North Sea into the Atlantic Ocean, between the coasts of England and France.

Here's a breakdown:

* "La" is the French feminine definite article, meaning "the."

* "Manche" is the French word for "sleeve," a reference to the channel's elongated, narrow shape.

So, "La Manche" literally means "The Sleeve" in French. The name has been used for centuries, dating back to medieval times, reflecting the French perspective on this geographical feature.