Need encouragement in learning the French Language!
Jul 20th, 2007, 02:55 PM
#1
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Need encouragement in learning the French Language!
We have just made our flight reservations for our trip to France - May 2008. Yay!
However, I don't speak a lick of French. Neither does my husband. I have bought a couple of books and teaching CDs, and have checked out a couple of the websites that offer free language lessons.
I am overwhelmed by the pronunciation rules, but continue to try. But then I hear that beautiful language roll off of some experienced tongue, and I think I'll never be able to speak or understand it!!
Although I know I won't learn to speak perfect French in 10 months, I'd like to at least learn enough to know the basics, and feel comfortable when we venture into smaller towns.
There are no beginner French or Travel French classes near where we live. A private (online) tutor would be great, but is a bit spendy.
And suggestions you have of what may have worked for you would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!
Billie
However, I don't speak a lick of French. Neither does my husband. I have bought a couple of books and teaching CDs, and have checked out a couple of the websites that offer free language lessons.
I am overwhelmed by the pronunciation rules, but continue to try. But then I hear that beautiful language roll off of some experienced tongue, and I think I'll never be able to speak or understand it!!
Although I know I won't learn to speak perfect French in 10 months, I'd like to at least learn enough to know the basics, and feel comfortable when we venture into smaller towns.
There are no beginner French or Travel French classes near where we live. A private (online) tutor would be great, but is a bit spendy.
And suggestions you have of what may have worked for you would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!
Billie
Jul 20th, 2007, 03:04 PM
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Billie
Check out the CDs for Michel Thomas and his language method. You don't need any books. No writing needed. You just have to listen to the CDs.
I think that there are other programs but Michel Thomas helps you get started and able to speak.
Blackduff
Check out the CDs for Michel Thomas and his language method. You don't need any books. No writing needed. You just have to listen to the CDs.
I think that there are other programs but Michel Thomas helps you get started and able to speak.
Blackduff
Jul 20th, 2007, 03:28 PM
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Me, too! Michel Thomas worked wonders for me. I used the 8-disk set. Overall I studied for about 5 months. To this day, Parisiennes compliment me on my pronunciation (I remain astonished at this!).
Here's what I did. I walk every day, so I listened while I walked. They say not to reverse and repeat, but I did. I stayed on one CD until I'd perfected it. It took me about 2 months to go thru all of them. Then I went through them again. I also began searching websites and other sources for words more specific to our needs (car rental). I kept an English/French dictionary on my desk so I could look up new words as they occurred to me (which resulted in my own personally written "dictionary"
.
Toward the end I checked out a CD set at the library which was more attuned to listening (vs. speaking). That was harder, but I learned a lot of good phrases. Lastly, I did one final pass through the Michel Thomas CD's just b/4 our trip.
Before you buy them, check your library. My library now has a set. And, of course, results reflect the time you put in. I was very committed and studied almost daily for 4 or 5 months. My sister, who majored in French, was incredulous at the effectiveness of this course.
Here's what I did. I walk every day, so I listened while I walked. They say not to reverse and repeat, but I did. I stayed on one CD until I'd perfected it. It took me about 2 months to go thru all of them. Then I went through them again. I also began searching websites and other sources for words more specific to our needs (car rental). I kept an English/French dictionary on my desk so I could look up new words as they occurred to me (which resulted in my own personally written "dictionary"
.Toward the end I checked out a CD set at the library which was more attuned to listening (vs. speaking). That was harder, but I learned a lot of good phrases. Lastly, I did one final pass through the Michel Thomas CD's just b/4 our trip.
Before you buy them, check your library. My library now has a set. And, of course, results reflect the time you put in. I was very committed and studied almost daily for 4 or 5 months. My sister, who majored in French, was incredulous at the effectiveness of this course.
Jul 20th, 2007, 03:34 PM
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I have used the Pimsleur CDs for German, and their approach is very agreeable. You listen and repeat, that's all. You can do it while working out, weeding the lawn, or driving to work. The intro course can be found for about $15 to see if you like it.
http://tinyurl.com/24bsol
http://tinyurl.com/24bsol
Jul 20th, 2007, 03:41 PM
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Lookee here. There's an 8-CD set on ebay.
http://tinyurl.com/3af32p
On Amazon there's now a 10-disk set.
http://tinyurl.com/3czcuf
http://tinyurl.com/3af32p
On Amazon there's now a 10-disk set.
http://tinyurl.com/3czcuf
Jul 20th, 2007, 04:03 PM
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I think you are smart enough to realize that if anyone tells you, "You just have to...", it probably ain't so.
It is hard work and it takes time and commitmnet. Read over what JeanneB did. If you are disciplined enough, her regime will work.
Listen to the language as much as you can... even if you don't understand it. Movies with subtitles, songs, internet radio (there was a thread on this lately) all will tune your ear to hearing French. After awhile you will pick out the odd word.
My quarrel with Pimsleur is the lack of a written and reading component. Note that JeanneB added one herself.
You also need to speak the language and to get over your fear of doing that. (That is what you will be doing in France!)
I have ended up going the online tutor route after trying most everything and have found the progress amazing as it is geared to you, immediate feedback, grammar, reading, saying, conversing, hearing, writing at your own level and speed. I found the cost surprisingly cheap - not at all like an academic tutor.
Find the BBC site - it is good.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/french/index.shtml#hptab
Here is a site with podcasts, written about everyday things at an intermediate level.
http://www.onethinginafrenchday.com/
"French In Action" is a great course (video) and available free on the internet.
Good for you nb and good luck.
It is hard work and it takes time and commitmnet. Read over what JeanneB did. If you are disciplined enough, her regime will work.
Listen to the language as much as you can... even if you don't understand it. Movies with subtitles, songs, internet radio (there was a thread on this lately) all will tune your ear to hearing French. After awhile you will pick out the odd word.
My quarrel with Pimsleur is the lack of a written and reading component. Note that JeanneB added one herself.
You also need to speak the language and to get over your fear of doing that. (That is what you will be doing in France!)
I have ended up going the online tutor route after trying most everything and have found the progress amazing as it is geared to you, immediate feedback, grammar, reading, saying, conversing, hearing, writing at your own level and speed. I found the cost surprisingly cheap - not at all like an academic tutor.
Find the BBC site - it is good.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/french/index.shtml#hptab
Here is a site with podcasts, written about everyday things at an intermediate level.
http://www.onethinginafrenchday.com/
"French In Action" is a great course (video) and available free on the internet.
Good for you nb and good luck.
Jul 20th, 2007, 04:49 PM
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Pimsleur teaches language the same way we learn our native language: by hearing and repeating.
The grammar, spelling, and reading comes about the 5th grade. To acquire a survival knowledge (which is about all you should expect in 10 months), you just have to...
The grammar, spelling, and reading comes about the 5th grade. To acquire a survival knowledge (which is about all you should expect in 10 months), you just have to...
Jul 20th, 2007, 05:12 PM
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Hey i to have tried to learn to speak French,,, it is easier to learn to read French. Also, don't worry they all speak "VISA" just pull out your card and watch them speak English. Visit my page emilyandjim.info ...
Jul 20th, 2007, 05:24 PM
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Just a few corrections Robes...
We don't learn our native language by hearing and repeating. The hearing goes on in isolation for about 6 months before the speaking. Mother shows and says - very visual.
However since we are adults(?) and have already made the connection between the heard, said, symbolic (written and read) language we can proceed a little quicker and more efficiently.
BTW - Pimsleur who died over 30 years ago was NOT a supporter of the audio-lingual tradition and in fact pushed role play.
I do agree that if what you want is survival skills, go for it. More is possible.
We don't learn our native language by hearing and repeating. The hearing goes on in isolation for about 6 months before the speaking. Mother shows and says - very visual.
However since we are adults(?) and have already made the connection between the heard, said, symbolic (written and read) language we can proceed a little quicker and more efficiently.
BTW - Pimsleur who died over 30 years ago was NOT a supporter of the audio-lingual tradition and in fact pushed role play.
I do agree that if what you want is survival skills, go for it. More is possible.
Jul 20th, 2007, 05:26 PM
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In reality, if you learn a vocabulary of about 200-300 words and perhaps 50-100 common phrases you will be able to get by fine. Don't try to become "fluent", it won't happen. People get frustrated trying to learn a language because they think they need to understand everything in a short time. Instead, break it down into the absolute things, the important things, the good things and the nice to know things.
Don't try to "translate" in your mind, instead create the word or phrase picture, just like you do in English. When you say "bonjour" do you think "Ok, I want to say good day, so good day would be bonjour" or do you just say "bonjour"? For the next 11 months, make it a game, look at a color, think of the French word. Turn right, think of the word. Count in French. You'll be amazed at how much you already know.
Oh, and this is the way to do it, I know, I've been teaching conversational English to people in over 65 countries, online for years. During the classes, I usually can't speak their language and refuse to if I can. They learn by association with the language.
dave
dave
Don't try to "translate" in your mind, instead create the word or phrase picture, just like you do in English. When you say "bonjour" do you think "Ok, I want to say good day, so good day would be bonjour" or do you just say "bonjour"? For the next 11 months, make it a game, look at a color, think of the French word. Turn right, think of the word. Count in French. You'll be amazed at how much you already know.
Oh, and this is the way to do it, I know, I've been teaching conversational English to people in over 65 countries, online for years. During the classes, I usually can't speak their language and refuse to if I can. They learn by association with the language.
dave
dave
Jul 20th, 2007, 05:37 PM
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Dave,
Aha! That explains the "esl"!
Your process is almost exactly what worked for me. All day long I found myself thinking of the French word for objects, actions, etc. Which, of course, led to a lot of: "I wonder what the word for THAT is"...then off to the dictionary.
Aha! That explains the "esl"!
Your process is almost exactly what worked for me. All day long I found myself thinking of the French word for objects, actions, etc. Which, of course, led to a lot of: "I wonder what the word for THAT is"...then off to the dictionary.
Jul 20th, 2007, 05:37 PM
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Just a few corrections Robes...
Babies begin to articulate the minute they're hatched. The process of imitation begins as soon as the speech organs are under control.
As adults speaking one language, we get mightily confused by how our beloved graphemes are expressed in another. There is abundant agreement that a language student shouldn't be subjected to the orthography of another tongue until the sounds are well-assimilated. And the older the individual becomes, the more confusion the dichotomy creates, so the longer mastery of the written language is deferred.
Babies begin to articulate the minute they're hatched. The process of imitation begins as soon as the speech organs are under control.
As adults speaking one language, we get mightily confused by how our beloved graphemes are expressed in another. There is abundant agreement that a language student shouldn't be subjected to the orthography of another tongue until the sounds are well-assimilated. And the older the individual becomes, the more confusion the dichotomy creates, so the longer mastery of the written language is deferred.
Jul 21st, 2007, 03:06 AM
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These free videos have helped me more than anything else.
http://www.learner.org/resources/series83.html
http://www.learner.org/resources/series83.html
Jul 21st, 2007, 04:15 AM
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hmm, A friend of mine precently spent about three months in the french countryside and picked up a phenominal amount... he didn't realise until recently when he began talking quite naturally to some French tourists, so as with many things, perhaps the best way to learn is to try!
something which may be a little pricey, but useful nonetheless is an incredible gadget I picked up a few months ago which has already been a lifesaver in a few of my escapades abroad!
The gadget I refer to is the Sony PSP and the accompanying "talkman" software (you can probably find them on amazon.com if you're interested) but essentially it acts as a translator, you speak into a microphone and it will translate and pronounce the sentence into your chosen language! Very clever piece of equipment if you ask me!
something which may be a little pricey, but useful nonetheless is an incredible gadget I picked up a few months ago which has already been a lifesaver in a few of my escapades abroad!
The gadget I refer to is the Sony PSP and the accompanying "talkman" software (you can probably find them on amazon.com if you're interested) but essentially it acts as a translator, you speak into a microphone and it will translate and pronounce the sentence into your chosen language! Very clever piece of equipment if you ask me!
Jul 21st, 2007, 04:32 AM
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RFI, the French international radio station, broadcasts excellent material for French learners.
I strongly recommend their <b>Journal en français facile</b> (<i>News Bulletin in Simple French</i
.
http://www.rfi.fr/lfen/statiques/accueil.asp
I strongly recommend their <b>Journal en français facile</b> (<i>News Bulletin in Simple French</i
.http://www.rfi.fr/lfen/statiques/accueil.asp
Jul 21st, 2007, 06:02 AM
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You may try Rosetta Stone. It is available online in may areas by accessing it on the local library websites.
Also, check to see if you have an Alliance Francaise in your area. Not very expensive and native speakers as instructors. I really enjoyed taking classes there, when I did.
Good luck.
Travelatte
Also, check to see if you have an Alliance Francaise in your area. Not very expensive and native speakers as instructors. I really enjoyed taking classes there, when I did.
Good luck.
Travelatte
Jul 21st, 2007, 06:39 AM
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First of all don't be overwhelmed, my in-laws went to France and spoke no French and still had a great time. Anything you learn will help.
I just rented a film from Netflix "To be and To Have" . It follows a one room school house for a year in rural France. It was really helpful watching the 4year olds learn to read and listening as they made errors. Its a good film even if you don't want to learn french.
Best advice is just to be polite and relax.
I just rented a film from Netflix "To be and To Have" . It follows a one room school house for a year in rural France. It was really helpful watching the 4year olds learn to read and listening as they made errors. Its a good film even if you don't want to learn french.
Best advice is just to be polite and relax.
Jul 21st, 2007, 07:08 AM
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Re: learning language
When my daughter was 5+, we took her to the Montreal Neurological Institute for examination, diagnosis, surgery and post-operative care.
She was there for about 6 weeks. She was one of 2 children in a ward of about 15 that were Anglophone. All of the others spoke French.
Naturally, most of the time the only language spoken was French.
After two weeks, the little girls began to "speak French", ie, they made noises that sounded French and accompanied them with French gestures.
By the time we left Montreal, my daughter could converse with the other kids and the staff in French.
Go for it NB.
When my daughter was 5+, we took her to the Montreal Neurological Institute for examination, diagnosis, surgery and post-operative care.
She was there for about 6 weeks. She was one of 2 children in a ward of about 15 that were Anglophone. All of the others spoke French.
Naturally, most of the time the only language spoken was French.
After two weeks, the little girls began to "speak French", ie, they made noises that sounded French and accompanied them with French gestures.
By the time we left Montreal, my daughter could converse with the other kids and the staff in French.
Go for it NB.
