Hubby and I are making our first trip to Paris in November and I have desperately been trying to pick up some French but to no avail. I am currently using an "I Can Speak French" software program by Transparent Language. The program isn't really helping very much, and is lacking in travel basics. I picked up a fair amount of Italian fairly easily (probably due to having studied Spanish throughout highschool) and German wasn't too difficult. However, and perhaps its just me, but I'm having a difficult time picking up even the slightest bit of French (not to mention my accent is beyond terrible)! I am just looking for a basic program for beginners. I am currently searching amazon.com and there are tons of options. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Tracy

Yes I have a suggestion, as I can totally relate to your dilemma!

I studied Spanish for 4 years in high school then 3 semesters in college. Years later I easily picked up Italian, and became quite proficient. HOWEVER, French was a completely different story for me.

Meanwhile, my husband has no gift for learning languages but has always wanted to learn Spanish. In the last two months, I've watched my husband learn to form long sentences in Spanish by listening to Pimsleur tapes.

So I run to the library and grab some French Pimsleur tapes and Voila! I'm now speaking French! I had tried other French tapes in the past with no luck, but this does indeed work. I always found French difficult because half the letters are silent, whereas in Spanish and Italian, each letter has a value.

It's very exciting. Pimsleur makes many different types of tapes. If I were you, I'd see if they have something like "French for Travelers" so you can zero in on the basics for travelers. I bet you'll pick it up quick with these recordings.

I am going to Italy and recently purchased the Rosetta Stone package for Italian. They guarantee that when you complete the program (Level 1) you will be able to carry on and understand conversational Italian or any other language. The toll free number to order is 800-788-0822 or log on to www.RosettaStone.com for more info.

The excellent French in Action program shown for many years on PBS is now available for viewing on line:

http://www.learner.org/resources/ser...7&pid=705#

You can also buy the video series and accompanying textooks and workbooks. It's an excellent and enjoyable way to learn French.

I, too, found the Pimsleur cd's to be extremely useful in learning French although I am not a quick learner and must listen to each one several times.

I tried to do the French in Action course and even purchased the book and workbooks on e-bay and checked the recording tapes that go with the book out from the library. Before using Pimsleur, I was very frustrated because I couldn't understand a word. Now that I have completed the Pimsleur cd's (all 3 sets) I am going back to French in Action and am very excited because I can understand every word! They enhance what I have already learned.

The difference between French in Action and Pimsleur is that Pimsleur gives you a lot of practice speaking whereas French in Action is more your conventional language course with grammer, etc. and not much speaking practice.

I too like the Pimsleur tapes. I finished French I and traded it in for French II from Lingo shop. I am supplementing that with some private lessons, but it's the tapes that have enabled me to get as far as I have.

We went to a wine tasting at a French wine shop and I was thrilled to be able to carry on a
conversation with someone....(after 2 glasses of wine).

I think the Pimsleur tapes are superb. I studied French many...many...many years ago in high school and it is amazing that some of it is still hiding in the recesses of my mind.

While the Pimsleur cd's are fabulous, particularly with regard to pronunciation, I have the 8, and 30, disc sets.

Two quibbles - after 30 discs, no "we" and no cafe/restaurant ordering skills.

Re: Pimsleur CD: the cafe lesson is in Level 2 unit 11 while the restaurant lesson is in level 3 unit 5. I also recommend the Pimsleur series.

Try Fodors French For Travelers. It's a CD and book to guide you along.
The pronunciation is excellent and the guide teaches you what to say in an emergency like "Call the police!" or "Help, he's stolen my handbag!"

I second the Rosetta Stone suggestion--great spoken CD program, and you can go as fast or as slow as you need to.

Pimsleur's is the best French lessons I've heard...we got them at the library, and DH listens to them on the way to work and back as he commutes on his bike. He loves them...and I'm just doing a few of the first lessons myself.

Have fun!

Jules

Thank you so much for all the great recommendations! I am off to research some of the recommendations and will place an order today...the sooner I start practicing my French the better!

Thanks again!
Tracy