french lessons x 2

For 3 years Bruce and I have been taking French lessons. We started with private lessons from Sylvan (he's from northwest france), 1 day a week...and since neither of us had taken french before we started from the beginning. Then after 6 months we decided to take a group class and joined Savoir-Faire language institute. We would have a 2 hour class every Monday with Ouihaba (she is from Algeria) and 10 other students, it was total immersion, no english spoken. "je ne comprends pas". We had the class for 1 year and learned tons and got more comfortable with speaking. Then we went back to Sylvan for the summer and did only conversational which was great practice. We went back to Ouihaba in September but for privates this time, just Bruce and I. The hard part for me is that I have never taken a language before...there I was at 41 trying to teach my brain to learn french. Bruce took Spanish and really has a gift when it comes to learning a language, so he is much better than me.

I don't want to rely on him in France. I have decided that I will do the shopping alone, will take a french cooking class alone and take a pottery class alone. I need to use my french and not look at him for the right answer. So, I have decided until we leave that I will take 2 french classes per week. Bruce and I will go to Ouihaba on Thursday for our private and then I will go to Sylvan by myself on Wednesday. All Sylvan and I do is speak...he'll say something to me in English and I have to translate my answer back in french (using the same tense), then he'll say something in french and I have to translate and respond in French. It's great for me, gets me speaking and thinking faster. I know my tenses: Present, Imparfait, passe compose, conditionnel and futur....but it's the speed that I'm lacking...my brain isn't fast and I'm sure that I will get better as the year goes on, but I don't want my first couple months to go something like this: someone says something to me... I translate it (tick-tock, tick-tock), figure out what to say back (tick-tock, tick-tock) get everything sorted out (tick-tock, tick-tock) and respond. But it's too late...they gave up long ago and left!

Comments

[Kimberlee]

I'm green with envy! I really haven't studied since high school. My tenses are all wrong, and I only speak a rung above vacation french. I was recently evaluated at Berlitz as I was considering lessons ... they had me at like the 3rd class past beginner. I'm with you in that I am much better alone when attempting French. When I'm with someone whose skills are better, I usually concede the lead to them. I have a friend I travel with and she's a dear, but because her French is better she will interrupt and correct me (in front of the 3rd party) ... so I finally just let her do the talking instead of being irritated! Another thing I love is when you say something in French (example: la table) and then someone will "What??" and you repeat what you said (la table), then they respond "Ohhhhhhh, la table" repeating it EXACTLY as you said it.

Sometimes I think folks are so taken aback by the unfamiliar accent that they don't really listen the first time around. At least that is what I hope it is! ha!

So anyway, I'm going to just immerse myself there, sign up for language classes in Brantôme, commit to spending at least 30 min-1 hour a day reading French (no TV!!!), and play catch up. Maybe you can come practice with me on a visit! smile...

[colleen]

You are getting there! I find learning languages awesome. I definately understand what you are saying about taking the time to respond. I do it all the time. I've found people are generally patient...especially in the south.

[Megan]

Good luck! Living in France will be so good for your french skills. And after almost three years here, I am still slow at speaking and make mistakes. I think my problem is that I'm not much of a talker anyway. :)

[Alisa Rosseter]

K - I'm with you on saying something that isn't that difficult (la table) and the person acts like you said (el diablo) or something completely different from what you said. i know i have an accent but it's not that bad. the man who's gite we rented in the aveyron did that to me...we went to Albi to the Toulouse Lautrec museum and we came back and I told him where we had been and he said "ou" and I repeated it again and he did what you described "oh, the lautrec museum...yes that's what I said! frustrating

both of my french teachers encourage us to have french tv on (we watch IFC here in the states and many french films)...they say it's great to have it on in the background, not to translate but to listen to the accent and the flow, etc...

i'd love to come and practice....

[Alisa Rosseter]

c - like i said i had never learned a language before, but am so excited that i actually know how to speak french...who knew! i agree that the people in the south are patient and friendly and warm, i also think they appreciate us trying.

M - its funny i'm very much an extravert at our business, we have to be...welcoming and fun with the kids, good with the parents, make people feel comfortable at our studio, but most are shocked to hear that i'm quite shy...that is why i need to do things without bruce, because sometimes i just don't trust my ear or trust how much i know and instead of fumbling and making mistakes i just look at bruce and he takes over.

[La Belette Rouge]

You are an inspiration to me. It gives me hope that in a year from now I will be able to talk about the past and the future. For now all I can do is talk about present tense--and that makes me tense.;-)

[Bolder]

Sorry to just be getting back to you- I've been off traveling myself (and sorry this has nothing to do with your French lessons, although the best of improvement will most certainly happen when you arrive over here)!

For cooking classes, I take them from a fabulous chef named Bruno who teaches us the wonders of French cooking once a month at the Salle des Fetes in Druelle (just outside of Rodez). It's very low key, nothing fancy, but that's what I like... very authentic! We have a class this week, so I'll ask if there's any chance of a place opening up for next year (there's usually a waiting list, but it depends on the year and how many people are planning to not continue). I can also ask if he has other possibilities, knowing that he gives lots of different classes around this area.

Starting cooking classes was a big leap forward for me... and I've absolutely loved it ever since (even though I was drowning in new vocabulary there at the beginning... but you catch on fast)! Getting involved in different activities where you live is the best way to really become a part of your new environment, and to make the best of your time here.

Bon Courage!

[b]

Well, it sounds like you've got more than a great start on the language. I truly do believe that immersion is the best way to resolve those speed issues. You may feel like you're struggling at first but more quickly than you think, you'll be responding and surprised by what you do understand and how quickly you can respond. How exciting! I'm really inspired by your dedication! And yes, I think that taking those other classes and being in isolated situations where you must use your French... that will all help tremendously!

[Betty C.]

I'm glad to see Bolder got back to you about the cooking classes!

Good luck with your French! If you drive a lot, I would recommend the Pimsleur method CDs. The very basic course is not very expensive, but the second level is a little pricey -- I did some in German and found it quite effective.

[Alisa Rosseter]

Betty - I actually have: Rosetta stone and pimsleur. We've listed to the pimsleur many times and it will come with us, same with Rosetta stone. I'm hoping to get into Bolder's cooking class...that would be great!