French
03-13-06, 10:08 PM
#51
Hooked on Touring
And eef you really wish to learn zee French language, mon petit chou, you could take lessons from zis handsome fellow.
03-13-06, 10:26 PM
#52
Year-round cyclist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Montréal (Québec)
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Machka, I think MagicTofu summarized pretty much what I had in mind. Let me tell you that for me, the CBC was the best English teacher I could find. There is good pronounciation, good sentence construction, and they don't speak too fast. And if you compare the news between the English and French networks (especially for international news), you will learn by transation what you missed in the other language.
When I decided to tune in the CBC, I felt lost for 2-3 weeks. Then I understood. And in those days, I lived in a 100% French-speaking environment. I still had problems speaking, but I usually resolved those problems with 1-2 days immersion in an English environment.
As for differences between French French and Québec French, I would say there are many more differences between northern and southern France, for instance. But as it is with English, I find that differences are more accute in working-class neighbourhoods or within "teenager slang", but that they are very small in higher circles.
P.S. If you want to practice your written French, we have the Vélocia forum talking about bicycling in French. Not a huge touring or randonneuring content yet, yowever.
When I decided to tune in the CBC, I felt lost for 2-3 weeks. Then I understood. And in those days, I lived in a 100% French-speaking environment. I still had problems speaking, but I usually resolved those problems with 1-2 days immersion in an English environment.
As for differences between French French and Québec French, I would say there are many more differences between northern and southern France, for instance. But as it is with English, I find that differences are more accute in working-class neighbourhoods or within "teenager slang", but that they are very small in higher circles.
P.S. If you want to practice your written French, we have the Vélocia forum talking about bicycling in French. Not a huge touring or randonneuring content yet, yowever.
03-22-06, 04:34 PM
#53
crusty
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Guelph, ON
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Bikes: Giant Kronos, Miele Appolo, Miele 12 spd, Diamondback Hybrid
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regarding learning french and keeping your "ear".
I offered a taped French course to another member but there is no interest. I have the basic and advanced Berlitz French lessons. I learned all the French I'm ever going to need and I'll give them to someone who will use them instead of me pitching them.
pm me
I offered a taped French course to another member but there is no interest. I have the basic and advanced Berlitz French lessons. I learned all the French I'm ever going to need and I'll give them to someone who will use them instead of me pitching them.
pm me
03-22-06, 05:15 PM
#54
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
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I went to a French film tonight and I walked out speaking french. Seriously, if it is in the back of your head at ALL, it will emerge when you are there. Given you studied it, I think you weel be fine.
