Bonjour tout le monde!
Even though I am a baby boomer (at the tail end, bien sur!), I have embraced most things technological. I have this blog, plus I am on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. While on Facebook this afternoon, I came across another blog that has the Top 100+ Must Know French Words for Facebook. Most of them are pretty straightforward, but it is still good to be "branche", or plugged in (minus the accent, which I can't do on my laptop).
So, for you Facebookoholiques, here you go! Just think, you can now switch your Facebook page to French and be the envy of all your friends. Bonne chance!
http://blogs.transparent.com/french/top-100-must-know-french-words-for-the-facebookoholique/
France 2022
Old Town Nice, France
30 September 2013
19 September 2013
Learning another langugage
Bonjour tout le monde!
I had another blog post in mind, but found this on my Facebook this morning. I went to the site, and loved what I read. It doesn't matter which language you're interested in, check this out. What I found the most interesting is the idea that once you're an adult, you can't learn like a child anymore. Of course we can't, because we usually need more information, and how to sound literate in a shorter amount of time. I also loved the idea of learning as much vocabulary as possible, because the more you have to work with, the more you can say. Here is the original post: http://www.forbes.com/2010/07/27/learn-second-language-lifestyle-travel-study_slide.html
So, what to do if you want to start or continue another language? Look online; there are podcasts (if you like to listen), plus all sorts of things to watch, and you can even listen in "easy French" on www.rfi.fr
And after all that, you're ready to have conversation classes with me, and then go with me to France!
Helpful websites:
www.france24.fr Think CNN in French. There is also an English version website.
www.france2.fr This website has all sorts of things to watch and do; the news from France, Belgium and Switzerland (at different times) plus you can watch various shows which are shown on French television. France 2 is a television station, and you can go from there to other things and sites.
www.nrj.fr A popular French radio station. Although the music is pretty much international, it's fun to listen to what they are talking about. And you can keep up with what's happening!
www.1jour1actu.com This is a website for younger French kids, but I always find it useful in a cultural way, especially when they talk about French stuff, like politics. I found out an awful lot that way. Now you have to register, but it's free, and fun.
www.lemonde.fr and www.lefigaro.fr Two French newspapers - the level of vocabulary is higher, but often fun to read.
Not interested in French? Google your language, and see what is out there for you!
I had another blog post in mind, but found this on my Facebook this morning. I went to the site, and loved what I read. It doesn't matter which language you're interested in, check this out. What I found the most interesting is the idea that once you're an adult, you can't learn like a child anymore. Of course we can't, because we usually need more information, and how to sound literate in a shorter amount of time. I also loved the idea of learning as much vocabulary as possible, because the more you have to work with, the more you can say. Here is the original post: http://www.forbes.com/2010/07/27/learn-second-language-lifestyle-travel-study_slide.html
So, what to do if you want to start or continue another language? Look online; there are podcasts (if you like to listen), plus all sorts of things to watch, and you can even listen in "easy French" on www.rfi.fr
And after all that, you're ready to have conversation classes with me, and then go with me to France!
Helpful websites:
www.france24.fr Think CNN in French. There is also an English version website.
www.france2.fr This website has all sorts of things to watch and do; the news from France, Belgium and Switzerland (at different times) plus you can watch various shows which are shown on French television. France 2 is a television station, and you can go from there to other things and sites.
www.nrj.fr A popular French radio station. Although the music is pretty much international, it's fun to listen to what they are talking about. And you can keep up with what's happening!
www.1jour1actu.com This is a website for younger French kids, but I always find it useful in a cultural way, especially when they talk about French stuff, like politics. I found out an awful lot that way. Now you have to register, but it's free, and fun.
www.lemonde.fr and www.lefigaro.fr Two French newspapers - the level of vocabulary is higher, but often fun to read.
Not interested in French? Google your language, and see what is out there for you!
11 September 2013
Take a chance...
Bonjour tout le monde,
As you know, I have been out of the classroom for a year. I don't miss getting up at 5:30 am every morning, the traffic on the way home, and the many meetings. What I do miss are my students, and the joy that they gave me every day, whether they knew it or not. I am tutoring, and look every day for that kind of work. Often, the job request wants a native speaker. I understand the idea that learning a language from someone who has grown up with that language is valuable. But how about learning French from someone who has spent the past 35 years perfecting the art of teaching French, and who is near native in her speaking? All you have to do is give me a chance, or give a chance to those of us who weren't "luck" enough to be born in the correct country?
I'm just saying. And that said, I am enjoying sleeping in, putting less mileage on my car; I still miss my kids, teaching, and our daily interactions.
A bientot!
As you know, I have been out of the classroom for a year. I don't miss getting up at 5:30 am every morning, the traffic on the way home, and the many meetings. What I do miss are my students, and the joy that they gave me every day, whether they knew it or not. I am tutoring, and look every day for that kind of work. Often, the job request wants a native speaker. I understand the idea that learning a language from someone who has grown up with that language is valuable. But how about learning French from someone who has spent the past 35 years perfecting the art of teaching French, and who is near native in her speaking? All you have to do is give me a chance, or give a chance to those of us who weren't "luck" enough to be born in the correct country?
I'm just saying. And that said, I am enjoying sleeping in, putting less mileage on my car; I still miss my kids, teaching, and our daily interactions.
A bientot!
31 August 2013
Everything I always taught that no one paid attention to.
As a French teacher, we all have our pet peeves. Some of mine were using 'tu' all the time, trying to use English words when vocab was limited, and no subjunctive. This blog post made me so happy!
http://www.blog.parisunraveled.com/do-you-make-these-6-french-mistakes/
24 August 2013
All aboard the train to Babylon
In Penn Station, there are several spots where travelers wait to see what track their train leaves from. It reminds me of bettors at the race track looking at the current race. I almost expect some to scowl and throw down betting slips. The minute a track is posted, half of the crowd starts down the hallway like kids late for class.
Many are going to the beach and have Starbucks drinks in hand. Gotta love public transport!
They called our train and everyone immediately turned to go down the stairs. And we still had to wait for the train while jockeying for the best spot to stand; is this where the doors will be? We did pretty well, the doors have closed and we are on the way to Long Island!
21 August 2013
La lune bleu
The blue moon as taken from our bsck terrace. Such a gorgeous evening; I took the dog on a rare night excursion. Our street is calm with houses lit up from the inside. I love LA.
20 August 2013
L'oeil comme un aigle - my eagle eye
Bonjour tout le monde!
In the past 5 weeks I have been working! Ouais - I have been freelancing as a proofreader/editor for a French cruise company. Now most of you will say that this is right up my alley, since I love travel and cruising. But who knew that this job would spark my love of proofing and editing? The work came to me in English already, and I would read the itinerary (programme, en francais) for grammar, syntax and American vocabulary usage. Not much French there, but that was really OK.
Since there is a 9 hour time difference between France and CA, I would have my work in my email inbox in the morning, and I could work "at my leisure" during the day. If it was late a night, I could even have an email conversation with one of my translators! It was fun to learn about, sorta kinda, all the cities along the different rivers in Europe, and even a couple in Cambodia, Vietnam, Cyprus and Israel! Now there are a ton of places that I want to visit. I worked with three people whom I have never met, but who have become my friends.,
But that wasn't the huge surprise - I LOVE to proofread! Little mistakes just jump out at me, whether or not I'm working. I was in a conference call the other day, and pointed out that an event was listed as one date on one page, and another date on another page. Then, I don't want to be a prissy prof, and don't worry mes amis, I will not point out your errors.
Got papers or documents that you need to have someone proof it for style, grammar and stuff? That would include high school seniors who need another eye on college application essays, AP free response essay practice (in English or in French), those who are looking to craft that perfect cover letter, or just want to write better. The coolest thing is that you don't even have to be local - there is email and Pay Pal - and I am raisonnable in my rates. :)
A bientot! Enjoy what is left of your summer.
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