Language français

To my ear, French is a beautiful language. But (at the risk of utilising a much-overused cliche) ooh la la -the complexities that lie beneath!

Although I am only learning at an elementary level, it is already quite astounding how many exceptions and irregularities there are. On top of the gender “assignments” of nouns as masculine or feminine (though perhaps I should be thankful there is not also a neutral gender as there is in German!); articles (eg “the”) and adjectives which vary depending on gender and number (meaning there can be up to four variants of the same word); the variable order of the verb and subject in a sentence depending on the context and degree of formality of the interaction; and of course, the informal and formal version of “you”……and these are just a selection that I have encountered so far.

This swirling confusion was supported by a French friend showing me a sizeable text outlining all the exceptions in the French language, amongst a collection of books she is going to study to sit a high-level grammatical exam – as a native speaker! So at least it’s not just my imagination…..!

Every language has its challenges and irregularities of course – English included. So it’s no wonder they say learning a foreign language is a good workout for the brain 😉

But despite the many rules and regulations to grasp, I have enjoyed my classes, the camaraderie of my fellow students, and in developing some friendships with others on a similar path. I am also pleased to have successfully passed the module of my course! In addition, it is quite a satisfying feeling to be able to grasp fragments of conversation going on around me – rather than it mainly being a blur of strange foreign sounds – and to be able to decipher a little more of the written language I encounter on a daily basis.

The spoken expression remains the main challenge – knowing you are sounding like a child learning to speak whilst trying to piece together the limited vocabulary and verbs you know – all the while being well aware it is often far from being correct! But the only way to learn is to continue to make attempts, and learn from your mistakes and the invariable confused looks you will receive!

So for now, I will take a reprise from lessons. My parents are visiting next week, and thereafter I think I may just spend the next few weeks enjoying Paris and getting out with my camera. But I will continue to practice bien sûr!

The French lessons begin!

Today I commenced French lessons. After much deliberation, I decided to opt for the Intensive program, comprising 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. Nothing like throwing yourself into the deep end! I just hope I can take it all in……

Alliance francaise Paris Ile-de-France

Alliance francaise is conveniently located on my metro line, the journey takes around 20 minutes by train to travel from the 18th arrondissement to the 6th.

As I sat in the cafeteria for lunch prior to my classes starting, it struck me how many students were here – apparently 12,000 study at this campus each year. That’s a lot of people learning French – and in just one of the numerous schools in Paris alone! I tried to decipher how many of the groups were conversing in French, but it was challenging amid the general buzz of activity. One thing I did note, however, was that I couldn’t hear any English from where I sat!

There were 8 students in my class, most of us around the 30-something mark, and a diverse mix of nationalities – including a fellow Australian from Melbourne! Our lessons were conducted entirely in French, which considering we are an elementary level class, is no mean feat – for the students or the teacher!

I spent a year teaching English to junior primary and primary school aged children in South Korea from 2007 – 2008, and similarly, all of our lessons were conducted in English. Now I am going to gain some small insight into what it must have been like for the young children to have a Westerner in front of them speaking a foreign tongue. After gaining a glimpse today, I have even more admiration for their ability to cope with it now! But the children did learn quickly and understand us well, so there is hope for me as the recipient this time around 😉

Despite not being much of a drinker, I decided to indulge in un vin tonight at a local restaurant to unwind after my first afternoon of lessons, and to celebrate the “official” start of my immersion into French life. As they say, when in Rome……..