Dining out with the Finnish Ladies - Helena and EvaVendredi, 14 Mai 2010 - Whose idea was it to go to an intensive French course? Who would be silly enough to sit through four hours not understanding more than about 20% of what is being said and living in fear of being asked a question? Yes, you all know the answer to these questions. Picking up the basic theme of what teacher is saying and responding in whatever basic way are the challenges. And no, you can't ask the teacher to repeat something in English; you can't even ask a question in English. Of course I shouldn't leave out the joy of learning about the subjunctive and the objective-possessive.
I am in a class of around 10, all of whom are more than 30 years younger. This is in an environment where youth and its associated adsorption capacity is supreme.
I have deliberately delayed making this posting because I wanted to avoid sounding too negative. As well as negativity I have managed sarcasm too! Honestly, it is a struggle but just hearing so much French is, I am sure, doing me good. Let's see what next week brings.
I am planning a busy weekend of visiting places in Paris and hope to catch up with some friends. More on this in the next posting.
Oh, some want details on the food. Well, this week I have had the worst duck of all time (one of those bad spontaneous decisions) and one of the nicest steaks. I have also had some convivial meals at my home stay and out with some people I have met at the school (yes there are some oldies here). Did I mention the creme brulée. C'est Magnifique!
C'est tout et au revoir
Mon Famille et Mes Amies
4 comments:
Good work Bernie.
Osmosis works!
The pies beat Freo.
Edith
Bonjour Bernie. Ca va?
Half-way through your French course, and it sounds as if the end cannot come soon enough! Hopefully your second week is a bit more enlightening? Or maybe the 20% becomes 30% and who cares about the rest...
Paris! I'm expecting to see a pic with you plus a baguette and La Tour Eiffel(sp?)soon. Vic Market was definitely a bit quieter this morning without your usual repartee.
Cheers
Peter
Oh Dad, "not understanding more than about 20% of what is being said and living in fear of being asked a question" exactly describes my experience of first-year French at Uni! But you're exactly right about "picking up the basic theme of what teacher is saying and responding in whatever basic way" is the way to go forward.
Keep it up! And photos, please...
Bad duck in france?? I watched masterchef - the french special and the french accented man said that duck is staple french cuisine. liar!
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