Hello faithful readers–and a warm bonjour to those who have recently signed up to this free word journal. This blog usually goes out three times a week, but we are on a new schedule since the arrival of my mom. For the past three weeks Mom and I have been digging in the garden, enjoying walks by the seaside… braiding wild rosemary through our hair… and making plans for the future–while reminding each other to "be here now" in the present moment, or l'ici et maintenant. (Photos at the end of this post.)
Provence Villa Rental Luberon luxury home; 4 bedrooms, 5 baths; gourmet kitchen, covered terrace & pool. Views of Roussillon. Click here.
Keeping, now, to the theme of this blog–language learning–today's update is to tell you about a wonderful new educational tool brought to you by my friend Lynn, who has written today's column, below. Lynn McBride of the Southern Fried French blog has a new eBook out this week: How to Learn a New Language with a Used Brain (at Amazon.com, and available at other Amazon sites). It’s a short eBook for students of any language who want an update on the best techniques for learning, plus reviews of the latest online or traditional resources, and tips from and teachers and other students. Lynn would like to invite all French-Word-A-Day readers to join the virtual book release party over at Southern Fried French - just after you read her How to Chit-Chat in French tips, below….
France and Monaco Rentals: short-term holiday rental properties throughout France and Monaco. Photos here.
We expats know a lot about that. Take, for example, my British friend Pete who meant to ask at the hardware store for 10 meters of chêne (oak), but instead asked for 10 meters of chien (dog). Then there was the time I needed 3 kilos of salmon for a big party (6.6 pounds) and instead asked Monsieur le poissonierfor 3 kilometres of salmon (1.6 MILES). “Madame,” he said, “just what sort of party are you having?”
.
My favorite solution is one you may know about: Join the Alliance Française. They have chapters in cities all over the world, and they offer language lessons, conversation groups, and social events with native speakers. Americans can also go to to Meetup.com, where you can look for a French conversation group in your area, or easily start one. The French department at your local university is a great place to find native speaking tutors or conversation groups.
Remember when you were a kid and had a pen pal? You can now have a French pen pal, in a whole new way. Same concept, but you use Skype, Facetime, email, live chat, or the phone to bavarder. You will be both teacher and student; the French speakers want to learn English, so you alternate languages. My Language Exchange is an example of a site where you can find partners. View their photos, read their stories, and pick a partner who interests you. I’ve got many more such sites listed in my book, plus reviews of packaged programs that feature all kids of interactive learning on the internet.
The coolest idea for live talking practice is one that’s taking France and England by a storm, and I hope it will come to the states. It’s called Franglish, and it uses the “speed dating” model for language learning. Franglish events are held regularly at cafés or bars. You sit down with a French person and chat in French 7 minutes, then in English for 7 minutes, then you rotate to a new partner. What fun! If you’re traveling to Europe and want to try it, be sure to book in advance. And I hope you’ll check out my new book, which has MANY more ideas for you on learning French as an adult, from beginners on up to advanced students. Bon courage, and I hope to see you at the book release party!
.
***
Thanks, Lynn, for this fun and helpful post on chatting in French. Reading your book How to Learn a New Language with a Used Brain was a wonderful refreshment for me. After writing about French words for ten years, I sometimes experience the "shoemaker's children syndrome" wherein my own French is lacking while I'm teaching others vocabulary! I would highly recommend your book to anyone wanting to recapture the fun and excitement of language learning. Best wishes to you on this, your book launch day! –Kristin
Thanks for visiting our sponsor!
Provence Dreamin'? Maison des Pelerins, Sablet. A Vacation Rental Dream in the heart of the Côte du Rhone.
Hotels in France. Visit EasyToBook.com to find the cheapest hotels in almost all France cities.
A favorite photo of my Mom, who I'll have the chance to spend French Mother's Day with, on Sunday!
Are you noticing a "cape" theme? That's because my Mom yearns to fly….
Uncle Jacques came over to help clear the olive orchard of its felled branches. It was a massive two-day job. After, Jacques relaxed with Mom, enjoying photos of her home and her animals in Mexico.
Mom, making friends on the beach. To leave a comment, click here.
- Follow these French language updates on Twitter
- Learn French in context: read Kristin's vocabulary-rich memoirs: Words in a French Life or Blossoming in Provence
- Forward this post to a friend who might like to receive French Word-A-Day via email
Discover more from French Word-A-Day
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I lived in South Korea for a year, where my husband Brian and I taught English. One time Brian and I were at dinner with a Korean friend and I asked him for chopsticks. It turns out that the way I stressed the first syllable of the word, it sounded like I was asking for the slang word for a certain part of the male anatomy! Korea is a very conservative culture compared to the US and he thought this was both hilarious yet embarrassing at the same time. I was very careful about saying this word after that!
I lived in South Korea for a year, where my husband Brian and I taught English. One time Brian and I were at dinner with a Korean friend and I asked him for chopsticks. It turns out that the way I stressed the first syllable of the word, it sounded like I was asking for the slang word for a certain part of the male anatomy! Korea is a very conservative culture compared to the US and he thought this was both hilarious yet embarrassing at the same time. I was very careful about saying this word after that!
Many years ago in Dakar, Senegal, my English speaking mother asked a French butcher for some Queue de Boeuf (oxtail). When he returned with an ox heart (Coeur de Boeuf)my mother reiterated that she wanted Queue de Boeuf whereupon, he pointed to the Ox heart and said Oui, Coeur de Boeuf! So, my theatrically inclined mother then shook her head vigorously and said “Non, non je ne veut pas un Coeur de Boeuf, je veut un… then pointed to her behind and gestured a tail.
The butcher finally got the message and a good laugh was had by all in the butcher shop. Oxtail is not a French delicacy!
Posted by Berenice Stewart, South Africa
Many years ago in Dakar, Senegal, my English speaking mother asked a French butcher for some Queue de Boeuf (oxtail). When he returned with an ox heart (Coeur de Boeuf)my mother reiterated that she wanted Queue de Boeuf whereupon, he pointed to the Ox heart and said Oui, Coeur de Boeuf! So, my theatrically inclined mother then shook her head vigorously and said “Non, non je ne veut pas un Coeur de Boeuf, je veut un… then pointed to her behind and gestured a tail.
The butcher finally got the message and a good laugh was had by all in the butcher shop. Oxtail is not a French delicacy!
Posted by Berenice Stewart, South Africa
My blooper was manifest at a wine estate, asking the salesman in their shop if they could store all harvested wine in their ‘casques’…in North Carolina we have large oak casques for such purposes, but in France I don’t think they use ‘helmets’ for such purpose!
My blooper was manifest at a wine estate, asking the salesman in their shop if they could store all harvested wine in their ‘casques’…in North Carolina we have large oak casques for such purposes, but in France I don’t think they use ‘helmets’ for such purpose!
Beautiful photos, thank you for sharing and enjoy this precious time with your mother. xx
Beautiful photos, thank you for sharing and enjoy this precious time with your mother. xx
Your mom and I are of the same spirit. I have been in France 42 times in 6 years. Yes, I know I am addicted. But I love France and the people. I know your mom would have been right there with me when a french waiter offered to take me on a midnight ride on his bike through Paris. It was one of the most delightful times of my life. And yes I am probably your mothers age but we are young in spirit. Thank you Kristen for your efforts and your art in what you do.
Your mom and I are of the same spirit. I have been in France 42 times in 6 years. Yes, I know I am addicted. But I love France and the people. I know your mom would have been right there with me when a french waiter offered to take me on a midnight ride on his bike through Paris. It was one of the most delightful times of my life. And yes I am probably your mothers age but we are young in spirit. Thank you Kristen for your efforts and your art in what you do.
My eyes are wet from laughing at these comments. Joyeux jour de la mere!
My eyes are wet from laughing at these comments. Joyeux jour de la mere!
Not me, but my sister who was studying French in Besancon. At the time she was 19 and her professor was over 60. She was falling behind with her studies and felt she could use some extra tuition. So she sent this SMS message
“Si c’est possible je voudrais pratiquer plus que mon francais avec vous.”
She never did tell me his reply!
Not me, but my sister who was studying French in Besancon. At the time she was 19 and her professor was over 60. She was falling behind with her studies and felt she could use some extra tuition. So she sent this SMS message
“Si c’est possible je voudrais pratiquer plus que mon francais avec vous.”
She never did tell me his reply!
I love the photos of your mom. It is so nice you get to spend time with her. Cherish that time while you have it.
I lost my mom and best friend almost 10 years ago and I miss her. Enjoy yours xo
I love the photos of your mom. It is so nice you get to spend time with her. Cherish that time while you have it.
I lost my mom and best friend almost 10 years ago and I miss her. Enjoy yours xo
Thank you everyone for such hilarious faux pas-I really needed to laugh! When I was studying in France during college, I also made the mistake of asking my French family if there were “preservatifs” in the wine! Everyone laughed and one of the other students gently told me of my mistake. I was embarrassed but had to laugh as well. Something I’ll never forget!
Hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day Kristin and Jules-BEAUTIFUL photos….So happy you’re enjoying life together.
Thank you everyone for such hilarious faux pas-I really needed to laugh! When I was studying in France during college, I also made the mistake of asking my French family if there were “preservatifs” in the wine! Everyone laughed and one of the other students gently told me of my mistake. I was embarrassed but had to laugh as well. Something I’ll never forget!
Hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day Kristin and Jules-BEAUTIFUL photos….So happy you’re enjoying life together.
I forgot….I just wanted to say to Bill Facker that I think it’s wonderful you’ve reunited with your son. What courage you both have and how blessed you are to still have the opportunity to be together. I will try to remember your words whenever I take my Dad for granted (my Mom is no longer with us). Best of luck to both of you. Also Bill-I always love your comments so keep them coming! 🙂
I forgot….I just wanted to say to Bill Facker that I think it’s wonderful you’ve reunited with your son. What courage you both have and how blessed you are to still have the opportunity to be together. I will try to remember your words whenever I take my Dad for granted (my Mom is no longer with us). Best of luck to both of you. Also Bill-I always love your comments so keep them coming! 🙂
I told a shopkeeper her black cat seemed very yellow instead of very young….
‘tres jaune’ instead of ‘tres jeune’
LOL!
I told a shopkeeper her black cat seemed very yellow instead of very young….
‘tres jaune’ instead of ‘tres jeune’
LOL!
I think you said once that your beautiful mom lives in Yelapa. I will be visiting Yelapa soon … at la Casa de los Suenos there, hosted by Jesse Rose and Mateo Roberts who grew up in Yelapa with with their mom, my friend Mary Beth Roberts. We’re celebrating our soixante-dixieme on June 19.
I think you said once that your beautiful mom lives in Yelapa. I will be visiting Yelapa soon … at la Casa de los Suenos there, hosted by Jesse Rose and Mateo Roberts who grew up in Yelapa with with their mom, my friend Mary Beth Roberts. We’re celebrating our soixante-dixieme on June 19.
Happy birthday, Betsy! Mom now lives in Puerta Vallarta. Maybe she will recognize your friends names 🙂 Enjoy your celebration.
Happy birthday, Betsy! Mom now lives in Puerta Vallarta. Maybe she will recognize your friends names 🙂 Enjoy your celebration.
Regarding your comment on your Mom telling you there’s a crumb on your mouth, I really appreciate that from friends, and do it myself. When it comes from a Mom, however, it can be read as that she is always watching and assessing you, and could she please leave you alone. I can understand how the boundary line can blur. Regarding comments about what is appropriate to do in a restaurant etc. it struck me that it is the parent’s role to teach the child appropriateness, and mothers cringe when their children turn the tables on them. I can’t even imagine raising a child in France, where appropriateness is so very, very important, and sometimes they do need to tell you, since they’re French and you’re not. How strange and uncomfortable I’m sure that can be.
That’s my observation for today. It’s great we’re imperfect. If we were perfect, I’d really miss reading your blogs. Much love, Arzani
Regarding your comment on your Mom telling you there’s a crumb on your mouth, I really appreciate that from friends, and do it myself. When it comes from a Mom, however, it can be read as that she is always watching and assessing you, and could she please leave you alone. I can understand how the boundary line can blur. Regarding comments about what is appropriate to do in a restaurant etc. it struck me that it is the parent’s role to teach the child appropriateness, and mothers cringe when their children turn the tables on them. I can’t even imagine raising a child in France, where appropriateness is so very, very important, and sometimes they do need to tell you, since they’re French and you’re not. How strange and uncomfortable I’m sure that can be.
That’s my observation for today. It’s great we’re imperfect. If we were perfect, I’d really miss reading your blogs. Much love, Arzani