Question

[feliciakw]

First, the irises are in bloom, and they are gorgeous.

Second:

There's a way, way, way, way, WAAAAAAAYYYYYYY, way, waywayway, way . . . way outside chance that Geo and I will be going to Paris this October. Yes, the one in France. My question is this: What's the best, most efficient way to learn some rudimentary basics of the language? If we were going to Spain, I could maybe get by. If we were going to Italy, I've heard that Spanish is similar enough to Italian that I could maybe get by. (I also know a few people who have visited Italy and have fallen in love with the country. *sigh*) Traveling to the UK, it would be a matter of trying to sort out the dialect, I'm sure, with no doubt embarrassing but humorous results (separated by a common language, and all that).

French? Not so much. French isn't like anything else, is it? Not really. Yes, it's a Latin language, but it seems like it developed in a completely different direction than the other Romance languages.

I think everyone has heard of the Rosetta Stone programs, but good grief they're expensive. And yes, I know that English is a pretty universal language when it comes to tourism in larger cities, but I've also heard that it is of great benefit to at least attempt the native language before showing yourself to be an "arrogant American."

Suggestions? Other, less expensive language programs? On-line sites?

In other travel, I want to go somewhere special for our 15th anniversary this year. I've heard lots of good things about San Antonio.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

I would suggest going through Geo's DVD collection, looking through any with a "French" Language option and watching movies in French w/ English subtitles while on the tredmill/ eliptical. Also hit the local library and check out any language tapes/ books- Hit the juvenile section too (It makes learning fun) If you have an ipod, download French CDs onto it and have the language playing in your ears as you clean/ garden, etc. But books where you can see the language printed is key.

I have Portuguese language lessons downloaded on my ipod, but no books yet. That's what's stumping me. I can hear and repeat what's being said, but I don't know when I'm saying one word or two. I thought I was saying Counli senensa (With permission- like saying "Excuse me") until my Brazilian pal told me it was Com licença. Which makes much more sense. But yeah, just think French thoughts, grab any materials you can and have them in the background always. When/if the time comes to study hardcore cramming for the Paris trip you'll have prepped your brain for it.

And LEDERHOSEN is the same in any language!

[feliciakw.livejournal.com]

LEDERHOSEN is the same in any language!

Isn't that the name of an old song? Sandi Patty, I think? "Lederhosen In Any Language"?

The thing about using subtitles to learn a language is that so often the subtitles and the dialogue? Not even remotely a translation of one another. I've found that out by watching Spanish-language stuff.

But point well taken on checking out what our local library has to offer. At least I could get the "Where is the . . ." and "How much does it cost?" type of questions down.

Funny thing is, I also learned from my trip to Honduras that being able to ask the question isn't enough. You have to be able to understand the answer! Bwah!

I think I already know how to ask, "Do you speak English?" though.