Really French

Author: Phillip

  • Become Fluent in French

    • Is it easy to learn to speak French ?
    • Why should I learn French ?
    • I’m too old to do that !
    • All the verbs and conjugation are difficult !

    These are just some of the questions and comments that you often hear from people who would like to learn to speak French.

    How to become fluent in French ?

    First of all, it is difficult to learn any other language apart from you own language.

    Generally your first spoken words were learned by simply listening to your mother’s voice and you with repetition, you began to speak your native language.

    You did not have to study or read lists of verbs to do this !

    Use a proven method to learn French naturally, where your accent and understanding improves all the time.

    Advantages of learning a foreign language

    “Running two parallel language systems throughout life has had positive benefits in a number of ways”
    (Prof Virginia Gathercole, Bangor University)

    Travel, communication, business, career opportunities, culture.

    Travel : Discover more of the country you are visiting. Feel relaxed when having to ask questions and finding your way around.

    Career opportunities : Enhance your chances of obtaining that job opportunity you need. Having a second language is a real PLUS. Imagine your competitors who have a second language at your next job interview. Put all the chances on your side, you’ll never regret it.

    Business : Understand what your customer really needs and improve your sales. When the telephone rings or you have to call “Jean-Paul”, no more hesitation or misunderstandings.

    Culture : Open the world of a different way of living and traditions. Understand and appreciate the differences. The films, art, music, history and cuisine will be meaningful and tasty !

    What should I do then?

    For learning French, the best opportunity and guaranteed results is the French4U course.

    Get your FREE eBook and discover
    The 8 steps to THINKING in French.

    Click here to start learning French

  • French Art News

    This month is quite busy for Art lovers.

    A big deal about the robber in Paris on Thursday 1 May 2010 including works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, Amedeo Modigliani and Fernand Leger.

    There is also the opening of the “annex” of the Centre Pompidou in the city of Metz. Many of you know the Centre Pompidou for its unique style and architecture (by Sébastien Loste,). The building is basically inside out with all the piping and tubes visible from the exterior and bright colours. However, many of you have never heard of the wonderful town called Metz, which is on the border with Germany in the Lorraine region. Don’t get the wrong idea, the city is very beautiful and the people offer a warm welcome.

    So what is the signification about this annex of modern art being opened in Metz ? Well, the most important thing is that it will have a great economical impact on the old mining town. This once heavy industry orientated metropolis, which suffered during both of the world wars (and also before) has been struggling to find an identity, which it truly deserves. Now, it has become home to some of the most fantastic modern art works.
    Another reason… DECENTRALIZATION. This is part of a long term project by successive governments in sharing the power of the country, previously once maintained by Paris. Slowly the regions, departments and cities have more and more responsibility. This is good news for some, the downside is that they have to assume the costs.

    By the way if you enjoy art, painting and drawing why don’t you test your artistic talent.

  • Sporting Weekend

    So we know have the final outcome of the football season ! Many will be happy, whilst others do not really care of course.
    So Marseilles are the champions and they have been having a great party at the port in the city center. There is also Auxerre and Lyon who have qualified for the European stages. The big loser is Bordeaux who failed to qualify.

    We also have been told that Laurent Blanc (currently the manager of Bordeaux), will become the manager of the French national football team no matter what happens at the world cup, he will be replacing the controversial Raymond Domenech.

    For motor racing fans, there was the Grandprix at Monaco and the Rugby season is almost finished but undecided. Tennis fans will have a great time in a few days with the start of the French open at Roland Garos. The French basketball star Tony Parker will not be playing in the world cup at Turkey, which is a huge blow to the team.

    Culture

    Apart from the sport there is also the room for culture and the rendezvous for many stars with the Cannes film festival. Just before the start of the film festival, a storm with very high waves created much damage to the sea front. However the repairs and red carpet where put back in place with speed and talent.
    The opinions of the films being shown in the competition are diverse and arguments always rage. We’ll see who win the awards in a few more days.

  • Le Printemps

    In France we are still waiting for the real spring time (Printemps) to arrive. The temperatures are low and some of the ski stations have had snow falls ! However the flowers and blossoms are here, the gardeners trying to sow the seeds at the right moment.

    We have had a few days of great sunshine and have been able to take advantage of the beaches, a few moments to think of something else and not the “La Crises”. We all know we will have to work even more years to pay the huge costs of the pensions “La Retraite”, so taking advantage of great weather is a way to escape the thought of more working years.

    French people are already amongst the most taxed in the world but the government are not talking about increasing taxes. Instead there are rumors of removing certain advantages, which are given to the lower tax payers. There is now a fear of “la Rigueur”.

    This is also a long weekend for many people, as Thursday is “Ascension” a holiday which many will take. Now as most schools do not open on Wednesday, people will take a day off work on Friday. This means they have from Wednesday evening to Sunday night. A great short holiday!
    We may as well rest now as we know will will have to work more in the future! That’s the French way of thinking.

    So, spring is almost here, a sign of change, but what will the price be?