Which colour? We used the orange, blue and green. They were a bit dry but I loved the little comprehension passages that started each chapter. I remember Marie France going to market and Claudette talking to her mother about "le petit dejeuner," papa, Jean Claude et amie Pierre watching the Tour de France and the boys being late for school with Monsieur Lafayette.
I think I'd be intimidated to speak French around native speakers, in books and on TV they always seem to be looking down on tourists' attempts at French. Does art imitate life?
No, art does not imitate life. Hubby almost wouldn't go to Paris because of the tales he heard, but everyone there was very nice. I think it helped that I spoke a little French and tried.
Parisians live in very cramped quarters and they have social rituals to deal with it. You walk into a shop and you say "Bonjour." And they ask if they can help you and you say "Oui" or Merci, non." And you say goodbye and please. That and smiles seem to pave the way beautifully. Even if your accent isn't perfect.
It's funny how that misconception persists. I was watching an old episode of Babylon 5 the other day in which Marcus and Ivanova go out searching for some of the First Ones (advanced aliens) to join them against the Shadows in the coming war. Ivanova makes a comment to the effect of "They know our language, they just refuse to speak to us in it." Marcus replies "Who knew they were French!" It's nice to know it's all hooey!
Parisians live in very cramped quarters and they have social rituals to deal with it. You walk into a shop and you say "Bonjour." And they ask if they can help you and you say "Oui" or Merci, non." And you say goodbye and please. That and smiles seem to pave the way beautifully. Even if your accent isn't perfect.
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I think I'd be intimidated to speak French around native speakers, in books and on TV they always seem to be looking down on tourists' attempts at French. Does art imitate life?
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Parisians live in very cramped quarters and they have social rituals to deal with it. You walk into a shop and you say "Bonjour." And they ask if they can help you and you say "Oui" or Merci, non." And you say goodbye and please. That and smiles seem to pave the way beautifully. Even if your accent isn't perfect.
Reply
Parisians live in very cramped quarters and they have social rituals to deal with it. You walk into a shop and you say "Bonjour." And they ask if they can help you and you say "Oui" or Merci, non." And you say goodbye and please. That and smiles seem to pave the way beautifully. Even if your accent isn't perfect.
That's about the extent of my French. :(
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How are things, my love?
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