A journal of studying French
- Posted: 12:22 AM
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- Author: Bui Chi Thuan
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- Filed under: French
So I've decided that I'll study for an A2 level in French to meet NTU entrance requirement. I've studied Chinese, so I've known how difficult it is. Now it is said that I will have to take an HSK exam, which is, again, said to be more difficult. So, let it be French then.
I should start with a real good teacher, but I have to go home almost every evening, so it is very difficult to go to a foreign language center. The other choice is to have a tutor, but it is not possible in my remote hometown. What should I do when the due date is coming in 4 months? I'll study French myself, then ask a teacher to review for the DeLL exam.
Self study a new language does not turn out as easy as it sounds. I've asked some friends, and some teachers, to get some text books (Initial, Campus, Studio 100), and I've downloaded some text books myself. When I read the books, and listen to the audio, I realize that it is not something I could do on my own, not even to understand what I should do...
Further searches on the internet resulted in something quite interesting: I found some soft wares and audio books that are so useful. After having a look at these things, I decided to start with Rosetta Stone soft ware, and Pimsleur audio book.
Rosetta Stone: Learning French
Believe it or not, it is a monolingual soft ware. Apart from the introduction, everything I find in the soft ware is French, from the instruction to the exercises. Yet it is easy to understand, as the soft ware manipulate a ton of pictures to illustrate their instruction. Combined with a well-plan lesson plan, and integrated with audio, it is indeed an ideal thing to start. I'm doing the first level, and there are 2 more levels to go.Pimsleur audio book
This is particularly for speaking lessons. With the instruction in English, I'm guided through conversations and practices. After the first lesson, I can say hello and such basic things with confidence - though I dont know how to write these sentences at all. What is good about this is I can use it while driving or when I having nothing to do - just listening to Pimsleur from my cellphone. This is actually a must-have add-on for anyone who wanna learn and speak French.I've found some websites with interesting lessons, but its not so convenient as I have to be dependent on the internet. A set of so proclaimed "French in action" videos turn out to be difficult to follow, too. So that's it. I've done with the textbook and study method. Next I will update my study progress - you may call it 'learning diary' or such. It is indeed another popular method for language learner.

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My favourite quotes -
- For teachers:
- For learners:
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime - Lao Tzu
The objective of education is to prepare the young to educate himself throughout his life - Hutchinson
Let another ship wreck be your sea mark
To learn, you must want to be taught
Whatever that is good to know is difficult to learn
One's work can be finished someday but one's education never - Unknown
All glory comes from daring to begin
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- Musics in language teaching
- Ripping audio/ video from Encarta/ Britannica for stand alone lessons
Oxford Advanced Learners' Dictionary 7(OALD7): Errors All-in-one- Make your blog get through the 'blogspot ban' in some countries (including Vietnam)
Anonymous said:
Great...! Long time do not contact... Wishing all good things will come to you...