Recommendations - to learn French

geekesse

Once you have the basics, try watching dvds of films / tv series that you already know well, with the language set to French. So much of understanding and speaking a language is about tuning your ear in, and that’s a fun way to do it.

Are there any YouTube song videos in French with subtitles in either English or French.

I found that I like German volksmusik and by watching videos, looking for lyrics and looking at translations I find that I have picked up bits of German, and for playing some songs I feel as if I am understanding bits of the lyrics in German rather than translating into English as I listen. So i understand a bit, then it goes don't understand, then comes back again.

There is lots of German volksmusik on YouTube, but I do not know how much French music there is, but I do know of this one with its French supertitles and its English subtitles.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctU8sVUwF4Q

I got O level French at a grade one above the lowest pass, over fifty years ago. Studying various other subjects as well.

If you and maybe others are interested in having a French café thread in Gransnet that could be good.

I feel that basically I would have to go through the learning again, though I remember some bits, like the "mangeons" bit that seemed to always being put into examinations.

Although I got O level French, I was nowhere near being able to pick up a French newspaper and read it, or read a French novel.

There are some free videos on YouTube.

I just found and watched this one.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz64czn1JcQ

Here is a link to part 2, but I have not watched it yet.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnZoBQLrHGA

There appears to be ten videos in the series.

There is also Spanish, I just started the first one and a quick look it seems to be the same cartoons as the French one, just in Spanish instead of French, so as I know no Spanish, I might try to have a go at that one too sometime.

I hope that this helps.

Once you have the basics, try watching dvds of films / tv series that you already know well, with the language set to French. So much of understanding and speaking a language is about tuning your ear in, and that’s a fun way to do it.

BBC Talk French has two course ebooks, a grammar guide and four CD's. Under £20.

www.amazon.co.uk/Talk-French-Complete-Book-Pack/dp/1406679216/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=talk+french&tag=gransnetforum-21&qid=1626993777&sr=8-1

I see you say you are not interested in downloads and apps but what about easy click and listen internet resources? You might try the selection on podcasts on Castbox. Coffee Break French for instance:

castbox.fm/channel/Coffee-Break-French-id421647?country=gb

Ask your niece to look on Amazon, there are lots to choose from beginners to advanced with or without accompanying book.

I do admire people that can speak more than one language.