I'm learning French, and am looking to increase my exposure to spoken French. Among other things, I've been listening to the Coffee Break French series of podcasts, which has been very helpful, but I'd like to add in some podcasts that aren't specifically about learning French -- podcasts that are by native French speakers and made for a French-speaking audience, but which ideally are fairly accessible or at least roughly comprehensible with some effort to someone who has only a patchy knowledge of the language. French news podcasts might be valuable to me, for instance. Bonus features: podcasts that are also broadcast in English, podcasts that are about scientific topics, and podcasts that are about or are produced in francophone Africa. Recommendations?
posted by Scientist
on Mar 14, 2013 -
17 answers
What are your tips and techniques for learning advanced vocabulary and grammar in a foreign language?
[more inside]
posted by kristi
on Feb 26, 2013 -
15 answers
I spent 4 years learning French in high school, and have retained just enough since then to vaguely eavesdrop on a fellow commuter's French novel the other day. I would like to brush up on my reading comprehension, and could use some suggestions for some simply written fiction to pick up.
[more inside]
posted by thirdletter
on Jan 16, 2013 -
25 answers
I am in Seattle. I'd like to learn French, to the point where I could (in 6 months, say) carry on a rough conversation with someone in Québec or France. I have knowledge of a few words but would essentially be starting from scratch. With which group/center/school should I take classes, but most importantly:
why? (In other words, what would make that class better than those offered through alternatives?)
posted by Blazecock Pileon
on Dec 25, 2012 -
9 answers
Dear French speaking Mefites: I am an idiot. I can't get the prepositions down! Knowing when to say "au" or "du" is KILLING me. I've made cheat sheets and have memorized most of the set phrases I can, but when I'm writing on my own I inevitably foul it up or blank. Can you help?
[more inside]
posted by two lights above the sea
on Dec 4, 2012 -
11 answers
Hi everyone,
I am a 24 y/o English native about to start a PhD in London. During the next 3 years, I would very much like to begin learning French alongside my doctoral studies, and I am interested in finding out the most effective and efficient way of going about this.
Realistically I will probably be able and willing to dedicate between one and two hours a day to studying French. I am interested in learning to both speak and write the language in equal measure.
Any advice is much appreciated.
posted by FuckingAwesome
on Nov 23, 2012 -
13 answers
French tv & movie recs for someone who wants to be entertained but also get used to the language?
[more inside]
posted by Mizu
on Sep 26, 2012 -
27 answers
I was taught French through to Grade 10; however, have been far removed from it since then. I am too shy to try to converse in French with others; but would like to build the confidence to be able to. What are some good strategies for relearning a language and becoming more confident conversing in it at the same time?
posted by jamincan
on Jun 18, 2012 -
5 answers
My dad speaks fluent Spanish (and English). I am third-year student of Spanish. Mom and dad know some French. My younger brother (13 years old) only knows English. We all like good plots, good music, and good cinematography. Please suggest some non-English language movies, documentaries, TV series, etc. that we would all enjoy. Bonus points if it's available through Netflix streaming or DVD.
posted by gray17
on Apr 25, 2012 -
15 answers
Question about French election 2012 slogan: Prendre le pouvoir! (Hollande) Does it mean We can take it? Or Take it, we can! ???
posted by sparkle55
on Apr 17, 2012 -
14 answers
Can you recommend passages I can memorize in Spanish, French, Italian, German, or Russian?
[more inside]
posted by kristi
on Mar 15, 2012 -
12 answers
DILF? DELF? DALF? Which French foreign language exam is right for me - and how should I prepare for it?
[more inside]
posted by jph
on Feb 14, 2012 -
5 answers
Are there online equivalents of FSI's "Introduction to French Phonology" for other languages?
[more inside]
posted by jweed
on Feb 1, 2012 -
1 answer
What is the most reasonable way to try and autodidact your way into reading French well and speaking it passably?
[more inside]
posted by jsturgill
on Jul 9, 2011 -
5 answers
What are some resources that are inexpensive or free for improving my French from Canadian public school level to functional?
[more inside]
posted by Phalene
on May 19, 2011 -
8 answers
My wife is reading
Les Miserables and I am reading bits along with her. Many years ago I took French in high school and am amazed at how much French pronunciation ability I have lost. Is anyone aware of any website or other reference source where I can get French names and words from the book pronounced for me?
[more inside]
posted by Rad_Boy
on Mar 27, 2011 -
7 answers
I'm at different levels in three different languages I'm learning (French, Hebrew, Russian/Lithuanian). How to proceed in each?
[more inside]
posted by lhude sing cuccu
on Aug 7, 2010 -
11 answers
How does a once confident French speaker re-learn the language after six years of not using it?
[more inside]
posted by schmoo
on Aug 7, 2010 -
11 answers
I'm studying abroad in France this fall. I want to learn the language. How do I prepare so that I can make the very best of it?
[more inside]
posted by superiorchicken
on Jun 30, 2010 -
16 answers
I would like to find recordings of French phrases and their translations. I've gone through the other AskMe questions but I want something a bit different.
[more inside]
posted by ninazer0
on May 12, 2010 -
7 answers
Recommend some French-language books (or sites) for a intermediate French-learner, to (hopefully enjoy) reading with the aid of a dictionary and bescherelle.
[more inside]
posted by Kurichina
on Oct 6, 2009 -
16 answers
Anybody familiar with a series of trilingual Vietnamese folk storybooks that were written in Vietnamese, English & French? I'm searching..
[more inside]
posted by handabear
on Jul 9, 2009 -
0 answers
What are some French language TV shows I can watch for free online that will help me improve my French? I'm looking for shows at different levels (maybe kids shows for when I'm watching while working and then talk shows or sitcoms for when I can pay more attention.)
[more inside]
posted by minicloud
on Jun 18, 2009 -
11 answers
Grad school language requirement filter: which French philosophers are (relatively) easy reading in the original French?
[more inside]
posted by Beardman
on Jun 15, 2009 -
9 answers
Is there a quebecois on line who would be willing to speak via Skype in order for me to get used to the Quebecois accent before I go on a field trip?
[more inside]
posted by fantasticninety
on May 28, 2009 -
6 answers
In the CD liner notes for the McGarrigles "French Record," partial translations of the lyrics are printed in English, but not in French. Fully expected to find French lyrics online, came up empty. Can anyone provide a clue?
posted by dorgla
on Mar 5, 2009 -
2 answers
In French, the singular of eye is "oiel" and the plural is "yeux." Are there any nouns in English that have completely different spellings of the singular and plural like this?
posted by Crosius
on Sep 26, 2008 -
27 answers
RSVP means "respondez sil vous plait", but when I respond to an RSVP, is there a French acronym that acts as the "We are responding" counterpart to RSVP?
posted by parmanparman
on Jun 3, 2008 -
17 answers
Where can I go for 2 to 4 weeks this summer to learn French that includes housing? Immersion programs would be perfect.
[more inside]
posted by thebrokenmuse
on Mar 26, 2008 -
12 answers
How do I search French ebay effectively for lots of used French childrens clothing?
[more inside]
posted by taff
on Dec 18, 2007 -
6 answers
I'm looking for popular books, novels, magazines, comic books...in European French (not Canadian French). I'd also like to be able to easily order/purchase them from home (preferably from places like Amazon.com).
[more inside]
posted by iamkimiam
on Dec 4, 2007 -
8 answers
