Tarik's question
I transcript the whole message, because Tarik's concern
is shared by many, though expressed in various forms.
"Hi Gabrielle,
I have been studying French for a long time and after
having read you letter I am in real need of French help.
I'm currently at university in my second year and I still
can't get the basics right. As you said in the letter
'it's 100% or nothing!' that's exactly how I feel. I
just recently took my end of year French exam and I don't
think I passed.
My question to you is with regards to french grammar. How
do I go about learning the structure and the conjugations
to forming a sentence without having to use a text book
or internet translator tools. Please I need help...."
First, I hope you passed your exam.
And now, your "how to learn" question.
Here comes the
reading I told you about yesterday. The more you read, the
deeper you internalize the structures of the language,
with vocabulary acquisition as a by-product!
Split your reading time and effort: you read no more than
half a page to study it, vocabulary and grammar.
Then, you read the following 5 pages for your pleasure. As
much as possible, don't focus on the language at this
stage, focus on the story. You are not aware of it, but your
brains is recognizing and ordering what you studied some
minutes ago. Of course, during the first stage, it cannot
hurt to have someone at your side who points out what is
essential and what is not. Ask your teacher.
About the automatic translators... enter the contest and
translate:
Il regarde le toit de la tour.
You have a whole week end to figure it out. I am waiting
for your emails.