Answers
Feb 23, 2015 - 11:45 AM
The Practice Makes Perfect series workbooks are great:
http://www.amazon.com/Practice-Perfec...
I also like: http://www.amazon.com/French-Three-Ye...
http://www.amazon.com/Practice-Perfec...
I also like: http://www.amazon.com/French-Three-Ye...
Mar 19, 2015 - 02:14 PM
Yes, it's obvious to me that nobody is going to learn to be proficient (not necessarily fluent) in any language by completing all the levels in Fluenz. I'm only in French 1, but I know that I'm going need to add some regular French conversations to build my confidence and pronunciation. I've seen various "exchanges" around the web and I'm planning to attend a local French class for beginners.
What online conversation exchanges or other resources have helped you most?
FYI, I've recently seen references on the web to the US Foreign Service estimates on how long it takes to become fluent in a foreign language. They rate foreign languages for difficulty by categories 1, 2 and 3 (3 is most difficult). French is only rated a category 1 language (very encouraging!). The estimate for category 1 languages is an average of 525 to 600 hours (plus homework). Their students study 25 hours a week. I'm estimating that Fluenz will provide about half that many hours. So yes, if I'm going to learn French, Fluenz will only be about half the effort needed! Well, even if I quit now, I'd know how to order coffee and beer in a French restaurant!
What online conversation exchanges or other resources have helped you most?
FYI, I've recently seen references on the web to the US Foreign Service estimates on how long it takes to become fluent in a foreign language. They rate foreign languages for difficulty by categories 1, 2 and 3 (3 is most difficult). French is only rated a category 1 language (very encouraging!). The estimate for category 1 languages is an average of 525 to 600 hours (plus homework). Their students study 25 hours a week. I'm estimating that Fluenz will provide about half that many hours. So yes, if I'm going to learn French, Fluenz will only be about half the effort needed! Well, even if I quit now, I'd know how to order coffee and beer in a French restaurant!