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Learning French: A Rendezvous with French-Speaking Cultures

Series: Great Courses
4.2
(213)
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Episodes
30
Rating
TVPG
Year
2017
Language
English
Publisher
The Great Courses

About

In Learning French: A Rendezvous with French-Speaking Cultures, you will gain a practical, in-depth introduction to a beautiful language. 30 step-by-step lectures provide you with an effective and engaging means to grasp the core building blocks of French, while adding insight into the relationship between language and culture. Perfect for an upcoming trip or an armchair tourist.

Related Subjects

Episodes

1 to 3 of 30

1. Welcome to the French-Speaking World

45m

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Bonjour! Begin your voyage with a global look at the French language and French-speaking countries around the world. Learning a new language is an active process, and language is deeply connected to the cultures where it is spoken. In this first lecture, you will survey a few patterns and rules to jump-start your understanding of French.

2. Ici, On Parle Français

45m

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One important facet of the French-speaking world is that manners and politeness still matter. Discover a few essential phrases that will ensure you don't commit any faux pas before you've even had a chance to open your mouth. Then survey the basics of numbers, definite and indefinite articles, the alphabet, and geography.

3. French around the World

45m

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Continue your exploration of French manners and culture and build on the phrases from the first lecture. Then reflect on several "word families" that will help you build your vocabulary and make connections across the language. Along the way, you'll also pick up a few common verb forms, adjectives, and adverbs.

4. Francophone Towns and Villages

45m

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When traveling in French-speaking countries, the verb aller - "to go" - is one of the most useful. Get to know this verb along with important question words such as "How much?" "Why?" and "When?" This lecture also gives you a chance to listen to a great deal of spoken French to help you practice your de-coding skills.

5. Weather, Seasons, and Some Geography

45m

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Find out how to discuss the weather, as well as what the weather is like in different parts of France. Then shift your attention to times of year - seasons, months, and dates. While you learn about the weather and time, Professor Williams also introduces you to a few new verb forms to help you talk about preferences and things to do.

6. La Vie en France

45m

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Continue your study of time by examining the days of the week, times of day, and typical French routines throughout the day. More verb forms will help you express what you want to do, what you can do, and what you have to do. And of course, you'll also gain plenty of practice speaking and listening.

Extended Details

  • Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists

Ann Williamswriter
Ann Williamsactor