Learning French/Apprendre le Français
I wanted to make 2019 the year where I focus on trying new things. And the one question I get a lot having a blog called Go French Yourself is if I speak French. So I am thrilled to inform you that I have started French lessons and am committed to learning how to speak this beautiful language. I love the language and am always having a total love affair with France and am obsessed with the je ne sais quoi of the French woman.
And me being such a Francophile-it’s just time to fully embrace it. I am only three lessons in but have been doing a lot of home study and I have been watching french films like crazy as well as listening to French music. Today, I even writing out post it notes with French words and placing them all over the house. I will be taking you on my delightful journey through my experiences of learning French at the age of almost 39. I will be sharing my joys and frustrations with learning a new language, and delving into the nuances of French. So far..there have been a lot of frustrations as I am having a tough time with the phonetics, especially since I somewhat know Spanish and cannot seem to shake my “okie-tex-mex” accent which is so not sexy. LOL! Anyhow, it’s not as easy as it may appear.
One thing I've learned about the French already is that they are always wishing you a bon something or other[…] My favorite, though is bon courage!, sometimes shortened to just Courage! which, depending on the situation, can apparently mean anything from 'have a nice day no matter what may come' to an ominous 'good luck,' sometimes with a nuance of 'good luck, pal — you’re going to need it! I suspect in my case, particularly when I trying to speak French, it’s usually the last. And I do need it desperately right now.
I have created a permanent hi light on my Insta stories called Francophile where you can keep up with me and am also going to be adding a new blog category too solely focused on all things French! I hope to one day start publishing my blogs in both languages..English & French which was always a long term goal and plan for Go French Yourself. In this new exciting segment of my blog, you will gain a deeper understanding of the foundations of French fashion and everything in between. There will be articles on style, beauty ,fashion week, travel, French designers, French chefs, and French culture. I will be partnering with various French contributors too as well as other Francophiles even here in my current hometown, Tulsa.
Speaking of Tulsa…if you have been wanting to also learn to speak French, I highly recommend working with The Alliance Française de Tulsa. I have partnered with Judy Glenn from AF Tulsa and she is a wonderful tutor. She is incredibly knowledgeable and incredibly patient. Judy enjoys teaching beginning-level French from a current affairs angle. She holds a BA in liberal education with emphasis in marketing, languages and psychology from Langston University. She has experience to share on hosting international visitors, coordinating Sister cities efforts, web development, social media and French cinema.
The Alliance Française de Tulsa education program offers ongoing French classes at various levels priced at $200 for 8 meetings. And for repeat students, families, couples or AF members the cost is $185. Customized one-to-one tutoring can be offered at a monthly rate of $300 for five 1.5 hour sessions. They provide small, intimate, relaxed French lessons, emphasizing rapid immersion to French. The classes will offer maximum opportunities to speak and participate – they will be lively, interactive and fun. Grammar concepts will be presented in the context of real life communication and culture, focusing on conversational skills and basic reading, writing and listening. A variety of media will be selected by the teacher to help develop these essential proficiencies.
To inquire about upcoming classes, contact rsvp@aftulsa.org
Mondays, “Quoi de neuf” vocabulary-building class Students can build their French vocabulary by enrolling to play with news topics or French film festival topics in a relaxed, social setting. Students will be encouraged to bring current French headline articles to analyze. Instructor: Judy Glenn *MyFFF
When: Mondays, 1.5-hours, weekly for eight (8) sessions;
Dates: January 14-March 4, 2019;
Times: 3:30-5:00pm;
Where: To learn the location, email rsvp@aftulsa.org, or call 918-625-8376.
Tuesdays/Saturdays, (A1) Easy French Step-by-Step (beginning-level) introduces pronunciation, verbs, vocabulary, grammar and reading skills. The textbook can be purchased (under $20) by the student or the student can borrow from a class set. Instructor: Judy Glenn *MyFFF
When: Tuesdays/Saturdays, 1.5-hours, weekly for eight (8) sessions;
Dates: January 8-February 26, 2019 or January 12-March 2, 2019;
Times: 4:30-6:00pm or 6:00-7:30pm Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30pm Saturdays;
Where: To learn the location, email rsvp@aftulsa.org, or call 918-625-8376.
Wednesdays, Intermediate/Advanced Conversation: A lively, intimate group reading and discussing culture, arts, society and global current events in French, using authentic French materials. A casual, stress-free way to improve your fluency and ease in conversation. Instructor: Nan Melton
When: Wednesdays, two-hours, 7:00-9:00pm, weekly for eight (8) sessions;
Enrolling now: Class begins January 30, 2019.
Where: To learn the location, email Nan Melton, or call her KS cell 913-485-8225.
Thursdays, French for Travelers/Beginning French: Planning a trip to France—or dreaming of one? Come gain essential survival skills and build your confidence to travel more comfortably! This class focuses on conversational French as well as etiquette and insight into culture. We’ll learn phrases you can use for dining out, shopping, sightseeing, getting around, asking questions, meeting people and more, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Grammar concepts are presented as tools to expand your horizons and go beyond just “phrasebook French.” Instructor: Nan Melton
When: Thursdays, (8 two-hour sessions), 7:00-9:00pm;
Enrolling now: Class begins January 31, 2019.
Where: To learn the location, email Nan Melton, or call her KS cell 913-485-8225.
Saturdays, Mondays or Tuesdays – Instructor: Judy Glenn
Eight 1.5 hour classes; $185/AF Member discount
$185.00
I also recommend becoming a member of AF Tulsa too. Contributors to l’Alliance Française de Tulsa:
Receive E-mail or social media broadcasts on French language or cultural topics;
Receive invitations to French films, qualify for free admission, a member discount or special showings dependent on film rights;
Opt-in subscription to website updates via email, our monthly news, upcoming events;
Have opportunities to network with our francophile and francophone community;
Enjoy events organized by l’Alliance Française;
Share contacts and tips for your next trip to France
The Alliance Française of Tulsa is a non-profit organization 501(c)(3). As such, any monetary contribution you make, might be tax deductible (consult your financial advisor for more details).
Last week we all went to Cinemark and saw Cyrano de Bergerac, the iconic French play from the historic and prestigious Comédie Française. It was so beautiful, heart breaking but so beautiful.
https://aftulsa.org/membership/
You can also join them at Foolish Coffee, 1001 South Main Street, Tulsa in the downtown Cathedral district every other Saturday for café conversation.
So thankful for my friend Kathryn who introduced me to Af Tulsa and to Judy. And I sure hope to see you in some French lessons soon.
Have any French films and music you love? Let me know in the comments! I need some new suggestions!
Permet d'apprendre le français!!
