jeffers wrote:I've had thoughts of my own about two of your issues for after your exam:
1. Taking a break from French. Taking a break isn't a bad idea at all. The only case where it would be an issue would be the student who takes a break and never comes back. However, taking a break from studying French doesn't mean you have to take a break from using French. For example, there is no way you could stop French phrases, words and responses coming to you unbidden at times. French is in you, and you're not going to get away from it. So go with it, and when you take a break from studying French, just enjoy the language: You might still watch TV in French, read in French, or listen to music because you like to do it.
Another good way to take a break from studying French but still using it would be to get the Assimil textbook in French for whatever other language you pick up. I know you probably have 10 textbooks in the language already. But if you work on your 3rd language through the medium of French alone you will find several benefits (which are best discussed elsewhere).
2. Listening while you kayak. I like listening while exercising, but it doesn't work well with all types of exercise. I think you need to be listening to something that doesn't really require your full attention because you want to concentrate on what you're doing and enjoy the outdoors. I'd suggest listening to music; it's surprising how after you get to know a song or an album the words begin to make sense without you really trying or concentrating. If you can pay a bit more attention, podcasts or audiobooks might be good.
Those are my two bits. Meanwhile, best of luck with your exam and give us all the gory details!
I've been wanting to thank you, Jeffers, for your intelligent reflections. I did in the end to decide that I will return to French only, but I do think your thoughts here on taking breaks are sound. On my break I've continued to engage with French in many forms, as you suggested, with no formal study occurring as planned, and no pressure that I have to do anything.
Still, even after 3.5 years of solid French, I remain just as passionate and determined to continue with my French journey, the long way round. I'm itching to get back to it! And now I have my 2 very thick desk-top dictionaries too. Le Petit Robert and Collins Robert EN-FR-EN. My only complaint so far with both is the rather small font. A little too small for my liking.
Music while kayaking will bother me. Too much constant sound. I found reviewing Assimil good since there is plenty of silent spaces giving me more of a chance to hear the water as the blades of my paddle enter and exit the surface of the river. Thus, podcasts and course reviews will suit best, but you never know. I'll try music sometime on for size
jeffers wrote:I may have missed this, but could you tell us how long the audio clips were?
From your description, it seems that the listening component works like a traditional "listening comprehension exercise"; i.e. listen to an extract and answer a bunch of questions about it. I guess that shouldn't be a surprise. To me this means that using materials like they have on GLOSS https://gloss.dliflc.edu/Default.aspx is likely to be pretty useful preparation for the exams.
Hey Jeffers,
The first audio clip was 5 minutes in length, 2 listens. The second between 2 and 3 min I think, one listen.
Serpent has often recommended Gloss, and I think for good reason- it appears to be an excellent listening resource. Unfortunately, despite good intentions, I've not yet managed to utilise it. Some day I shall.