ReflectionsFSI
It is actually becoming tougher than I thought in Unit 7. I spoke to soon, thinking it was a tad too easy. Yes the vocab is easy but the reversing of subject-verb order at times I find sends my head in a spin. I realise this formal type of French (verb-subject) is not likely to be used in everyday speech very often, and although I am very familiar with it from other textbooks, speaking them in the time provided in the drills can be tricky at times when you throw in a direct or indirect object and the pronoun 'on'. That's what really throws me. Thus i've had to do quite a few drills already numerous times until I got a perfect 'score' (no errors) and would move on to the next drill. I'm also trying now to get a perfect score once through with answers only, then again repeating the question immediately and the answer both in the time provided for a complete clear run-through of the drill in question ie 2 passes, then move to the next drill. Sometimes the drills become easy again though and I just go through once no problem.
FIA
Starting to become more interesting as I move on to leçon 16 now. The literary and cultural documents in the textbook are holding much more interest for me now than they ever did in the past.
Assimil Using French
Considerably tougher now, and taking considerably longer to 'master' a lesson before moving on. I'm estimating a week a lesson, but I don't care. The current lesson- number 52 an abridged except from Les misérables is truly fascinating and exactly as the Assimil author describes it, beautifully written. It does make me want to read more of Victor Hugo, but that is for another time.
Fluenz French 4
Currently on lesson 23. I'm advancing nicely through the lessons. I still really like this course for drilling and listening and speaking practise. It's a great series for that alone and I will finish number 5 some day, but not after I finish level 4, because then come the CLE series waiting patiently for my attention.
Mauger's Cours de langue et de civilisation françaises:
Very keen on the sound of this course once again, especially after reading about it in this log:
http://forum.language-learners.org/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=813I'm considering turning my Big 4 into a Big 5, but as I don't want this Big whatever to fail, I will only add it once my Big 4 are up and running full swing with little to no hitches to synergy and progression. If I deem it possible I will add this classic course. If not, it will have to wait until at least one of the Big 4 is completed.
Trip to France?My wife and I are considering a lengthy trip to France next year. There are a lot of variables at work that will decide on how long and even if we do go, but it is currently a source of inspiration. It means I must progress solidly from here on on this mission of mine. I also aim to sit the B2 in November which may mean an interruption to my Big 4 as I add one practise exam course to my daily routine a month or two beforehand and increase (from zero) my speaking practise.
As for going to France I have been in two minds. It would mean spending a considerable amount of money, money which could've been going towards a more permanent move to France. However I think if I delay it to wait for the perfect moment, it could be a mistake. We will see this is a reconnaissance mission to get a feel for the country again and where we would want to move to potentially for a part time basis each year, or even longer if possible. I think/we think this is important for us as a family- regarding our future, motivation, direction, all that stuff-ola. I do also need to progress through the process of getting my nursing qualifications assessed and possibly being able to work in France/Switzerland or both. It's a scary cumbersome red tape ridden difficult looking process, but if I can stick to a rediculously big list of big courses, then I can do this.
Peace out,
Marty McFly
Looks like you found it anyway