It's just under 11 weeks now before we shift to Europe so, now I'm running out of time, I feel I should address the fundamental issue of a foreign language. We did set ourselves the goal of trying to conjugate 2 new verbs each week - am I boring you? It bored me. So I wonder if learning specific practical stuff would be more useful.
So how about learning sentences like:
When does the * open?
... then I could learn to insert "lock", "butcher", "chandler" etc
Where is the nearest * ?
... can you see where I'm going with this?
How though am I going to understand the answers?
So any contributions would be very welcome ... you give it some thought whilst I nip off down the pub for a pint of Doombar. I've discovered a really lovely pub in Weedon Bec
Thoroughly recommend it and it's very dog friendly.
So how about learning sentences like:
When does the * open?
... then I could learn to insert "lock", "butcher", "chandler" etc
Where is the nearest * ?
... can you see where I'm going with this?
How though am I going to understand the answers?
So any contributions would be very welcome ... you give it some thought whilst I nip off down the pub for a pint of Doombar. I've discovered a really lovely pub in Weedon Bec
Ahoy there Tiller Girl...
ReplyDeleteIf you can focus on this, after your Doombar, I'd like to make two suggestions...
1) you should do as I have done for the last 15+ years of travelling to France... I am English so I point, speak slowly and with volume in ENGLISH... LOL
2) more seriously though, can I point you towards (the free and slightly useful) http://translate.google.co.uk again... it has a 'speech function' which is not three bad IMHO
3) the trick with French is to try and adjust your sentences to match their grammer
e.g.
At what time does the bakery open?
A quelle heure la boulangerie est ouverte?
Good Luck/Bonne Chance xx
Don't stress over it though, I all honesty I only have a French vocabulary of about twenty words and that does me... LOL
Kevin are you sure that shouldn't be:
DeleteLa boulangerie a quelle heure est ouverte?
So when I'm down a 40ft lock and l'eclusier shouts something at me I'll just nip into the cabin and wind up google translate. Oh dear - no signal! lol
Well in that case all you need to say is...
DeleteMerde or mon Dieu with a hearty Galic Shrug!! LOL
Would that be as the good ship goes down?
DeleteRelax... shampoo is the same, as is perfume, coffee is easy as is gin et tonique, French is a sinch,
ReplyDeleteLisa
You're right Lisa it's simples; I've just learnt to add the word large in front of gin. Also 'Joules' is already translated
DeleteHello, we've found that highlighting the 'thing/subject' you want to talk about first really helps, we have limited French language, but have been fine even when no one speaks English. The main thing is to have a go, you're more likely to get a receptive response. The reply conversation is always scary for me, but I've learnt to pick out main words you can usually fill in the gaps! you'll be surprised at what you can understand. You'll be fine, enjoy yourselves. Caroline
ReplyDeleteCaroline thank you. I like the advice of starting with the 'thing'. I spent a fair bit of time in France in my twenties and the language definitely grew. Thing is it was never about boats and, therefore, never any emergencies!
DeleteWe shall have a ball!
French is just impossible!!! Rog and I are getting by on just a few phrases from our Collins French/English Dictionary and phrasebook. As long as you can get over to them what it is you want, then forget trying to understand the answer! My most used phrase these last few weeks has been, 'je ne comprends pas francais'. Google translate is a godsend!!! xxx
ReplyDeletePip, you sound like you wish you'd gone to Italy!!!
DeleteSpot on Pip... I usually add...
DeleteJe suis anglais, je parle très peu le français :)
I wish!!!!
DeleteI've tried, but failed Pip, not to ask the question why didn't you then, or is it a case of hindsight tis a wonderful thing?
DeleteToo far to drive with Ozzy, too expensive, and yes, hindsight is a wonderful thing! Maybe we'll try Spain next year. I love France, but not the language, and it's mostly 'shut' this time of year!!!
Deletehttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=at.nk.tools.iTranslate&hl=en
ReplyDeleteProblem solved. xx
Thanks, I've got that Kevin. Do your travel plans mean that Debbie is better?
Delete