Urging all grammar-phobic students to give me a chance to explain why you should love French grammar… and even grammar in general! Many new students start lessons with me by saying: “I want to learn French but I don’t want to learn French grammar”. I find this most interesting as it raises many questions; not just about the teaching/learning method, but above all about the reasons why so many students refuse to have anything to do with grammar... Vocabulary and Spelling of the French Words mentioned in this episode Check out my article – "Challenge: can I make you love French … Read More →
FYW 035 : How to Improve your French Listening skills? My best tips!
I’ve compiled my best tips about how to improve your French listening skills after receiving this question from many of you. If you find it a struggle to hold a conversation in French because you can’t understand the replies, if you think French people speak too fast or if you find that your ear hasn't tuned in to French language yet, I hope my recommended exercises and resources will help you! A written version of this podcast episode is available on my website for easier reference. Check out www.frenchyourway.com.au/improve-your-french-listening-skills LINKS and RESOURCES Check my … Read More →
How to Improve your French Listening Skills?
Listen to the audio version in Episode 35 of French Your Way Podcast. Many of you find it difficult to understand spoken French. You find it too fast, daunting, overwhelming sometimes: I struggle with understanding the response. It would seem that my ear is still not ‘tuned-in’ to native speakers. I can usually get the drift if something is written down but quite often not if it is spoken. (Deryck) I struggle with holding a conversation in French ( everyone seems to speak so fast). (Willie) Si vous pouvez me donner quelques conseils pour améliorer ma compréhension orale? Selon moi, la … Read More →
FV 024 : A Year as an Au Pair in Australia
A working holiday visa is the perfect way to travel and be able to work to finance your trip or simply to learn the language. That’s what Sabine is doing: she is currently working as an au pair in a family in Sydney. Sabine will tell us why she decided to go to Australia, how she found her host family and what her typical day is like. She’ll also share her plans of travelling. If you have some suggestions and tips for Sabine to enjoy the travelling part of her stay in Australia, you’re welcome to use the comment section at the bottom of the show notes. Stay tuned after the interview if you … Read More →
FV 023 : Behind the Scenes of SBS French Radio with Christophe Mallet
Have you ever heard about the Australian radio called SBS? Wherever you are in the world, you can listen to it live or in podcast (so, it’s very good for more French exposure!). SBS broadcasts in many languages including French, and a few weeks ago, I met Christophe Mallet, the executive producer for the French program. He invited me and gave me a tour of the studios. I also attended a live broadcast and got interviewed about French Voices podcast. (You can listen to this short interview too, the link is in the shownotes below). In today’s episode, Christophe and I switched roles and I … Read More →
FV 022 : Marie Aubinais, the Author of “Petit Ours Brun” stories for French Children
Meet Marie Aubinais, author of Petit Ours Brun stories. Every French toddler knows this famous childhood character! Marie will tell us how she became the author of Petit Ours Brun, how she chooses the topics of the stories, what inspires her and also what challenges she needs to take into account when writing for her very young audience. Last, but not least, Marie will also raise awareness about the importance of exposing children to books from an early age. Episode Timeline [04 min 24 sec] History of Petit Ours Brun: the birth of a childhood hero [07 min 35 sec] How Marie started to write … Read More →
FV 021 : Me on the Radio !
This episode is a bit special, because it’s an interview... of myself! In July I was invited as the guest for the weekly French program of a community radio, the Pulse (Broadcast is every Thursday 6-7 pm Melbourne time). This first radio show was a great experience. Here is the recording of our interview – I’ve edited the songs and the commercials for copyright reasons Episode Timeline [04 min 04 sec] How I met my husband [06 min 51 sec] A passion for travelling [07 min 58 sec] A romantic engagement [09 min 30 sec] Facts about my hometown [10 min 27 sec] My studies [11 min 40 sec] … Read More →
FV 020 : French Fashion, Tips and Faux-Pas with Caroline from Fren’CHIC Touch
In today’s episode, we’ll talk about fashion with personal shopper and image consultant Caroline from Fren’CHIC touch. Boys, stay tuned, it’s not only for girls! We’ll try to put words on what it is that makes French fashion so different and so famous all around the world. Caroline will give you her top fashion tips and we’ll also discuss fashion faux pas! At the end of this episode, you’ll also get a special offer from Caroline. Episode Timeline [05 min 18 sec] Where Caroline is from [07 min 14 sec] Arriving in Melbourne [09 min 34 sec] Struggles with English [10 min 44 sec] How … Read More →
FV 019 : Virologist Serge Talks About his Work, the Difference Between French in Quebec and France, and Dancing
Serge is a marine virologist from Quebec now living in Australia. In this episode, we cover a broad range of topics such as Serge’s profession, the differences between the French from Quebec and from France (school system, language, accent, social differences). We also talk about Serge’s involvement with some events organised by Alliance Francaise de Geelong and his hobbies. If you like this podcast, I would love for you to leave a review on iTunes! I’ll read out a few reviews in the next episode. :) Episode Timeline [05 min 26 sec] Quebec and Montreal [06 min 38 sec] Chicoutimi [09 min … Read More →
FV 018 : French Navigator Eric Shares his Passion for the Sea
In this episode Eric, a French navigator now living in Australia shares his passion for the sea and for boats. My husband and I were recently invited on Eric’s boat for a lovely afternoon and we learnt a lot about sailing. Listen to the fascinating stories of Eric’s travels and learn useful navigation tips in French! Episode Timeline [04 min 02 sec] Background [5 min 51 sec] Le Club Med [06 min 55 sec] Work experiences in Corsica [09 min 34 sec] First year in Australia [12 min 07 sec] Project for the marina [12 min 51 sec] A job on the ground! [14 min 15 sec] Why Eric loves … Read More →