Here are some of the most popular posts on Oui In France in 2016. Read on for French culture, language and more about living abroad in France.
Do you translate from French to English in your head?
A question people ask me quite often about speaking French is, “Do you translate from French to English in your head before speaking?” My honest answer at this point is no and here’s why. There’s no time to translate when you’re speaking a foreign language in real time.
What changes when you’re the one with the foreign accent
No matter how compassionate or empathetic you are, sometimes the only way to truly understand something is to experience it for yourself. I never really considered what life might be like for someone with a foreign accent… until I experienced it as an American living in France.
Why getting complimented on your French means you’re not fluent
A real marker of progress is when native French speakers stop complimenting you on your French. That’s when you know you’ve majorly improved. Here’s why compliments mean you aren’t fluent.
“Pardon My French” by Stephen Hare is the French book you’ve been waiting for
Are you tired of ineffective French grammar and language learning books? I’m reviewing Pardon My French by Stephen Hare and telling you why it’s a book you’ll want to read no matter where you are on your French learning journey.
Quick French lesson: Get your wallet ready if you “invite” someone out to eat
If you invite someone out to eat in France, this little word “inviter” has some built-in rules that may catch you by surprise. On the surface, it means to invite. But there’s some French cultural knowledge you need to know if you’re going to invite anyone out in French. It has to do with who is footing the bill so read on!
Throwback to 2009 when I was teaching in France
So let’s throw it back to 2009 when I shared some observations and what my first day of teaching in France was like…
Accent-uate the positive
I’m currently in the east of France with Tom, Dagny and my in-laws, so please enjoy Catherine of Taste of France’s post on accents below in my absence and show her some love in the comments
Getting over your fear of speaking in a foreign language (and why you just have to do it)
Here’s why you need to get over your fear of speaking in a foreign language. It’s holding you back.
How to pronounce French wines so you sound like an expert (AUDIO)
If you’re visiting France or dining out at a fancy restaurant and want to get the name of the wine right, this post is for you So you can impress your friends, we’re cluing you in on how to pronounce French wines, with audio. There’s no need to embarrass yourself by botching the French wine pronunciation.
Is French hard to learn? You’ll want to run and hide!
Even if you consider yourself fluent in French or pretty close to it, certain situations will still send shivers down your spine (or maybe it’s just me). Situations like what, you ask? Here’s when the French language makes you want to run and hide.
Frustrations of living in another language
Learning another language to the point of being self-sufficient in a country where that language is spoken can be one of the most rewarding — yet frustrating — challenges of life abroad. Here are some frustrations of living in another language.
Quick French lesson: Words you can shorten to sound cool
Next time you’re having a conversation with someone in French and one of these words below comes up, use the shortened form. Here are French words you can shorten.
What does province mean? No, it’s not the same as Provence!
French words can sometimes sound the same but be sure to know the difference with Provence vs. province. They’re very different!
5 Tips to make your French more natural
As a foreigner learning French, I’ve picked a few of these little things along the way and am sharing these language learning tips to make your French more natural. With my tips, you’ll be able to impress even a native speaker with your fluid, natural speech.
Need a French/English language speaking partner? Let’s help each other out
When learning a new language, it can be difficult to find language partners with whom to practice — especially if you don’t live in a country where that language is spoken. So if you need a language speaking partner in English/French, read on.
Why comprehension needs to be your focus when learning a foreign language
I had a really, really hard time understanding spoken, spontaneous French outside the classroom. For anyone learning French, I’m here to tell you to forget all the grammar and writing exercises and listen up to what I have to say below. Comprehension needs to be your focus if you plan on spending any time in a French-speaking country.
When living in France starts messing with your English
If you’re anything like me, after living in a country where English isn’t the native language, you’ll start to a notice a phenomenon that I like to call “WTF is going on!?” You’ll notice yourself searching for words that were once at the tip of your tongue, second-guessing your spelling and experiencing somewhat frequent brain farts.
5 Reasons why having a foreign accent in French is a good thing
After living in France for over four years now, I’ve learned that your accent is only an obstacle if you allow it to become one. Most of the time having an accent in French is a good thing! Language learning isn’t easy so if you’re learning French, don’t sweat your accent. It’s not a big deal.
How to get native speakers to correct your mistakes in French
Learning a language can be frustrating, so how do you get native speakers to correct your mistakes? I’m sharing my thoughts.
