How to Learn French - Tchao for now!

Bonjour* !

In the last How to Learn French post we looked at the sonorous French sound, ‘ch’. A joy to pronounce, we’re lucky that it’s a common sound so you’ll have plenty of practice in perfecting it.

A less common sound in French, though, is a hard ‘ch’ as in the English word ‘cheese’. So rare, in fact, that it doesn’t really exist. It wasn’t until the French started borrwing words from other languages that they even saw the need for such a sound. Since it didn’t exist, they set about inventing it, by popping a ‘t’ in front of the ‘ch’ to mimic the pronunciation of those foreign words.

Though it can look a little strange, don’t be afraid of it. Just ignore the ‘t’ and proceed with a ‘cheese’ sound and you’ll be on your way!

The following words have all been borrowed from other languages. See if you can work out which ones.

tchao
tchèque
tchécoslovaque
tchador
tchadien(ne)
tchat

*Hello

How to Learn French - Et tu, Brutus ?

Well, this is embarrassing. Oftentimes when I ask our Chouchous* how they are as they come into class, they respond like this:

“Très bien, merci….et…..(long pause, scrunched up face)…tu (pleading eyes) ?”

For some reason, whenever I hear this response, the phrase “Et tu, Brutus?” comes to mind. It’s one of those phrases that you seem to pick up by osmosis and I’ve always thought that perhaps this is why students struggle to give the correct response to ça va* (which is et toi* ? by the way).

However, in doing some preliminary research for this article, I found out tout de suite* that the phrase is in fact “Et tu, Brute?” in Latin and “And you, Brutus?” in English. It turns out that long-standing loop in my head was wrong all along in any case.

Of course, if you’re reading this and have no idea (or interest) in what I’m talking about, you may more readily accept this logical (and simple) explanation as the most likely. Simply put, tu in French means ‘you’, so many students put two and two together (being et for ‘and’ and tu for ‘you’) and come up with et tu ?

It’s not a terrible mistake, but it is one that can crop up right at the start of a conversation and slightly derail proceedings, so if we can fix it without too much effort, tant mieux*, no?

The word toi belongs to a group of pronouns called ‘disjunctives’ and the name holds the key to their use. The dictionary definition of ‘disjunctive’ is: lacking any clear connection.

Bear that definition in mind as we contrast it with tu, for example. Tu is a subject pronoun and must be connected to a verb. In fact, you could say that subject pronouns need their accompanying verbs to make any sense at all.

Disjunctive pronouns, on the other hand, can be used without a verb. They can actually be used all by themselves (moi ?) or with little connecting words called conjunctions. Take a look at the table below to see the difference.

You’ll see I’ve marked in bold the shared English translations between the two different types of pronouns. I think this may be the root cause of the confusion.

By the way, disjunctive pronouns marry really well with lots of other little words to create quick rejoinders:

et toi ?
avec moi ?
sans nous ?
pour eux ?

and my personal favourite: the chez* family. In fact this is how I tend to remember them:

chez moi
chez toi
chez lui
chez elle
chez soi
chez nous
chez vous
chez eux
chez elles


So, next time you’re asked ça va, take a breath before answering with confidence, très bien, merci, et toi ?

Of course, you could simplify your life by calling everyone the formal vous, but that’s not nearly as much fun, is it?

*Teacher’s Pets | *How are you | *And you (yourself) | *straight away | *so much the better | *home/place

How to Learn French - French-lovin’ friends

With the French film festival almost over for another year, I’m betting many of you have taken a trip to le cinéma* in recent weeks.

While we’re so lucky to have access to this annual buffet* of French celluloid, I know from personal experience and also anecdotally that it can come with an unfortunate effet secondaire*.

Beaucoup de chouchous* (and I include myself in this count) have left screenings with shoulders slumped, regardless of the quality of the film they’ve just seen. Pourquoi*? Because watching a movie is possibly the worst gauge of your true level of French. Arguments, slang, different accents, turned backs and “in” jokes all make the task très difficile*. Yes, it’s true, if you were to travel to or live in a French-speaking country, these are the types of factors you’d be up against, but as a learner, do you really need try to jump over that very high bar just yet? And yet I do…

As you know I’ve been at this French caper for multiple decades, and I still play a (slightly depressing) game with myself each time I go. I know my French should be good enough to watch a whole movie without subtitles, and yet, do you think I can tear my eyes away from the subtitles for more than about three frames? I test myself each time I go, even resorting to closing my eyes at times to avoid the temptation of looking. This is a dangerous game, cependant*, as it removes all the visual clues that are so helpful to our comprehension.

My problem, and the problem of many of our students, is that if I don’t understand every single word, I start to panic, thinking I’m going to lose the thread of the plot entirely. I’ve written about this in the past with regards to listening exams and the same holds true with films. It really is a skill to have the sang-froid* to accept that you’re not understanding everything and to stay tuned in anyway. In my recent, slightly more successful attempts, I’ve noticed that something that slips by me often crops up in another form or phrase just a few seconds later, restoring my understanding. I just have to hold my nerve until it happens.

Of course, I’m speaking as an advanced French speaker here, but les films français* are there to be enjoyed by everyone, so read on for some more tips, no matter your niveau*.

Period pieces can be a good place to start. Not only are the costumes sumptuous and the stories often drawn from French history, but the dialogue is often much easier to understand. In gentler times, people spoke more deliberately and used a higher, more formal register that can be kinder to our oreilles*. Higher level French words are often very similar to English. Also, take out the street slang that often peppers contemporary tales and you’re left with a language that more closely resembles your textbooks. That’s not to say that slang should not be learned at some point (it is after all, a whole lot of fun) but again, is this really the battle you want to wage just yet?

When you’re a beginner, reading the English subtitles is fairly unavoidable if you wish to follow along. As you improve, you may be able to pick up a word or two of the dialogue and see it in the translation, which can be a real thrill. With every movie you watch, your ears will discern more and more and in time, you may even find yourself predicting the English translation. Chapeau*! This is a huge step. Hélas*, no sooner have you fait péter le bouchon* on a fine bottle of champagne to celebrate, you may be scandalisé* to see that the English translations do not match your own. Have you been being duped this whole time? Well, no. It turns out subtitle translators are restricted to three lines of text across the screen. Any more and the text will start to monte* up into the actors’ faces, et ça ne se fait pas*. Therefore, the translators are forced to summarise the French dialogue, which is why you’ll often find a watered-down version of the rich  French dialogue as you read.

Lastly, choose a film that resonates with your interests. You’ll stay more engaged, and if you’re familiar with the subject matter, you’ll be more likely to be able to guess at certain words and meanings. Even better, go for a French film that has had an English remake you’ve seen. There are plenty to choose from. Bon ciné* !

• CODA - La Famille Bélier

• The Birdcage - La Cage aux Folles

• Three Men and a Baby - Trois Hommes et un Couffin

• Cousins - Cousins, Cousines

• The Talented Mr Ripley - Plein Soleil

*cinema | *smorgasbord | *side effect | *Lots of Teacher’s Pets | *Why? | *very difficult | however | *self-control | *French films | *level | *ears | *Hats off to you | *Alas | *cracked the cork (literally “made the cork fart”) | *scandalised | *climb | *that’s not done | *Happy cinema-going!

To compare is to despair

A common frustration for our students here at Lingua Franca (and doubtless for language students across the globe), is their tendency to forget what they’ve learned from one week to the next or in some (usually comedic) instances, from one moment to the next.

Before you think we’re being critical of our learners, we, the staff, have experienced the exact same frustrations in the past, and continue to do so. Learning a language is an ongoing challenge, no matter your level, and I’m not sure we get any better at remembering new concepts right off the bat as we progress. Likely, we just get better at recognising the phenomenon as inherent in learning (or improving) a skill and we move on.

Before people get to that acceptance, though, they often lament not learning a second language as a child, when their brains were ‘like little sponges’.

From my experience, this is both true and untrue, and according to the reading I’ve done, the only real conclusion I’ve come to is simply that the debate rages on.

What seems to be accurate is that children are able to learn unconsciously, whereas for adults it takes a bit more effort. However, hour for hour, some say that adults are actually more successful at learning a language (and by that, we’re looking at all four competencies, not just speaking and listening) as they have a whole system of prior knowledge on which to hang the new concepts.

If you’re interested in this subject, I found this article particularly motivating.

However, we’re straying from the point a little, as if you’re still reading and comprehending this article, you most likely don’t need to ask your parents’ permission for a sleepover anymore. That ship has sailed.

What is to be gained from comparing yourself to a child, or anyone else for that matter?

What can be very useful, instead, is to notice those people around you who do something particularly well. For example, do you have someone in your class who has really mastered les numéros*, while you’re still trying to work out what four times twenty plus ten plus seven could possibly mean? If so, ask them how they did it. I’m sure they’ll be flattered and keen to share their knowledge.

Don’t forget, too, that it’s entirely possible someone else in your class is silently admiring your ability to 'just give it a go’, whereas they’re petrified of making a mistake, or the fact that you have a way or rephrasing an idea the teacher has presented in a way that makes it easier for the rest of the class to understand. We all have our skills and they come in myriad forms. This is one of the joys for us as teachers. We’re constantly astounded by the diversity of experience of our students.

When you ask your classmate for their secret, I can almost guarantee they’ll tell you it didn’t ‘just happen’ for them. I know people who have practised their numbers by reading number plates to themselves when stuck in traffic. I know someone else who took out a stack of index cards and cut them in half so they fit in the palm of her hand. She wrote the numeral on one side and the French word for it on the other, popped them in a little Tupperware container and slid that into her handbag. Then, whenever she found herself with five minutes to spare, she’d take out a little handful (pre-shuffled bien sûr*) to test herself. She did this most days for a few months and guess what? She’s still great at numbers many years later. She learned the concept, did a bit of leg work in writing out the cards and then kept the knowledge there by practising a little but often. Job done!

That’s the other advantage we have as adults in learning a language. Most of us (even those who railed against such notions when younger) now know from hard-earned experience that things like practice, dedication and commitment do indeed pay off. You don’t have to be crazy about it. We all seem to lead rather hectic lives and there are limits to how much time we can devote to our pursuits, but being inspired to forge on by those around us is surely a better way to go than wishing to be someone we’re not?

Louis XIV put it well when he said:

”Il est sans comparaison plus facile de faire ce qu'on est, que d'imiter ce qu'on n'est pas*”.

I mean, easy for him to say. His parents took nearly two decades to give birth to a son, so they called him Louis-Dieudonné, meaning "Gift of God" and allegedly he believed it.

We’re not all made to feel quite so special from birth, but still, the message remains. Stop comparing, focus on what you’re good at, and then piquez* ideas from others. So much easier.

*the numbers | *of course | *It is without doubt easier to be who we are, rather than imitate what we’re not | *pinch

La Petite Histoire

If you've ever done a group lesson here at Lingua Franca, you've probably come into contact with La Petite Histoire*. A tale with the very humblest of beginnings, it winds up becoming a rollicking schlockbuster as you move up the levels and your French improves enough to handle the outrageous (some would say impossible) turns of events of the six young friends.

La Petite Histoire is currently only available to our students, however La Préquelle is for everyone’s enjoyment. Below, another instalment of this new series, the final chapter of the Beginner Revision level.

*The Little Story | *The Prequel

"Leïla, est-ce que vous pouvez rester cinq minutes après la classe aujourd'hui, s'il vous plaît ?" Simon a demandé.

J'ai rougi. Quelle honte ! Simon a rendu nos essais au début de la classe et j'ai vu la mauvaise note tout de suite.

"Oui, bien sûr," j'ai dit, d'une petite voix.

Cinquante minutes plus tard, j'étais toute seule avec mon professeur d'anglais, Simon. "Leïla, si je comprends bien, vous avez un tuteur pour améliorer votre anglais, c'est vrai ?"

"Oui," j'ai répondu.

"Bon," il a dit, et puis il a demandé "et comment ça va ?"

"Évidemment, pas très bien !” j'ai dit.

Simon a rigolé, et puis il a dit: “Leïla, vous savez bien que je voudrais vous donner des cours supplémentaires, non ?"

"Oui, et c'est très gentil de votre part, mais je ne peux pas accepter. En fait, j'ai une autre option: une femme australienne qui s’appelle Noëlle. Elle parle couramment et elle est très sympa, donc vous allez voir une différence très bientôt, Simon.”

“D’accord, Leïla, mais l’offre tient toujours. Je m’intéresse beaucoup à votre progrès.”

J’ai dit merci à Simon et je suis parti pour trouver Noëlle.

Elle était toute seule à une table au café et elle a souri quand elle m’a vu.

“Leïla, salut ! Comment vas-tu ? Viens ici, tu veux un café ?”

“Non, merci, c’est gentil. Je ne vais pas rester longtemps. J’ai beaucoup de travail à faire,” j’ai dit sérieusement.

“Ça va, Leïla ? Tu es stressée ? Qu’est-ce qu’il y a ?”

“J’ai reçu une mauvaise note pour mon essai d’anglais…” j’ai commencé.

“…et tu veux mon aide ! C’est bien ça ?” Noëlle est très confiante.

“Oui, mais j’ai un problème. Je ne sais pas comment dire à Roger que je ne veux pas continuer avec nos leçons,” j’ai dit.

“Pas de problème, Leïla. Je peux faire ça.”

“Mais non,” j’ai crié, “je ne peux pas te demander de faire ça !”

“Leïla, écoute-moi. Je connais Roger très bien. On est amis. Je peux expliquer la situation facilement. Il va comprendre.”

“Ah, je ne suis pas sûre, Noëlle,” j’ai dit, ‘Ce n’est pas très correcte de faire ça.”

“Tu es trop sérieuse, Leïla. Roger est un playboy. Il aime faire des leçons avec toi parce qu’il veut te draguer, pas parce qu’il veut t’aider. J’insiste, Leïla. Je vais le faire.”

Timidement, j’ai dit ‘oui’ et j’ai dit au revoir.

Imaginez ma surprise quand deux heures plus tard j’ai vu Noëlle et Roger à une table au café, côte à côte, main dans la main, leurs lèvres collées. Amis? Je ne pense pas.

“Leïla, can you stay five minutes after the class today, please?” Simon asked. I blushed. How shameful! Simon gave our essays back at the start of the class and I saw the mad mark straight away.

“Of course,” I said, quietly. Fifty minutes later, I was all alone with my English professor, Simon. “Leïla, if I understand correctly, you have a tutor to improve your English, is that true?”

“Yes,” I responded.

“Right,” he said, and then he asked “How is it going?” “Obviously, not very well!” I said. Simon laughed, then he said: “Leïla, you know that I would like to give you extra lessons, don’t you?”

“Yes, and it’s very kind of you, but I cannot accept. In fact, I have another option: an Australian woman called Noëlle. She speaks fluently and she’s very nice, so you’re going to see a difference very soon, Simon.”

“Okay, Leïla, but the offer still stands. I am very interested in your progress.”

I said thank you to Simon and I left to find Noëlle. She was all alone at a table at the café and she smiled when she saw me.

“Leïla, hi! How are you? Come here, do you want a coffee?”

“No, thanks, that’s kind of you. I’m not going to stay very long. I have lots of work to do,” I said seriously.

“Are you okay, Leïla? Are you stressed? What’s up?”

“I received a bad mark for my English essay…” I started.

“…and you want my help! Is that it?” Noëlle is very confident.

“Yes, but I have a problem. I don’t know how to tell Roger that I don’t want to continue with him,” I said.

“No problem, Leïla. I can do that.”

“But no,” I cried, “I can’t ask you to do that!”

“You’re too serious, Leïla. Roger is a playboy. He likes to do lessons with you because he wants to pick you up, not because he wan’t to help you. I insist, Leïla. I am going to do it.”

Timidly, I said ‘yes’ and I said goodbye.

Imagine my surprise when two hours later I saw Noëlle and Roger at a table in the café, side by side, hand in hand, their lips glued together. Friends? I don’t think so.

La Petite Histoire

If you've ever done a group lesson here at Lingua Franca, you've probably come into contact with La Petite Histoire*. A tale with the very humblest of beginnings, it winds up becoming a rollicking schlockbuster as you move up the levels and your French improves enough to handle the outrageous (some would say impossible) turns of events of the six young friends.

La Petite Histoire is currently only available to our students, however La Préquelle is for everyone’s enjoyment. Below, another instalment of this new series, Chapter 5 (of 6) of the Beginner Revision level.

*The Little Story | *The Prequel

---

“Tu ne parles pas beaucoup ce soir, ma chérie. Ça va?” a demandé mon mari, Jean-Louis.

”Oui, ça va merci, mon amour. Je suis un peu fatiguée,” j’ai répondu.

“Tu veux un thé à la menthe?”

“Volontiers!” j’ai répondu, surprise. Mon mari ne dit pas ça souvent.

Cinq minutes plus tard, il est entré dans le salon avec deux tasses de thé. “Voilà, Leïla.”

“Merci bien,” j’ai dit.

“Tu es sûre que tu n’es pas triste, ma chérie? Qu’est-ce qu’il y a?”

“Ah, ce n’est rien, Jean-Louis. Je pense à Roger.”

“Je vois,” a dit Jean-Louis et il a commencé à regarder la télévision. Il n’était pas content.

“Jean-Louis, Roger est mon tuteur, c’est tout.”

Il n’a pas répondu.

“Jean-Louis, je suis ta femme! Roger est mon tuteur, c’est tout, et il n’est pas très bon pour être honnête,” j’ai ajouté.

“Leïla, ça c’était évident du début. Il est français. Ce n’est pas possible! Tu ne peux pas continuer. C’est cher et il n’est pas bon. Tu dois trouver une autre solution!”

“Tu as raison, mon chéri, je sais. En fait, je pense que j’ai trouvé quelqu’un hier…”

“Un homme ou une femme?” Jean-Louis était difficile parfois.

“C’est une femme australienne, si tu dois savoir. Elle s’appelle Noëlle et elle est très sympathique. Je ne sais pas comment je vais dire à Roger que je ne veux pas continuer, mais je vais appeler Noëlle demain.”

“C’est une très bonne idée, ma chérie. Et pour Roger, il doit savoir qu’il n’est pas bon, donc il ne va pas être surpris, je crois.” Jean-Louis a souri et puis il a dit: “Tu veux aller danser demain soir, Leïla? On peut trouver une babysitter pour les enfants et on peut sortir. Ça te dit?”

“Avec plaisir, mon amour,” j’ai répondu. J’adore danser avec mon mari et ce n’est pas facile de sortir quand on a trois petits enfants, donc j’étais très heureuse.

J’ai regardé mon mari et il était heureux aussi pour la première fois depuis longtemps.

“You’re not speaking much this evening, my darling. Are you okay?” asked my husband, Jean-Louis.

“Yes, I’m fine thanks. I’m a bit tired,” I responded.

“Do you want a mint tea?”

“Yes, please!” I responded, surprised. My husband doesn’t say that very often.

Five minutes later, he came into the living room with two cups of tea. “There you go, Leïla.”

“Thanks a lot,” I said.

“Are you sure you’re not sad, my darling? What’s up?”

“Oh, it’s nothing, Jean-Louis. I’m thinking about Roger.”

“I see,” Jean-Louis said and he started to watch television. He wasn’t happy.

“Jean-Louis, Roger is my tutor, that’s all.”

He didn’t respond.

“Jean-Louis, I’m your wife! Roger is my tutor, that’s all, and he’s not very good to be honest,” I added.

“Leïla, that was obvious from the start. He’s French. It’s not possible! You can’t continue. It’s expensive and he’s not good. You have to find another solution!” “You’re right, my darling, I know. In fact, I think I met someone yesterday…”

“A man or a woman?” Jean-Louis was difficult at times.

“It’s an Australian woman, if you must know. She’s called Noëlle and she is very nice. I don’t know how I’m going to say to Roger that I don’t want to continue, but I am going to call Noëlle tomorrow.”

“That’s a very good idea, my darling. And for Roger, he must know that he’s not good, so he’s not going to be surprised, I think.” Jean-Louis smiled and then he said: “Do you want to go dancing tomorrow night, Leïla? We can find a babysitter pour the children and we can go out. What do you think?”

“With pleasure, my love,” I responded. I love to dance with my husband and it’s not easy to go out when one has three little children, so I was very happy. I looked at my husband and he was happy as well for the first time in a long time.

La Petite Histoire

If you've ever done a group lesson here at Lingua Franca, you've probably come into contact with La Petite Histoire*. A tale with the very humblest of beginnings, it winds up becoming a rollicking schlockbuster as you move up the levels and your French improves enough to handle the outrageous (some would say impossible) turns of events of the six young friends.

La Petite Histoire is currently only available to our students, however La Préquelle is for everyone’s enjoyment. Below, another instalment of this new series, Chapter 4 (of 6) of the Beginner Revision level.

*The Little Story | *The Prequel

Hier matin, j’ai décidé de faire un plan.

La semaine dernière j’ai essayé de parler à mon tuteur, Roger, à propos de nos cours. Il est très gentil et drôle aussi, mais nos leçons de sont pas assez sérieuses pour moi.

J’ai besoin d’aide avec mon anglais et il préfère me donner des compliments et poser des questions sur ma vie privée. Donc, j’ai décidé de prendre le contrôle.

Je suis allée à la bibliothèque à l’université pour trouver un bon livre de grammaire pour l’anglais. Je veux un peu de structure pour nos leçons.

“Excusez-moi, monsieur. Je cherche un livre de grammaire anglaise,’ j’ai dit au bibliothécaire.

“Bien sûr, madame. Quel est votre niveau?”

“Ah, Leïla est très avancée, monsieur. Son anglais est fantastique.”

Surprise, je me suis retournée et j’ai vu la jeune femme qui connaît Roger - la rousse avec les yeux verts.

“Ah, salut!” j’ai dit et j’ai souri. “Je suis désolée mais comment t’appelles-tu?”

“Pas de problème, je suis Noëlle. Comment vont tes cours avec Roger?”

“Oui, très bien, merci. En fait, je suis ici pour chercher un livre de grammaire pour notre leçon cette semaine.”

“Ah bon? Mais j’ai pensé que Roger était ton tuteur. Il ne prépare pas des cours?” Noëlle a demandé.

“Pas vraiment,’ j’ai répondu. “Il préfère parler.”

“Parler ou flirter?” Elle était très directe.

J’ai rougi un peu. “Les deux, je suppose,” j’ai dit.

“Et voilà, ça c’est notre Roger!” Elle a souri.

“Mais son anglais est incroyable,” j’ai dit. “Il parle très bien.”

“Ah, bon?” elle a dit. Et puis elle a dit: “Leïla, si tu veux de l’aide dans le futur avec ton anglais, je suis australienne et donc je parle anglais couramment. C’est juste un idée.” Elle m’a donné son numéro et juste comme ça, elle est partie.

Yesterday morning, I decided to make a plan.

Last week I tried to talk to my tutor, Roger, about our lessons. He is very kind and funny as well, but our lessons aren't serious enough for me.

I need help with my English and he prefers to give me compliments and ask me about my private life. Therefore, I decided to take control.

I went to the library at the university to find a good grammar book for English. I want a bit of structure for our lessons.

"Excuse me, sir. I am looking for an English Grammar book," I said to the librarian.

"Of course, madam. What is your level?"

"Oh, Leïla is very advanced, sir. Her English is fantastic."

Surprised, I turned around and I saw the young woman who knows Roger - the redhead with the green eyes.

"Oh, hi!" I said and I smiled. "I'm sorry but what is your name?"

"No problem, I'm Noëlle. How are your lessons going with Roger?"

"Yes, very well, thanks. In fact, I'm here to look for a grammar book for our lesson this week."

"Oh, really? But I thought Roger was your tutor. He doesn't prepare lessons?" Noëlle asked.
"Not really," I responded. "He prefers to talk."

"Talk or flirt?" She was very direct.

"Both, I suppose," I said.

"And there you go. That's our Roger!" She smiled.

"But his English is incredible," I said. "He speaks very well."

"Oh, really? she said. And then she said: "Leïla, if you want some help in the future with your English, I am Australian and so I speak English fluently. It's just an idea." She gave me her number and then, just like that, she left.

---

La Petite Histoire

If you've ever done a group lesson here at Lingua Franca, you've probably come into contact with La Petite Histoire*. A tale with the very humblest of beginnings, it winds up becoming a rollicking schlockbuster as you move up the levels and your French improves enough to handle the outrageous (some would say impossible) turns of events of the six young friends.

La Petite Histoire is currently only available to our students, however La Préquelle is for everyone’s enjoyment. Below, another instalment of this new series, Chapter 3 (of 6) of the Beginner Revision level.

*The Little Story | *The Prequel

“Qu’est-ce que tu fais aujourd’hui, ma chérie?” Jean Louis a demandé.

“J’ai mon cours d’anglais avec Roger,” j’ai dit.

“Bien sûr,” il a répondu. “Comment ça va?”

“Super, merci,” j’ai menti.

En vérité, Roger préfère flirter avec moi, j’ai pensé, mais je ne vais pas dire ça à mon mari!

_____________

“Salut Leïla, tu veux quelque chose à boire?” Roger a demandé quand je suis entrée dans le café.

“S’il te plaît. Un thé anglais avec du lait,” j’ai répondu.

“Ah, ma petite fille anglaise,” Roger a taquiné. “J’admire ta détermination d’apprendre l’anglais, Leïla.” Et puis il est parti pour aller au comptoir.

Tu n’es pas déterminé, Roger, ça, c’est sûr, j’ai pensé.

Quand Roger est retourné, j’ai décidé de dire quelque chose.

“Roger, j’aime bien mes cours d’anglais avec toi,” j’ai commencé.

“Moi, aussi, Leïla. J’aime être payé pour passer du temps avec une très belle femme deux fois par semaine,” il a souri et il m’a passé mon café. “Du sucre?”

”Je suis sérieuse, Roger. Ne me taquine pas,” j’ai dit.

“Moi aussi, Leïla, je suis sérieux. Tu es une très belle femme. Je pense que tous les autres hommes dans ce café sont jaloux de moi.”

“Roger, ça suffit! Je n’aime pas quand tu parles comme ça. Tu sais que je suis mariée.”

“Oui, tu es mariée, Leïla, mais tu n’es pas morte! On est amis. J’aime te taquiner. Tu rougis très facilement.”

Mon visage était rouge, c’est vrai, mais je ne souriais pas.

“Roger, je veux changer nos leçons. Je ne veux plus…”

Soudain, une femme est passé devant notre table. Elle était magnifique - grande, avec des cheveux roux et les yeux verts.

”Coucou Roger!” elle a dit. “Toujours dans le café, je vois,” elle a taquiné. “Je suis surprise que ce n’est pas un bar.”

“Tu me connais bien,” il a dit et il a rougi.

“À demain!” elle a dit, et elle est partie.

“C’est qui ça?” j’ai demandé.

“Elle s’appelle Noëlle’, il a dit et il n’a pas souri.

“What are you doing today, my darling?” Jean-Louis asked.

“I have my English lesson with Roger,” I said.

“Of course,” he responded. “How’s it going?”

“Super,” I lied.

In truth, Roger prefers to flirt with me, I thought, but I’m not going to say that to my husband!

_____________

“Hi Leïla, do you want something to drink?” Roger asked when I entered the café.

“Yes, please. An English tea with milk,’ I responded.

“Oh, my little English girl,” Roger teased, “I admire your determination to learn English, Leïla.” And then he left to go to the counter.

You’re not determined,Roger, that’s for sure, I thought.

When Roger returned, I decided to say something.

“Roger, I really like my English lessons with you,” I started.

“Me too, Leïla. I like to be paid to spend tike with a very beautiful woman twice a week.” He smiled and passed me my coffee. “Sugar?”

“I’m serious, Roger. Don’t tease me,” I said.

“I’m serious, too. Leïla. You are a very beautiful woman. I think that all the other men in the café are jealous of me.””Roger, that’s enough! I don’t like it when you speak to me like that. You know that I’m married.”

“Yes, you are married, Leïla, but you’re not dead! We’re friends. I like teasing you. You blush very easily.”

My face was red, it’s true, but I wasn’t smiling.

“Roger, I want to change our lessons. I no longer want…”

Suddenly, a woman passed in front of our table. She was magnificent - tall, with red hair and green eyes.

“Hi there, Roger!” she said. “Always in the café, I see,” she teased. “I’m surprised it’s not a bar.”

“You know me well,” he said and he blushed.

“See you tomorrow!” she said, and she left.

“Who’s that?” I asked.

“Her name is Noëlle,” he said and he didn’t smile.

---

La Petite Histoire | Beginner Revision | Épisode 2

If you've ever done a group lesson here at Lingua Franca, you've probably come into contact with La Petite Histoire*. A tale with the very humblest of beginnings, it winds up becoming a rollicking schlockbuster as you move up the levels and your French improves enough to handle the outrageous (some would say impossible) turns of events of the six young friends.

La Petite Histoire is currently only available to our students, however La Préquelle is for everyone’s enjoyment. Below, another instalment of this new series, Chapter 2 (of 6) of the Beginner Revision level.

*The Little Story | *The Prequel

Jean-Louis ne travaille pas le lundi alors nous avons décidé de faire un pique-nique aujourd’hui avec mon frère, sa femme et nos enfants. Hervé et Yasmine ont un nouveau bébé - un petit garçon qui s’appelle Nasir. Il est petit, avec les cheveux noirs et les yeux marrons. Il est adorable mais il ne dort pas beaucoup. Il est très actif et je vois que Yasmine est très contente mais fatiguée aussi.

Nous sommes allés au Jardin du Luxembourg, qui est un grand parc près de chez nous. Yasmine et moi avons préparé le pique-nique. Je n’ai pas beaucoup de temps, donc j’ai préparé quelque chose de très simple: du poulet rôti avec une salade verte avec des tomates et du fromage de chèvre. Yasmine a passé beaucoup de temps dans la cuisine, je pense. Elle a préparé une assiette avec plusieurs petites salades (du houmous, des carottes épicées, des olives et des poivrons au cumin) et un tagine à l’agneau aussi. Elle cuisine très bien.

Nous nous sommes installés sous un arbre et nous avons parlé et mangé tranquillement.

Hervé, mon frère, a posé des question à propos de mes études. J’ai répondu avec plaisir.

“Ça va très bien, merci,” j’ai dit. “J’adore étudier à la fac. C’est très intéressant et j’aime bien les autres élèves. Le seul petit problème est que mon anglais n’est pas super, mais j’ai trouvé un tuteur et on fait des leçons deux fois par semaine.”

“Fantastique,” a répondu Hervé. “Je suis sûre que tu vas réussir. Tu es très intelligente.’

J’ai rougi et j’ai dit “Merci Hervé, mon frère préféré,” et il a rigolé.

“Je ne suis pas sûr,” Jean-Louis a dit. “Son tuteur n’est pas anglais. Il est français. Ce n’est pas normal”.

Soudain, l’ambiance est devenu un peu sombre et nous avons continué à manger en silence.

Jean-Louis doesn't work on Mondays so we decided to have a picnic today with my brother, his wife and our children. Hervé and Yasmine have a new baby - a little boy called Nasir. He is small, with black hair and brown eyes. He is adorable but he doesn't sleep much. He is very active and I see that Yasmine is very happy but tired as well.

We went to the Jardin du Luxembourg, which is a big park close to our place. Yasmine and I prepared the picnic. I don't have a lot of time, so I prepared something very simple: roasted chicken and a green salad with tomatoes and goat's cheese. Yasmine spent lots of time in the kitchen, I think. She prepared a plate with several little salads (hummous, spiced carrots, olives and capsicum with cumin) and a lamb tagine as well. She cooks very well.

We settled in under a tree and we spoke and ate peacefully.

Hervé, my brother, asked questions about my studies. I responded with pleasure.
"It's going very well, thank you," I said. "I love studying at the uni. It's very interesting and I really like the other students. The only little problem is that my English is not super, but I found a tutor and we do lessons twice a week."

"Fantastic," replied Hervé. "I am sure that you're going to succeed. You are very intelligent."
I blushed and I said "Thanks, Hervé, my favourite brother," and he laughed.

"I'm not sure," Jean-Louis said. "Her tutor isn't English. He's French. It's not normal."

Suddenly, the atmosphere became a bit somber and we continued to eat in silence.

---

La Petite Histoire | Beginner Revision | Épisode 1

If you've ever done a group lesson here at Lingua Franca, you've probably come into contact with La Petite Histoire*. A tale with the very humblest of beginnings, it winds up becoming a rollicking schlockbuster as you move up the levels and your French improves enough to handle the outrageous (some would say impossible) turns of events of the six young friends.

La Petite Histoire is currently only available to our students, however La Préquelle is for everyone’s enjoyment. Below, another instalment of this new series, Chapter 1 (of 6) of the Beginner Revision level.

*The Little Story | *The Prequel

Quelle expérience! Aujourd'hui j'ai eu mon premier cours avec Roger, qui est mon tuteur d'anglais. Nous sommes allés au café à la fac, nous avons commandé des cafés et nous avons commencé à travailler. Je dois améliorer mon anglais et c'est Roger qui a répondu à la petite annonce que j'ai mis dans le Département d'Anglais il y a deux semaines.

J'ai besoin d'aide avec la grammaire anglaise, qui est très compliquée et pas très logique. Il y a beaucoup, beaucoup d'exceptions et la prononciation est difficile aussi. J'ai demandé à Roger de faire une révision des participes passés, mais il a insisté que nous commençons du début. Il a raison, je suppose. C’est important de réviser les bases.

Donc, nous nous sommes présentés en anglais. J’étais très nerveuse mais il a dit que je parle très bien et que mon accent était ‘mignon’. Il est français, mais il a passé beaucoup de temps en Angleterre, donc il parle très bien et il a beaucoup de confiance quand il parle anglais, ça c’est sûr. Puis, il a posé beaucoup de questions, comme ‘What is your name?’, “How old are you?’, “Are you married?’ et toutes les autres questions classiques. Après ça, il a décidé de faire une dictée, donc il a dit quelques phrases en anglais et j’ai dû les écrire dans mon cahier. Il a raconté une petite histoire à propos de moi et ma vie et il a même ajouté deux ou trois nouvelles phrases. Il est très créatif et un peu coquin. Une des phrases était “She has eyes the colour of crème caramel”. J’ai dit que la crème caramel est jaune et il a rougi et j’ai rigolé. Nous avons passé un bon moment ensemble. J’aime mes leçons d’anglais avec Roger.

What an experience! Today I had my first lesson with Roger, who is my English tutor. We went to the café at uni, we ordered coffees and we started to work. I have to improve my English and it’s Roger who responded to the notice I put up in the English Department two weeks ago.

I need help with English grammar, which is very complicated and not very logical. There are many, many exceptions and the pronunciation is difficult as well. I asked Roger to do a revision of the past participles, but he insisted that we start at the start. He’s right, I suppose. It’s important to revise the basics.

So, we introduced ourselves in English. I was very nervous but he said that I speak very well and that my accent was ‘cute’. He is French, but he has spent lots of time in England, so he speaks very well and he has a lots of confidence when he speaks English, that’s for sure. Then, he asked lots of questions like ‘What is your name?’, “How old are you?’, “Are you married?’ and all the other classic questions.

After that, he decided to do a dictation, so he said a few sentences and I had to write them in my workbook. He told a little story about me and my life and he even added two or three new sentences. He is very creative and a little bit naughty. One of the sentences was “She has eyes the colour of crème caramel”. I said that crème caramel is yellow and he blushed and I laughed. It was fun. I like my English lessons with Roger.

---

La Petite Histoire | Beginner 3 | Épisode 6

If you've ever done a group lesson here at Lingua Franca, you've probably come into contact with La Petite Histoire*. A tale with the very humblest of beginnings, it winds up becoming a rollicking schlockbuster as you move up the levels and your French improves enough to handle the outrageous (some would say impossible) turns of events of the six young friends.

La Petite Histoire is currently only available to our students, however La Préquelle is for everyone’s enjoyment. Below, another instalment of this new series, Chapter 6 (of 6) of the Beginner 3 level.

*The Little Story | *The Prequel

Je suis entrée dans le café à la fac. J’étais un peux nerveuse, je dois admettre. Avant de quitter la maison, mon mari a dit, pour la dixième fois, que c’était stupide d’aller rencontrer Roger, l’homme qui a répondu à la petite annonce. Et pour la dixième fois, j’ai dit à Jean-Louis que j’étais sérieuse: j’ai besoin de l’aide avec mon anglais. Ce n’est pas une blague!

“Comment je vais trouver ce Roger?” je me suis demandée.

Deux secondes plus tard, j’ai entendu:

”Hello! Leïla. Over here!”

À une table pour deux, j’ai vu un homme: grand, brun et très beau, je dois dire.

“Hello, are you Roger?” j’ai demandé.

”Yes, I am”, il a répondu avec un grand sourire. J’ai remarqué ses yeux bleus et ses dents parfaites. Il était très bronzé et il avait l’air sportif.

J’ai commencé à parler en français parce que c’était trop difficile de trouver mes mots en anglais devant cet homme.

”Mais vous ne voulez pas de l’aide avec votre anglais?” Roger a demandé.

“Oui, bien sûr”, j’ai dit “mais je suis trop nerveuse de parler devant vous”. J’ai rougi.

Roger a souri de nouveau et il a dit “Mais, Nicole, ça va. Nous pouvons prendre notre temps. C’est normal d’être nerveux, mais ne vous inquiétez pas, nous allons pouvoir travailler ensemble. Je suis confiant. Voulez-vous un café?”

J’ai dit “avec plaisir”, il est parti pour prendre des cafés, et j’ai essayé de respirer normalement. “Oh là, là!” je me suis dit.

I entered the café at uni. I was a bit nervous, I must admit. Before leaving the house, my husband said, for the tenth time, that is was stupid to go and meet Roger, the man who responded to my ad. And for the tenth time, I said to Jean-Louis that I was serious: I need help with my English. It’s not a joke.

”How am I going to find this Roger?” I wondered.

Two seconds later, I heard:

”Hello! Leïla. Over here!”

At a table for two, I saw a man: tall, with brown hair and very handsome, I must say.

“Hello, are you Roger?” I asked.

”Yes, I am”, he responded with a big smile. I noticed his blue eyes and his perfect teeth. He was very brown and seemed sporty.

I started to speak in French because it was too difficult to find my words in English in front of this man.

”But don’t you want some help with your English?” Roger asked.

”Yes, of course” I said, “but I’m too nervous to speak in front of you.” I blushed.

Roger smiled again and he said “But Nicole, it’s okay. We can take our time. It’s normal to be nervous, but don’t worry, we are going to be able to work together. I am confident. Do you want a coffee?”

I said '“with pleasure”, he left to get the coffees, and I tried to breathe normally. “Oh, dear!”, I thought.

---

La Petite Histoire | Beginner 3 | Épisode 5

If you've ever done a group lesson here at Lingua Franca, you've probably come into contact with La Petite Histoire*. A tale with the very humblest of beginnings, it winds up becoming a rollicking schlockbuster as you move up the levels and your French improves enough to handle the outrageous (some would say impossible) turns of events of the six young friends.

La Petite Histoire is currently only available to our students, however La Préquelle is for everyone’s enjoyment. Below, another instalment of this new series, Chapter 5 (of 6) of the Beginner 3 level.

*The Little Story | *The Prequel

Quand je suis rentrée de la fac hier soir, mon mari n’était pas content. Il était dans la cuisine, fatigué après une longue journée à l’hôtel.

“Un homme a appelé pour toi, Leïla”, il a dit.

“Ah, bon?”, j’ai répondu. “Qu’est-ce qu’il a dit?”

“Il veut t’aider avec ton anglais”, a dit Jean-Louis.

“Ah, super! Tu as son numéro?”, j’ai demandé.

“Leïla, il est français. Il ne peut pas t’aider avec ton anglais.”

“Ah, bon? Mais peut-être qu’il a passé beaucoup de temps en Angleterre ou il a de la famille anglaise.”

“Je ne pense pas, Leïla.” Mon mari est difficile parfois.

“Je vais appeler pour voir”, j’ai dit. “J’ai besoin d’aide. J’ai un examen le mois prochain et j’ai peur.”

Jean-Louis est sorti de la cuisine. Deux minutes plus tard, il est retourné et il a dit, “J’ai faim, Leïla. Qu’est-ce que tu vas préparer pour le dîner? J’ai travaillé dur aujourd’hui. Je suis fatigué, j’ai faim et je veux me coucher.”

Moi aussi, j’ai pensé, mais je n’ai rien dit. J’ai ouvert le frigo, j’ai pris des œufs, du fromage, du lait et des lardons et j’ai commencé à préparer le dîner pour notre famille.

---

When I cam home from uni last night, my husband was not happy. He was in the kitchen, tired after a long day at the hotel.

“A man called for you, Leïla”, he said.

“Oh, really?”, I replied. “What did he say?”

“He wants to help you with your English”, said Jean-Louis.

“Oh, great! Do you have his number?”, I asked.

“Leïla, he is French. He cannot help you with your English.”

“Oh, really? But maybe he has spent lots of time in England or he has English family.”

“I don’t think so, Leïla.” My husband can be difficult sometimes.

“I am going to call to see”, I said. “I need help. I have an exam next month and I’m scared.”

Jean-Louis left the kitchen. Two minutes later, he returned and said, “I’m hungry, Leïla. What are you going to make for dinner? I worked a hard today. I’m tired, I’m hungry and I want to go to bed.”

Me too, I thought, but I didn’t say anything. I opened the fridge, I took some eggs, cheese, milk and bacon and I started to prepare the dinner for our family.

MAI : La Petite Histoire | Beginner 3 | Épisode 4

If you've ever done a group lesson here at Lingua Franca, you've probably come into contact with La Petite Histoire*. A tale with the very humblest of beginnings, it winds up becoming a rollicking schlockbuster as you move up the levels and your French improves enough to handle the outrageous (some would say impossible) turns of events of the six young friends.

La Petite Histoire is currently only available to our students, however La Préquelle is for everyone’s enjoyment. Below, another instalment of this new series, Chapter 4 (of 6) of the Beginner 3 level.

*The Little Story | *The Prequel

Aujourd’hui je suis allée à la fac pour mettre une petite annonce sur le panneau d’affichage dans le café près du Département d’Anglais. J’ai écrit:

Bonjour, j’ai besoin d’aide! Je cherche un tuteur/une tutrice d’anglais. Je suis francophone mais je suis étudiante en littérature anglaise et je veux parler (et écrire) mieux.
Deux heures par semaine, ici à la fac. Préférence pour un(e) anglophone natif/native. 20F/heure. Contactez-moi au 01 33 57 98 22. Merci.

J’attends avec impatience les réponses. Je dois améliorer mon anglais. Mon professeur, Simon, est très gentil avec moi. Après notre classe hier après-midi, il a demandé que je reste deux minutes. Il a dit qu’il a réfléchi après notre conversation dans le café, et il a offert de m’aider avec mon anglais. Il comprend que je n’ai pas beaucoup de temps avec toutes mes responsabilités. Il a dit que c’est dommage parce que je suis très douée en anglais et que je fais des petites erreurs qui sont simples à corriger. Simon a dit qu’il a beaucoup de temps libre parce que sa famille habite en Angleterre. J’ai dit non mais j’étais tentée, je dois dire.

---

*Today I went to uni to put an ad on the noticeboard in the café near the English Department. I wrote:

Hello, I need some help! I am looking for an English tutor. I am a French speaker but I am a student of English literature and I want to speak (and write) better. Two hours per week, here at the uni. Preference for a native English speaker. 20 francs/hour. Contact me on 01 33 57 98. Thank you.

I’m impatiently waiting for replies. I have to improve my French. My professor, Simon, is very kind to me. After our class yesterday afternoon, he asked that I stay back for two minutes. He said that he reflected after our conversation in the café, and he offered to help me with my English. He understands that I don’t have much time with all my responsibilities. He said it’s a shame because I am very gifted and that I make simple errors that are simple to correct. Simon said that he has a lot of free time because his family lives in England. I said no but I was tempted, I must say.

La Petite Histoire | Beginner 3 | Épisode 3

If you've ever done a group lesson here at Lingua Franca, you've probably come into contact with La Petite Histoire*. A tale with the very humblest of beginnings, it winds up becoming a rollicking schlockbuster as you move up the levels and your French improves enough to handle the outrageous (some would say impossible) turns of events of the six young friends.

La Petite Histoire is currently only available to our students, however La Préquelle is for everyone’s enjoyment. Below, another instalment of this new series, Chapter 3 (of 6) of the Beginner 3 level.

*The Little Story | *The Prequel

Je suis très contente aujourd’hui. Ce matin je suis allée voir mon professeur d’anglais, Simon. J’ai demandé des conseils parce que j’ai reçu une mauvaise note pour mon essai cette semaine et j’étais vraiment déçue.

Simon a préparé un café pour nous, et puis on a parlé un petit peu de nos vies. Simon est anglais, de Londres, mais il habite à Paris depuis quelques mois. Ses enfants habitent en Angleterre avec leur mère, j’imagine. J’ai parlé de ma situation et Simon était très gentil avec moi. Il comprend que je n’ai pas beaucoup de temps mais que j’adore mes études et que je veux avoir de bonnes notes. Il a dit que mon anglais était super, mais que je fais de petites erreurs, qui est normal. Il a proposé que je trouve un tuteur et je pense que c’est une excellente idée.

---

I am very happy today. This morning, I went to see my English professor, Simon. I asked for some advice because I received a bad mark for my essay this week and I was really disappointed.

Simon made a coffee for us, and then we spoke a bit about our lives. Simon is English, from London, but he’s been living in Paris for a few months. His children live in England with their mother, I suppose. I spoke about my situation and Simon was very kind to me. He understands that I don’t have a lot of time but that I love my studies and that I want to have good marks. He said that my English was great, but that I make little errors, which is normal. He suggested that I find a tutor and I think that’s an excellent idea.

La Petite Histoire | Beginner 3 | Épisode 2

If you've ever done a group lesson here at Lingua Franca, you've probably come into contact with La Petite Histoire*. A tale with the very humblest of beginnings, it winds up becoming a rollicking schlockbuster as you move up the levels and your French improves enough to handle the outrageous (some would say impossible) turns of events of the six young friends.

La Petite Histoire is currently only available to our students, however La Préquelle is for everyone’s enjoyment. Below, another instalment of this new series, Chapter 2 (of 6) of the Beginner 3 level.

*The Little Story | *The Prequel

Aujourd’hui était un peu difficile. Cet après-midi à l’université, notre professeur, Simon, a rendu nos essais et j’ai reçu une mauvaise note! J’étais déçue car j’ai fait beaucoup de travail et j’étais contente de mes efforts. C’est difficile quand on est plus âgé que les autres étudiants. J’ai mes responsabilités: j’ai un mari qui travaille beaucoup, trois petits enfants, je dois cuisiner, faire le ménage et faire mes devoirs, aussi.

Quand je suis rentrée, mon mari, Jean-Louis, a vu ma tête et il a demandé s’il y avait un problème. J’ai parlé avec lui et il a dit que peut-être ce n’est pas le bon moment pour moi de faire mes études. Est-ce qu’il a raison? Je ne sais pas mais je sais que ce soir je suis un peu triste. J’adore faire mes études, j’adore lire et apprendre l’anglais et il y a des gens très intéressants dans mes classes. Je vais aller parler à mon professeur, Simon, demain. J’ai besoin des conseils.

---

Today was a bit difficult. This afternoon at university, our professor, Simon, gave back our essays and I received a bad mark! I was disappointed because I did a lot of work and I was happy with my efforts. It’s hard when you’re older than the other students. I have my responsibilities: I have a husband who works a lot, three little children, I have to cook, do the housework and do my homework, as well.

When I went back home, my husband, Jean-Louis, saw my face and he asked if there was a problem. I spoke to him and he said that maybe it’s not the right time for me to do my studies. Is he right? I don’t know but I do know that tonight I am a bit sad. I love doing my studies, I love to read and learn English and there are very interesting people in my classes. I am going to go and speak to my professor, Simon, tomorrow. I need some advice.

La Petite Histoire

If you've ever done a group lesson here at Lingua Franca, you've probably come into contact with La Petite Histoire*. A tale with the very humblest of beginnings, it winds up becoming a rollicking schlockbuster as you move up the levels and your French improves enough to handle the outrageous (some would say impossible) turns of events of the six young friends.

La Petite Histoire is currently only available to our students, however La Préquelle is for everyone’s enjoyment. Below, another instalment of this new series, Chapter 1 (of 6) of the Beginner 3 level.

*The Little Story | *The Prequel

Il est maintenant 17h45, je suis chez moi avec mes filles et mon mari va bientôt arriver, j’espère. Je veux parler de ma journée à l’université avec lui.
Je suis retournée à l'université il y a quelques* mois et j'adore l'expérience. Bien sûr, c'est difficile avec des enfants, un mari et des devoirs, mais la langue et la littérature anglaise sont vraiment une passion pour moi. En plus, j'aime être avec des gens qui partagent* mes intérêts.
Mon professeur de littérature est anglais. Il s’appelle Simon et j’adore écouter quand il parle anglais. Son accent est (naturellement) parfait et quand il lit les poèmes* de Wordsworth, par exemple, c’est un rêve* pour moi.
Je suis un peu plus âgée que mes collègues parce que je suis restée à la maison avec nos trois enfants et par conséquent*, je suis un peu plus sérieuse comme étudiante.

---

It is now 5:45pm, I am at home with my girls and my husband is going to arrive soon, I hope. I want to talk about my day at university with him.
I went back to university a few months ago and I am loving the experience. Of course, it's difficult with children, a husband and homework, but the English language and literature is really a passion for me. Also, I like to be with people who share my interests.
My literature professor is English. His name is Simon and I love listening when he speaks English. His accent is (naturally) perfect and when he reads Wordsworth's poems, for example, it's a dream for me.
I am a bit older than my colleagues because I stayed at home with our three children and as a consequence I am a bit more serious as a student.

*some | *share | *poems | *dream | *as a consequence

La Petite Histoire

If you've ever done a group lesson here at Lingua Franca, you've probably come into contact with La Petite Histoire*. A tale with the very humblest of beginnings, it winds up becoming a rollicking schlockbuster as you move up the levels and your French improves enough to handle the outrageous (some would say impossible) turns of events of the six young friends.

La Petite Histoire is currently only available to our students, however La Préquelle is for everyone’s enjoyment. Below, the fifth instalment of this new series, which is written to a Beginner 2 level.

*The Little Story | *The Prequel

Depuis septembre, une journée typique pour moi est très longue. Je suis maintenant responsable d'un hôtel dans le premier arrondissement et je travaille très dur*.
En général, je me lève tôt (avant 07h00) et je prends le petit-déjeuner avec ma femme et mes petite filles, Anouk, Céline et Vivienne. Après, je me douche, je m'habille et je pars pour aller au travail. J'ai des réunions avec l'équipe* entre* les services et après je dîne dans le restaurant de l'hôtel. Après, je parle avec les réceptionnistes et nous regardons les réservations ensemble.
À 21h00, je me dépêche pour rentrer à la maison et voir ma femme avant de me coucher à 23h30.

*hard | *team | *between

Je suis mère, femme et étudiante donc une journée pour moi est très chargée. Je dois être très organisée parce que mon mari travaille beaucoup et il ne peut pas aider* beaucoup avec la maison et nos petites*.
Je me lève d'habitude à 05h00 quand ma petite fille se réveille. Je prépare son petit-déjeuner et puis je prépare le petit-déjeuner pour mon mari et moi. Parfois*, je ne peux pas prendre le petit-déjeuner avec Jean-Louis parce que les enfants veulent leur maman* et mon café est toujours froid!
Le lundi, mardi et vendredi je dépose* les enfants chez ma belle-sœur et je vais à l'université. C'est comme des vacances pour moi - toute la journée pour apprendre, lire et parler avec mes nouveaux amis.
Le soir, je fais le ménage, je m'occupe* des enfants et j'attends mon mari, qui* est souvent en retard. Je me sens un peu seule parfois. C'est pour ça que j'adore aller à l'université.

*to help | *our little one | *sometimes | *mum | *drop off | to take care of | *who

Une journée typique pour ma femme et moi commence à 08h00. Nous nous réveillons, ma femme se lève, elle prépare un café pour moi et elle retourne à la cuisine pour préparer notre petit-déjeuner. Je lis le journal et je bois mon café et puis je me lève aussi pour commencer ma journée.
Le lundi, mardi et vendredi, ma belle-sœur, Leïla, arrive chez nous avec sa petite fille, Anouk. Leïla étudie l'anglais à la Sorbonne (elle est très intelligente et déterminée) et Yasmine adore les enfants alors elle s'occupe d'Anouk pour Leïla. Ma femme va avoir un bébé aussi bientôt, mais elle est très généreuse et parfois trop gentille, à mon avis*.

*in my opinion

Je suis professeur d'anglais à l'Université de la Sorbonne. Je travaille du lundi au vendredi le week-end, j'aime aller au marché le samedi matin pour faire les courses pour la semaine. J'habite seule, mais j'aime cuisiner*, alors je prends le temps de bien choisir les fromages, de la charcuterie, du pain et des fruits et légumes.

Le samedi après-midi, j'écris toujours une lettre à mes enfants qui habitent en Angleterre, et puis je travaille. J'aime lire les rédactions* des étudiants en paix*, sans interruption. La qualité des rédactions est très bonne. Les étudiants plus âgés* sont les plus forts* en général. J'ai environ* 200 étudiants mais je ne les connais pas encore. J'ai hâte d'apprendre à les connaître*.

*to cook | *essays | *in peace | *older | *the strongest | *about | *to get to know them

Ma journée commence à 09h30. Je me lève, je prépare un café et je retourne au lit. J'étudie à l'Université de la Sorbonne cette année et j'ai des classes le mardi, mercredi et vendredi. Ma première classe est à 13h00 (je ne suis pas stupide) donc je passe le matin tranquillement* à la maison. Je téléphone à ma copine (elle habite en Angleterre en ce moment) et je lis mon texte*. C'est vraiment difficile. Nous étudions les poètes romantiques ce trimestre donc nous lisons Blake, Wordsworth et Keats.

Je vais devoir trouver un tuteur* je pense parce que je ne comprends rien! Ma copine essaie* de m'aider* mais elle est frustrée parfois et moi j'ai honte de mon anglais donc je vais mettre une annonce à l'université demain.

En plus*, c'est difficile de se concentrer en classe parce qu'il y a beaucoup de jolies femmes qui étudient avec moi. J'aime beaucoup ma copine, mais elle est loin*...

*peacefully | *textbook | *tutor | *tries | *help me | *Besides | *far away

Je suis très contente avec ma décision d'étudier à l'université cette année. Comme vous savez, j'ai un problème de visa et donc je cherche un mari pour pouvoir rester ici en France.

À l'université il y a beaucoup d'hommes intéressants et par intéressant je veux dire* beaux, intelligents et (très important) français. Je préfère être avec un homme de mon âge mais franchement, ce sont les professeurs qui sont les plus stables.

Je me dépêche le matin pour arriver au cafétéria tôt parce que beaucoup de professeurs viennent à 09h00 pour prendre un café avant le travail. Je prends une table avec des chaises supplémentaires, comme ça mon futur mari va avoir une excuse de me parler.

C'est simplement une question de patience - je vais rencontrer quelqu'un* bientôt, je suis sûre.

*I mean | *someone | *sure

---

JEAN-LOUIS
Since September, a typical day for me is very long. I am now the manager of a hotel in the first arrondissement and I work very hard.
I get up early (before 7am) and I have breakfast with my wife and my little daughters, Anouk, Céline and Vivienne. After, I have a shower and get dressed and I leave to go to work. I have meetings with the team between the services and afterwards, I have dinner in the hotel restaurant. After that, I talk to the receptionists and we look at the bookings together.
At 9pm, I hurry to go home and see my wife before going to bed at 11:30pm.

LEÏLA
I am a mother, wife and student so a day for me is very busy. I have to be very organised because my husband works a lot and he can't help a lot with the house and our little ones.
I usually get up at 5am when my daughter wakes up. I prepare her breakfast and then I prepare breakfast for my husband and me. Sometimes, I can't have breakfast with Jean-Louis because our children want their mum and my coffee is always cold!
On Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays I drop the children off at my sister-in-law's place and I go to university. It's like holidays for me - all day to learn, read and talk with my new friends.
At night, I do the housework, I take care of the children and I wait for my husband, who is often late. I feel a little lonely at times. That's why I love going to university.

HERVÉ
A typical day for my wife and me starts at 8am. We wake up, my wife gets up, she makes a coffee for me and she returns to the kitchen to prepare our breakfast. I read the newspaper and drink my coffee and then I get up as well to start my day.
On Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, my sister-in-law, Leïla, arrives at our place with her little daughter, Anouk. Leïla is studying English at the Sorbonne (she is very intelligent and determined) and Yasmine adores children so she looks after Anouk for Leïla. My wife is going to have a baby too, soon, but she is very generous and sometimes too kind, in my opinion.

SIMON
I am an English professor at the Sorbonne University. I work from Monday to Friday and on the weekend, I like to go to the market to do the grocery shopping for the week. I live alone, but I like to cook, so I take the time to choose the cheeses, cold meats, bread and fruit and vegetables well.
On Saturday afternoons, I always write to my children who live in England, and then I work. I like to read the students' essays in peace, without interruption. The quality of the essays is very good. The older students are the strongest in general. I have about 200 students but I don't know them yet. I am keen to get to know them.

ROGER
My day starts at 9:30am. I get up, I make a coffee and I go back to bed. I am studying at the Sorbonne University this year and I have classes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. My first class is at 1:00pm (I'm not stupid) so I spend the morning peacefully at home. I phone my girlfriend (she's living in England at the moment) and I read my textbook. It's really hard. We're studying the romantic poets this semester so we're reading Blake, Wordsworth and Keats.
I am going to have to find a tutor I think because I don't understand anything! My girlfriend tries to help me but she's frustrated sometimes and I'm ashamed of my English so I am going to put a notice up at the university tomorrow.
Besides, it's hard to concentrate in class because there are lots of pretty women who study with me. I like my girlfriend a lot, but she is far away...

NOËLLE
I am very happy with my decision to study at the university this year. As you know, I have a visa problem and so I'm looking for a husband to be able to stay here in France. At the university there are lots of interesting men and by interesting I mean handsome, intelligent and (very important) French. I prefer to be with a man of my age but frankly it's the professors who are the most stable.

I hurry in the morning to get to the cafeteria early because lots of the professors come at 9:00am to have a coffee before work. I take a table with extra chairs, that way my future husband has an excuse to talk to me. It's simply a question of patience - I am going to meet someone soon, I'm sure.

La Petite Histoire

If you've ever done a group lesson here at Lingua Franca, you've probably come into contact with La Petite Histoire*. A tale with the very humblest of beginnings, it winds up becoming a rollicking schlockbuster as you move up the levels and your French improves enough to handle the outrageous (some would say impossible) turns of events of the six young friends.

La Petite Histoire is currently only available to our students, however La Préquelle is for everyone’s enjoyment. Below, the fifth instalment of this new series, which is written to a Beginner 1 level.

*The Little Story | *The Prequel

Après le travail ce soir, je vais rentrer tout de suite*. J'ai une excellente nouvelle* et je veux* parler avec ma femme. En septembre, je vais recevoir une promotion! Je vais devenir responsable de l'hôtel où je travaille et je suis très enthousiaste*. Peut-être* dans le futur je vais pouvoir acheter un hôtel, mais pour le moment le plan est de faire un bon travail. Naturellement*, je vais travailler un peu plus, mais heureusement* ma femme va rester à la maison avec nos enfants.

*straight away | *piece of news | *I want | *Perhaps | *Naturally | *luckily/fortunately

Aujourd'hui, je suis très, très contente. En général, je suis contente mais récemment* je suis un peu frustrée*. J'adore mes filles (Anouk a deux ans et les jumelles* ont trois mois) et j'adore être mère mais j'adore aussi la culture, les langues* et franchement*, les adultes. Donc, je vais aller à l'université pour étudier une licence en lettres*. Je vais continuer à apprendre* l'anglais: la littérature et la langue. Je suis très enthousiaste et je suis sûre que mon mari va être content aussi.

*recently | *frustrated | *twins |*languages | *frankly | *Bachelor of Arts | *to learn

Il est 09h45 et nous allons partir bientôt. Nous allons aller chez le médecin à 10h30 parce que nous avons un rendez-vous. Ma femme et moi allons avoir un bébé cette année et le médecin va faire un contrôle*. Après, nous allons aller à un petit restaurant près de notre appartement pour le déjeuner. C'est fantastique parce que c'est notre premier enfant et ma femme, Amina, va rester à la maison et je vais continuer à travailler. Heureusement, elle aime beaucoup ma sœur Leïla. Elle a déjà* des enfants et Leïla va pouvoir* aider Amina avec des conseils*.

*a check-up | *already | *to be able to/can | *some advice

Alors, c'est officiel*. Je vais retourner à Paris pour travailler à l'Université de la Sorbonne en septembre. Je suis en Angleterre en ce moment avec mes enfants mais je vais partir dans deux ou trois semaines pour trouver un appartement dans le cinquième ou sixième arrondissement. Je vais être triste de quitter* mes enfants mais c'est nécessaire malheureusement*. C'est impossible de trouver un poste* ici en ce moment. Et j'adore Paris, c'est vrai, c'est juste* difficile pour mes enfants.

*it's official | *to leave | *unluckily/unfortunately | *a position | *just

En septembre je vais étudier* l'anglais à l'Université de la Sorbonne. Moi! Un étudiant! C'est incroyable. Normalement*, je préfère faire la fête, c'est vrai, mais ma copine* est anglaise alors je veux parler bien anglais. Je dois* faire quelque chose*. Elle est actrice et elle travaille avec des collègues anglais et je n'aime pas quand on va aux restaurants ensemble et je ne comprends pas la conversation. Je n'aime pas beaucoup étudier, mais j'adore Alexandra. En plus*, mes parents disent que je dois faire quelque chose avec ma vie*.

*to study | *Usually | *my girlfriend | *I must | *something | *And plus | *my life

Je vais retourner à l'université en septembre et je suis très enthousiaste. Je vais continuer à étudier le français mais je vais avoir un autre* projet aussi. Je vais chercher un homme...un mari, en fait*. J'ai des problèmes de visa et pour rester en France je vais devoir* trouver un homme français très vite. Je ne sors plus* avec Étienne. Il n'est pas très sérieux et je n'ai pas le temps pour des jeux,* alors voilà*.

*another | *in fact | *to have to/must | no longer | *games | *so there you go

---

JEAN-LOUIS
After work tonight, I am going to go home straight away. I have a great piece of news and I want to speak to my wife. In September, I'm going to receive a promotion! I am going to become the manager of the hotel where I work and I am very excited. Maybe in the future I am going to be able to buy a hotel, but for the moment the plan is to do a good job. Naturally*, I am going to work a bit more, but luckily my wife is going to stay at home with our children.

LEÏLA
Today, I am very, very happy. In general, I am happy but recently I am a bit frustrated. I love my daughters (Anouk is two years of age and the twins are three months) and I love being a mother but I also love culture, languages and frankly, adults. So, I'm going to go to university to study a Bachelor of Arts. I am going to continue to learn English: the literature and the language. I am very excited and I am sure that my husband is going to be very happy as well.

HERVÉ
It is 9:45am and we are going to leave soon. We are going to go to the doctor's at 10:30am because we have an appointment. My wife and I are going to have a baby this year and the doctor is going to do a check-up. After, we are going to go to a little restaurant close to our apartment for lunch. It's fantastic because it's our first baby and my wife, Amina, is going to stay at home and I am going to continue to work. Luckily, she likes my sister Leïla a lot. She already has children and Leïla is going to be able to help Amina with some advice.

SIMON
Well, it's official. I am going to return to Paris to work at the Sorbonne University in September. I am in England at the moment with my children but I am going to leave in two or three weeks in order to find an apartment in the fifth or sixth arrondissement. I am going to be sad to leave my children but it's necessary unfortunately. It's impossible to find a position here at the moment. And I love Paris, it's true, it's just difficult for my children.

ROGER
In September I am going to study English at the Sorbonne University. Me! A student! It's incredible. Usually, I prefer to party, it's true, but my girlfriend is English so I want to speak English well. I must do something. She is an actress and she works with English colleagues and I don't like it when we go to restaurants together and I don't understand the conversation. I don't like studying very much, but I adore Alexandra. Plus, my parents say I have to do something with my life.

NOËLLE
I am going to return to university in September and I am very excited. I am going to continue to study French but I am going to have another project as well. I am going to look for a man...a husband in fact. I have some visa problems and in order to stay in France I am going to have to find a French man very quickly. I am not going out with Étienne anymore. He is not very serious and I don't have time for games, so there you go.