Do you have some childhood memories that you had, like the first time you had chocolate or ice cream, or the first time you climbed a tree, rode a bike, that was so good that first time you did it, so it got stored in your memory bank forever, and even 10, 25 years later when you think of them, you still savor that experience as if that was the most delicious glasses of wine?
Well, when I was in my early teens, I joined a foreign film club, and incidentially that is a French film club. So, we always got together on the weekends to watch French film. At the time, I didn’t understand much about English much less French, as both are not my naive language. And basically, I was watching and following the action and the drama without understanding much of what really was going on.
However, I instantly fell head over heels with the language. I think, wow, that is the most melodic, softly spoken, romantic and sexy language I have ever heard!
Le paradis blanc – Michel Berger
So I had watched many French films, some from the famed actress Catherine Deneuve.
Later, when I tried to learn a foreign language, and French is of course on top of the list.
I actually took an university extension French course, and the materials used were from BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). I can still vividly recall the first lesson, which comprises of three sections. First part was a video episode which for that one was a TV competition of questions and answers. In that episode the script was written to mock one contestent, a blonde woman, and every question being asked either she wasn’t sure of the answer, or answered it wrong, or she would just say “je ne sais pas (I don’t know).” And the last question, as she again shyly and hesitatingly said “je ne sais pas.” and the host cheered “bravo, mademoiselle, c’est je ne sais pas!” and she won the competition.
French is such a beautiful, but very difficult to learn, language. So, to this date, I can only say a few words. But whenever I hear someone speak French on the street, my ears just perk up like a radar and I listen attentively, even though I don’t understand what is being said.
Do you have any such first time experience that you have cherished and loved?
Oh, maybe it’s your reverse story. I’m not a native english speaker, but I learnt it when I was a kid because I used to speak with my mom in that language. I felt privileged at that time, and I still love this language.
BTW, my mothertongue is French, and it’s indeed a difficult language to learn. There are so many things/ expressions you have to consider, and it’s constantly evolving.
This reminds me of a recent encounter I had with Portuguese journalists in Paris. We were invited in a restaurant in the city and every foreign (and non French speaking) journalist struggles with the menu (I must say the dishes didn’t sound really familiar to my ears) . But those journalists had a trick. One of them told me they always order the same thing: soupe à l’oignion et Chateaubriand (meat). At least, they didn’t get the surprise one Dutch journalist had when he received his plate. He had ordered a sort of tripe.
Modobs,
Your English is so good and her writing so refined nobody would have guessed that English is not your mother tongue!
Ordering foreign dishes is indeed tricky as the chef/restaurant make the name of the dishes so fancy and foreign to the diners. I would definitely bring a pocket translator to go with me to save myself agony and embarrassment, or order something that look somewhat familiar
Thank you, Eleanor
But for the pocket translator, if you had to read the menu in that restaurant, I promise you this wouldn’t offer you much help. I don’t know why, but French restaurants love to invent names for dishes you don’t have a clue what’s behind. That’ s how the Dutch journalist got fooled.
I also love French movies and I’m always waiting for ones with English subtitles at TV5 (A Frenhc cable station). The language is mellow music to my ears and they rarely have that irritating blockbuster-extravaganza-feel of most American films. I took a few semesters of French at my university but, because I don’t have anyone to talk to in French, I still can’t converse in it.
Running is my favorite childhood memory. Running with my dad as a child, trying to keep up, feeling the wind in my face. Even after he stopped running because of health reasons, I continued and ran everyday when I was in college. Sadly, a foot injury made me stop. I still miss it.
modobs,
I’ve heard that in France, there is not much English signs and the waiters in restaurant don’t speak miuch English, is that right? So, if I were to go to Paris by myself, probably I should just order “soupe à l’oignion et Chateaubriand” or café avec de la crème, to be safe. But luckily, in my culture, we eat almost everything, and tripe is among them hahaha.
Liz: Yes, there was a time I wanted to subscribe to TVS as well, but I didn’t because I already have too many channels to watch. Many times, though, I tuned in to my local university tv network to listen to the news in French.
It’s good that you had done something, running, together with your dad when you were a child. It’s such a bonding experience when doing something together as a counterpart with a grown up (like boys went fishing with their dad), I didn’t have that. And it’s good that you had enjoyed running. If you read my “small boobed babes” I’m the type that can’t run nimble!
Yes, indeed, Eleanor, French waiters can’t speak English (or just a little bit) in general, and there’s no indication in that language too. You should read that book called “A year in the merde” by Stephen Clarke. It relates the unfortunate experience of an Englishman in Paris. Very funny.
TV5 to learn French? Wow, it may be complicated. Generally, they choose the most intellectual programs of the different french speaking channels in the world. But as you say, Liz, it’s far from the blockbuster- extravaganza feel of most of the american movies.
modobs: thanks and I’ll see if I can pick up a copy of “A year in the merde”. BTW, two of my favorite novels about France: A Tales of Two Cities, and Les Misérables. I had a good cry watching the “Les Misérables” movies.