My French Adventure: Elanor
We could all learn a thing of two from Elanor’s positive approach to her French. It’s no surprise to us here at Lingua Franca, though. Even though Elanor attends evening classes, she’s a complete rayon de soleil* and we’re so happy to to have her learn with us. Merci* Elanor et très bonne continuation*!
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO STUDY FRENCH?
I have always wanted to learn French, and for no particular reason other than it really appealed to me. After travelling through France in 2010, I found I had picked up a lot and was not finding the basics too difficult, so I grabbed a few self-study books upon my return, and that was the start of the journey!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN STUDYING FRENCH?
I have studied on and off since 2010. I mainly used workbooks and would enjoy my days off learning this way. Last year I was getting more keen to really get back into it and more seriously, so I started listening to podcasts as I did my long drive to and from work.
This was hugely beneficial and really helped me to rote learn how to conjugate verbs… immensely helpful, but a little bland. I wanted to use my knowledge and work on conversations and translating faster. So, I enrolled at Lingua Franca!
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT IT?
I love how it makes me feel to use another language and to understand it. It is very empowering. Acquiring knowledge and feeling yourself progress is also very rewarding. It is also helping me understand English more, funnily enough.
I love going to lessons and meeting with like-minded people – people who understand and speak at the same skill level and who are also so motivated to learn and share my enthusiasm.
ANY HARD BITS?
Everything is hard until you learn how to do it! It’s all about taking the time to slowly progress through the content and being patient with yourself. Every week I understand more than I did the week before. It’s like a puzzle slowly coming together and it’s wonderful to see all my new knowledge taking shape.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE FRENCH WORD?
Buanderie* – Laundry room. For no other reason than I love how it sounds… far too nice a sounding word for a room like that. 😊
*Laundry room
*ray of sunshine | *Thank you | *May things continue to go very well for you