September 1, 2003
Practice Makes Progress.
Some students feel bad because their French accent might leave much to be desired. Remember: French is not Spanish. The articulation of certain sounds in French take a long time to perfect.
The most important thing is to KEEP PRACTICING.
Listen to the tapes or CDs and try to mimic what you hear. In time you will be amazed at your own progress. If you only speak French in class, it will take you longer to perfect the vowels and consonants. Practice outside of the class for about 10 to 15 minutes each day.
Sound like a native.
Use your nose. Pucker those lips.
Yes. It's true. Using your nose and puckering your lips will help you with your pronunciation!
The way we speak English is a fascinating topic for most foreigners. We barely move our mouths! I've heard some French people say that some Americans speak like they have a mouth full of popcorn! While this manner of speaking works in English, it does not work in other languages, especially French.
When speaking French, don't be afraid to take a self-conscious approach to forcing your mouth to move more actively. Feel the slight vibrations emanate from your nose as you speak French! It will make you sound much more native if you do.
*This is the first step toward THE One World Language.
Steps A & B: *The imperative is soothed by the interrogative.
Planète Française is ruled by Dr. Todd Alden Marshall, professor of Russian and Slavic Linguistics at the University of Central Arkansas. An independent entity in the CornDancer consortium of planets, Planète Française is dedicated to the study and exploration of the French language. CornDancer is a developmental website for the mind and spirit maintained by webmistress Freddie A. Bowles of the Planet Earth. Submissions are invited.
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