Bonjour dear French family 👋

I hope you’ve been enjoying your French journey this week. 🇫🇷✨

Some really wonderful conversations are happening over in the Community Chat at https://www.aliceayel.com/community-chat/

If you haven’t stopped by lately, you’re missing out on some thoughtful discussions! 💬

A few days ago, @jandyman asked a question that I think many of you might be wondering about too:

“I’m enjoying your program as my main method for learning French, but would also like a physical book for reference and so forth. I’m looking at the Living Language series, it seems like maybe a good match. Do you have any opinions about it or other complementary materials?“ 📖

It’s such a good question and I think it touches on something important about how we acquire language. 🧠

My Take: Stories Over Textbooks 📚✨

I’m not familiar with the Living Language series specifically, so I can’t offer an opinion on it.

But instead of reaching for a textbook for reference, why not consider exploring French readers?

Like the audiobooks we have available on our site at https://www.aliceayel.com/audiobooks/ 🎧📖

Here’s why this matters: language acquisition is organic. 🌱

It happens when your brain absorbs language naturally through compelling stories, not when you study rules and flip through reference charts.

Textbooks give you knowledge about French – they explain how the language works.

But stories? Stories give you French itself. 💫

Think about it this way: you didn’t learn your first language from a grammar book. 👶 You absorbed it by hearing it used around you, in context, with meaning attached.

French readers and audiobooks let your brain do that same beautiful, natural work. ✨

When you’re immersed in a good story, your brain is making connections, recognizing patterns, and acquiring the language without the stress and overwhelm of trying to memorize rules. 🧩

Give the audiobooks a try and see how it feels. I think you’ll be surprised at how much more the language sticks when you’re simply enjoying a compelling story. 😊

That said, this is just my perspective based on how I teach and what I’ve seen work for thousands of learners. 🌟

I know some of you might have different experiences or approaches that work well for you, and I’d love to hear about them! 💭

If you’ve found reference books helpful alongside Story Listening, or if you have recommendations for @jandyman, please jump into the Community Chat and share your thoughts. 💬

Click here!

Our community is so generous with their wisdom and experience – don’t be shy about asking questions or sharing what’s working for you! 🙌

Your Voice Matters 💙

Your commitment to showing up, listening to stories, engaging with the community, and trusting this process – it means the world to me!

You’re not just learning a language; you’re proving that growth, curiosity, and joy have no expiration date. 🌟

Thank you for being here. Thank you for choosing joy and curiosity. Thank you for being part of this beautiful community. ✨

Keep listening, keep enjoying, and keep acquiring that gorgeous French of yours! 🎧🇫🇷

À bientôt,

Alice 💕

P.S. I have to share some exciting news – congratulations to Nadya, who just earned a lifetime membership! 🎉🎊

Marie et Médor !

Nadya has been one of our most wonderful contributors since joining us in 2024. If you’ve spent any time in the community, you surely know her amazing “peluches” – those adorable stuffed characters she knits from our stories! 🧶🐻💕

Nadya, your creativity, generosity, and enthusiasm light up our community. Thank you for everything you bring to this space. We’re so lucky to have you!