Coucou les French learners,

Before we delve into 2 effective tips to confidently understand French audio, here is a quick reminder to secure your spot to meet us in Pau from June 17-21, 2024. The deadline is next Monday, February 5!

You also have until tomorrow to get 50% discount on our lifetime packages. Enter Coupon Code : COUCOU2024

• Step by step videos with transcripts, audio and glossaries.
• Stories adapted to the chosen Pack.
• Exclusive full-HD videos download.
• One-time payment.
• Lifetime access!

Melissa wrote:

I am enjoying this learning platform. I love the solo option. I can take my time and process this beautiful language. Customer service has been so helpful. I highly recommend this program and I am so thankful for what they offer.

Today, Laura shared in the Community Chat:

I am on lesson 24 of the Baby Stage and also take a class on Saturdays at the A2 level. I am finding that I am able to really comprehend the Baby lesson video extremely well. However, when I go to the Baby Stories (audio only) I am really struggling unless I read it first. Any thoughts or tips on bridging to audio only?

The challenge Laura is facing with comprehending audio-only content, specifically the Baby Stories, is what many French learners face. This is a common hurdle: how to transition from understanding content through reading to confidently comprehending audio-only material.

It is easy when you use a gradual approach. Your emphasis is on exposure and understanding.

Read and listen together

Initially, read the story while listening to the audio. This will help you connect spoken words to their written form and reinforce your understanding. This dual exposure helps reinforce your understanding of vocabulary, pronunciation, and sentence structures.

Furthermore, the visual reinforcement from reading provides a scaffold for your comprehension. Seeing the words while hearing them strengthens the mental association between the written and spoken forms, aiding in retention.

As you follow along with the text, you become more attuned to the natural flow and rhythm of spoken French, making the transition to audio-only seamless. The simultaneous engagement of both visual and auditory senses enhances comprehension.

Try out for free by reading and listening to Le corbeau et la carafe. It is a fable for beginners about a thirsty crow.

You have a comprehensive experience that goes beyond mere translation, fostering an intuitive understanding of the language.

Break it down

Read along as you listen, and gradually reduce your reliance on the written text. Then divide the audio into smaller sections. Focus on understanding one part before moving to the next. This step-by-step approach makes the process manageable.

Large chunks of audio can overwhelm your working memory. Breaking it down reduces cognitive load, allowing your brain to effectively process the linguistic elements, such as vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Focusing on smaller sections enables you to identify key elements effectively. You can pay closer attention to specific words, phrases, or intonation patterns.

You also actively engage: pausing between sections makes you reflect on what you’ve heard, reinforcing your understanding. You create mental checkpoints throughout the listening process.

Successfully comprehending smaller sections builds confidence. As you achieve understanding in bite-sized portions, you gain assurance in your listening abilities. It motivates you to tackle more extensive audio content.

It aligns with principles of cognitive psychology, optimizing your ability to process, understand, and retain information. #trustheprocess