Coucou les French learners,
This week, I want to share a great question from Pete, one of our dear members, which I believe will resonate with many of you:
How should I read? Should I read the French words to myself (in my head like the adult I am) or will it be best to read out loud as I did as a child (70 years ago) when I was learning to read English? Reading aloud allowed (note the different spelling – same pronunciation there) me to acquire the correct pronunciation.
Have you any suggestions on ‘how to read’?
Read & Listen
Reading aloud when you’re not yet ready to speak French isn’t advisable.
You speak French when you feel confident and ready to do so.
However reading aloud when you want to speak French can indeed help with pronunciation and fluency. But it can be challenging without immediate feedback.
I suggest starting by reading and listening at the same time.
Hear the correct pronunciation and intonation
while seeing the written words.
On our site, our stories have the option to use the Audio Sync View button, enabling you to read and listen simultaneously. One of the unique features of our platform is that all the stories are read by my husband aka the guy behind the scenes, Ben (not a robot!).
You get to hear a natural, authentic French voice and a different way of speaking.
You enhance your experience with another accent, intonation, and speech pattern, making you a more versatile and adaptable listener.
What are the benefits?
When you start by reading and listening to French simultaneously, you:
- improve your pronunciation by hearing native speakers read the text. You get to mimic their pronunciation and intonation.
- enhance your comprehension by listening while reading. You reinforce your understanding as you can match sounds to words and phrases.
- build vocabulary by encountering words in both written and spoken forms. It solidifies their meaning and usage in your memory.
- develop your listening abilities through regular exposure to the natural flow of spoken French. You improve your ability to understand native speakers.
Try now!
Put it into practice!
Click here to read and listen (put the Audio Sync View on!)
to the Aesop fable” Le corbeau et la carafe ”
on our site FOR FREE.
This short and engaging story is perfect for improving your reading and listening abilities.
Enhance your French journey. By joining us, you have access to this story and many other comprehensible resources that help you make real progress.
Join us and gain
CLARITY: progress step by step through stages and make French become clear to you. Understand French with ease.
COMMUNITY: meet weekly and keep yourself accountable through the most caring and invested community. Think French naturally.
TRANSFORMATION: feel empowered. Be fluent in French. Transform yourself and get a new soul. Speak French freely.