Fluent in French by January 2013 | My language mission and my log | Forum
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01:18
January 15, 2012
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I thought I should put it on the site so that the date is set and I have people to keep me accountable at the end.I was born and raised in an English speaking part of Canada and have been taking French classes in school for 9 or so years now. I would say I am at an intermediate level and conversational (with a few errors, of course) mainly due to the fact that: 1. Outside of the classroom, I never heard french unless watching one of the 2 french channels we got on tv; and 2. The way French was, and still is, taught in the public school system is horrible (at least for a country that claims to be bilingual). Nothing against my country, since I am probably in the minority of English Canadians that either having a need or want to be completely bilingual. However, since I aspire to one day work for the government, it is a huge advantage if you know both languages fluently and potentially another non-official language.
The reason why I gave myself more time is because I am a university student. No matter how much I want to be bilingual, the fact of the matter is that I am paying thousands of bucks a year for my schooling for that will always come first (though it is unfortunate that I have to make my priorities in such a way). Anyway, I am pretty much at a standstill for the moment regarding french because I can neither go to a french speaking area of Canada nor find anyone in my area that is fluent enough to make it worthwhile.
Hence, my pursuit of virtual friends. Anyone who knows of any good aids for me is a God in my books! Likewise, if there are any french-speakers on here that would be willing to motivate me en français, you will also be entered into my book of awesomeness!
Merci!
03:13
July 5, 2011
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Its good to see someone else pursuing bilingualism by studying Canadian French, the Alliance Française in Toronto seems to be full of people obsessed with France. I did not learn anything in 9 years of school French studies and thus started from scratch 5 years ago.
I don't know what area of the country you are in but you could search http://meetup.com for French meetup groups in your area. You should also search http://conversationexchange.com for language partners either in person or via skype.
Most of all I recommend http://tou.tv where you can watch many different shows for free. For easier listening try the documentary/news shows like "Enquête" or "Découverte". For more challenging listening try a drama series like "30 Vies".
Also check out the CBC podcast "C'est la vie" http://cbc.ca/cestlavie
Good luck.
English
Learning: 
French
04:53
January 15, 2012
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Thanks for the tips. I live in Brantford which is about an hours drive from you in Toronto. The problem is that I am stuck with either Skype chats or if I have a very willing language partner to meet me in Brantford from whatever city they live in because I am a poor university student with no car and no money for bus fare. I will check out the sites you mentioned.
03:17
January 15, 2012
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Après un mois de pratiquer, je ne suis pas beaucoup meilleur, mais je trouve les chansons stupéfiantes. Je ne peux pas les arrêter d'écouter! Une groupe Québeçois, Coeur de Pirate, est mon favorit. Aussi, la musique par Suberbus ou Shy'm est très bon. Si vous cherchez les chansons française, je suggérerais ces musiciens.
After a month of practice, I haven't gotten much better, but I did find some amazing songs. I cannot stop listening to them! One Quebecois groupe, Coeur de Pirate, est my favourite. Also, the music by Superbus or Shy'm is very good. If you are looking for french songs, I would suggest these musicians.
05:01
January 25, 2012
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Hello,
here is a very useful website if you wish to learn the typical québécois expressions and slang :
bon courage pour apprendre le français !
Fluent : 
Intermediate : 
Currently learning : 
04:14
February 12, 2012
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Bonjour!
I am just starting out in french and would love to be able to learn from you, that is if you have the time to write to me :)
I'm hoping to get some french email penpals and skype friends so that I pick up the language quicker
Sammie
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