Can anyone recommend any French language tutors or schools in the Seattle area (preferably Eastside). I'm mainly interested in developing conversational skills.
Posted by
NYC, USA
219 posts
Check your local community college. It's cheaper then the senior public colleges. That's what I am doing and am learning so much!
Posted by
Concord, California
138 posts
Look on www.craigslist.com.
Posted by
Niagara Wine Country, Canada
808 posts
Don't forget to watch French TV and listen to French radio, both from France and Quebec. It's good to listen to both dialects so you can distinguish the two. Music and language Cds can help pass time commuting. Try your local library. Even Thrift shops sell learning materials for dirt cheap. A lot of people start out interested in learning a new language, then give up. Cds sometimes turn up in Yard Sales, if you're into that. (My teacher friends are big time)
I know that you are mainly interested in conversational skills, but don't forget to read, as well. Newspapers, magazines and even newspapers online are great learning tools.
I'll pass on a couple suggestions which I've found help me...I set my TV to come on automatically each morning, tuned to the French morning news everyday. I also do this with the radio. Even if I'm busy, my brain hears it, or so I've been told. I also select the French language option whenever I get automated telephone services.
Posted by
Niagara Wine Country, Canada
808 posts
I also make a habit of asking friends/aquaintances/collegues what other languages they speak so we can practise in everyday situations. They will give you instant feedback and it beats paying a tutor!
Or maybe you could volunteer somewhere in the Francophone community? I went back to highschool to upgrade my Senior level French, almost a decade after completing College! It wasn't easy studying with a bunch of 17 y.o. kids but it didn't cost me anything! Not everyone can do that, it works best if you work nights...
Bonne Chance, Allen. I hope you stick with it and have a great time along the way! And don't forget to add that new language skill to your Resume!
Posted by
Pearland, TX, USA
852 posts
Hi Allen,
Have a look at the above site... It's hard to beat FREE...
Happy Studies ... P.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
251 posts
Also try "youtube" for french TV shows and cartoons. It is a good way to hear dialogue.
Posted by
Seattle
1 posts
Try Livemocha for French conversation (or many other languages). It's free and fun! I've talked with native speakers, a tutor, and other learners online. I signed up with some friends and we do it together. The lessons are great too. Hope this helps.
Posted by
Berkeley, CA
1 posts
Seattle also has a local chapter of the Alliance Francaise, an international non-profit organization for promoting French language and culture. There is usually a charge for classes, but chapters also offer such activities as conversations nights, movies, and libraries, and it's a great place to meet other Francophiles and native French people.
You can find your local chapter at http://www.alliance-us.org/
(Disclaimer: I am a former president of the Berkeley chapter, and have taken clases there for many years.)