| PRODUCT DETAILS | | French in Action: A Beginning Course in Language and Culture, Part 2: Lessons 27-52 |
| User Reviews |  | Wonderful way to learn a language
rating: 4
French in Action: A Beginning Course in language and Culture, Second Edition: Workbook, Part 1 (Yale Language Series)
I wanted to learn French and selected the Capretz Method - French in Action as a beginning course in language and culture. The workbook is essential, but it must be stressed that to learn effectively, you also need the audio tapes and the videos. They are often available on the air or in the library, however, you need to study them more than one time through to pick up language nuances.
Each lesson consists of a 10 minute story (American boy meets French girl - cute story, adds interest), then an explanation by Professor Capretz. The workbook is divided into chapters and each chapter has a section on aural comprehension, oral production where you play the part of a character, and a question and answer segment on the above. Several additional study topics are covered, including a written practice where you write a short exchange between the two characters.
This is an immersion course and as such, is one of the best, but as I mentioned, the workbook is only one part of the course. I also urge you to pick up the Study Guide which guides you through the course. The course is not inexpensive, but very effective with all the tools.
Highly recommended.
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French In Action
rating: 4
The book was not what I had expected, and Amazon made it very easy to return the book and quickly refunded my full purchase price. All dealings with Amazon was very easy.
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C'est vraiment excellent! BEST language book!
rating: 5
Used in combination with the audio materials, this course promises so much more than the usual (colors, numbers, basic greetings, etc.), and places a strong emphasis on pronunciation and idioms. You finish with a useful knowlege of French--the kind people actually speak. Comprehension is difficult at first because the speakers talk at a normal pace without overemphasizing the words, but it is this technique that leaves one able to know what people are saying without having them slow down.
As for the method of delivery--it's fun! The textbook follows a narrative structure, specifically a story about Robert, an American student in France, and Mireille, a young and witty student at the famed Sorbonne in Paris. There is love, mystery, and lots of important cultural information on the way, as well as an underlying humor that made our class laugh quite often. I recommend it highly for use in a class, and if you are willing to dish out the cash, for independent study as well. It has everything you need to gain a firm grounding in French language, culture, and idioms.
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Language Dunce - even have trouble with English
rating: 5
I went through the 52 PBS programs first, then went through them again making notes, then I bought the book.
This immersion method I believe is like a child learning their own language for the first time - you watch and over time figure out what people are saying - you do not begin taking courses for 5 years.
If I had, had to take a typical language course to learn my native English - I believe I would never have learned.
The book is the immersion method in writting [and also in French]. You can go back and forth between the book and the 52 programs and everything is in French. You pick a word here and a phrase there and then start putting a few togeather. You learn the situations also.
For a person like me who fails every language course - this has been fun. It makes me want to go through the chapters and tapes over and over again.
So if you think of this method as a way to pick up French as a child would - a word here and a phrase there and a spark to continue to learn - it can be a lot of fun.
So far I recommend the 52 PBS programs and this Book.
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I don't believe the so-called "immersion" method
rating: 1
An adult needs all the help his mature abilities can bring, including the language he knows to mirror and bridge the language he is learning. The "French only" method seems to me almost idiotic. It didn't work for me and I know I am not alone. I love French and have kept my eyes on all the self-study French courses available in the States.
Besides, French may not change much but the video is around 20 year old.
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French in Action: A Beginning Course in Language and Culture, Part 2: Lessons 27-52
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