Just got back from a winter holiday in France. This is the first time that I have been to France, since I started studying French formally. It was good to test my progress and I found myself more confident in my brief interactions in cafes and restaurants. It was not a case of knowing more words or understanding more grammar, but the result of focussing on a language on a daily basis and practising regularly so it is easier to speak and use the words.
Visiting outside of the tourist season means that overheard conversations are more likely to be in French rather than English and to my pleasant surprise, I recognised more words in conversations. I also started reading a French paperback (aimed at young adults so not that complicated) and managed a chapter a day which I consider to be quite fast for me reading in French.
At the end of the week, I had my biggest test. I was given the wrong change in a service station and I had to go back to the cashier and explain. I hate dealing with this kind of situation when I'm speaking English and to do it in another language filled me with dread. After a deep breath and a moment of doubt, I spoke up and got the right change. It seems like such a minor thing, but a year ago, it wouldn't have mattered that I knew the words I needed, I wouldn't have been able to do it.
Progress, slowly but surely
Just got back from a winter holiday in France. This is the first time that I have been to France, since I started studying French formally. It was good to test my progress and I found myself more confident in my brief interactions in cafes and restaurants. It was not a case of knowing more words or understanding more grammar, but the result of focussing on a language on a daily basis and practising regularly so it is easier to speak and use the words.
Visiting outside of the tourist season means that overheard conversations are more likely to be in French rather than English and to my pleasant surprise, I recognised more words in conversations. I also started reading a French paperback (aimed at young adults so not that complicated) and managed a chapter a day which I consider to be quite fast for me reading in French.
At the end of the week, I had my biggest test. I was given the wrong change in a service station and I had to go back to the cashier and explain. I hate dealing with this kind of situation when I'm speaking English and to do it in another language filled me with dread. After a deep breath and a moment of doubt, I spoke up and got the right change. It seems like such a minor thing, but a year ago, it wouldn't have mattered that I knew the words I needed, I wouldn't have been able to do it.