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I created a language learning method that helps you learn French in 4 months

news.ycombinator.com

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Re: I created a language learning method that helps you learn French in 4 months

#11

Post by keiferski »

You haven't given any information on what your program actually does, just some vague unsupported claims. This is borderline spam.

--

For anyone that's reading this and looking for actual advice on learning French, here's my advice, having done something somewhat similar. I didn't know much French prior to living in Paris for 6 months (which was broken up into two 3 month periods over the course of a year) but a French friend later told me my accent was "perfect" although I used the word franchement too often, which made me sound like an old-fashioned farmer.

- Focus on memory and vocabulary. It's a lot easier to have conversations when you know what to say, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect.

- Drill the grammar for the most essential verbs (to have, to be, etc.) and skip most of the rest for now.

- Listen to native speakers and imitate them. Try to get over the feeling that you're playing a character or doing an goofy French accent impression. You will have better pronounciation if you try to do an accurate French impression.

- Try to spend some time in France or as a second choice, Québec. It's a million times better than reading a book or using some app.

Re: I created a language learning method that helps you learn French in 4 months

#12

Post by dxs »

I'm about to turn 75 in a few months, born in the U.S., still learning English.

Language learning never ends. At the very least, a person, even a native speaker, has to keep constantly refreshing to stay sharp. Every non-dead language continuously evolves. Because life, 'K?

Re: I created a language learning method that helps you learn French in 4 months

#13

Post by jraph »

keiferski wrote: post #11

You haven't given any information on what your program actually does, just some vague unsupported claims. This is borderline spam. -- For anyone that's reading this and looking for actual advice on learning French, here's my advice, having done something somewhat similar. I didn't know much French prior to living in Paris for 6 months (which was broken up into two 3 month periods over the course of a year) but a Fren…

> or as a second choice, Québec

Ouch, tough one for our friends in Québec xD

French is spoken in many parts of the world, including a great part of Africa, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg. And France includes several islands and Guyane, it's not just the mainland. Canada doesn't only have Québec, they also have other speaking French parts like the Nouveau-Brunswick (New Brunswick) and Acadie (Acadia). New Brunswick you might be tempted to speak English though.

I would guess everywhere should be fine, just know you might end up sounding like the people from the location you elected to go. Which is totally fine. It's legit French. France does not have the monopoly over the language and France also has its strong accents depending on the location.

Re: I created a language learning method that helps you learn French in 4 months

#15

Post by keiferski »

jraph wrote: post #13
keiferski wrote: post #11

You haven't given any information on what your program actually does, just some vague unsupported claims. This is borderline spam. -- For anyone that's reading this and looking for actual advice on learning French, here's my advice, having done something somewhat similar. I didn't know much French prior to living in Paris for 6 months (which was broken up into two 3 month periods over the course of a year) but a Fren…

> or as a second choice, Québec Ouch, tough one for our friends in Québec xD French is spoken in many parts of the world, including a great part of Africa, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg. And France includes several islands and Guyane, it's not just the mainland. Canada doesn't only have Québec, they also have other speaking French parts like the Nouveau-Brunswick (New Brunswick) and Acadie (Acadia). New Brunswick…

I really liked Québec and think Montreal is probably a top 5 North American city, but to my knowledge and impressions from others, it's best to aim for a Parisian accent as the most prestigious and neutral accent.

I don't have a super strong opinion on the subject, but personally I do prefer how France French sounds to Québecois French anyway. But sure, if you're only able to go somewhere other than mainland France, it's not the end of the world.

Re: I created a language learning method that helps you learn French in 4 months

#16

Post by jraph »

keiferski wrote: post #15
jraph wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> or as a second choice, Québec Ouch, tough one for our friends in Québec xD French is spoken in many parts of the world, including a great part of Africa, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg. And France includes several islands and Guyane, it's not just the mainland. Canada doesn't only have Québec, they also have other speaking French parts like the Nouveau-Brunswick (New Brunswick) and Acadie (Acadia). New Brunswick…

I really liked Québec and think Montreal is probably a top 5 North American city, but to my knowledge and impressions from others, it's best to aim for a Parisian accent as the most prestigious and neutral accent. I don't have a super strong opinion on the subject, but personally I do prefer how France French sounds to Québecois French anyway. But sure, if you're only able to go somewhere other than mainland France,…

> Parisian accent as the most prestigious and neutral accent

you are going to offend the Normans with these digs :-)

The most effective way to learn to speak French might be to land somewhere you enjoy being, that would be my number one criterion I think.

Paris is a fine choice if you like the city. You might end up sounding Parisian from the rest of the world of course. Your foreign accent will probably be stronger anyway.

Re: I created a language learning method that helps you learn French in 4 months

#17

Post by ernestb »

keiferski wrote: post #11

You haven't given any information on what your program actually does, just some vague unsupported claims. This is borderline spam. -- For anyone that's reading this and looking for actual advice on learning French, here's my advice, having done something somewhat similar. I didn't know much French prior to living in Paris for 6 months (which was broken up into two 3 month periods over the course of a year) but a Fren…

Sorry, this came across as salesy. My goal was to test the temperature and send more information and tips later on. But does that qualify this as spam?

Anyway, the tips you shared are great; the only issue is that most people don't have the means to go to France for an immersion. And Québéc, while a great place, is not really the best place to learn French, the French way. If your goal is to learn Canadian French, Quebec, without a doubt, is a great place to go.

Thanks for chiming in. I appreciate the feedback.

Re: I created a language learning method that helps you learn French in 4 months

#18

Post by ernestb »

nullandvoid wrote: post #10
jraph wrote: post #9

No offense but I'm not quite sure this post really belongs to HN in the current form: - it's not really a Ask HN - it's not really a Show HN as there's not much to see - it's not a regular post It's relatable and appealing to the curious but it does not actually satisfy curiosity. It looks like an ad that takes care of not mentioning the product name :-) I believe we might be many who are a bit disappointed after rea…

Agreed. The litmus test for me is "would HN would be a fun place to visit if front page was filled with similar post to this (posts advertising their app idea and trying to gather an mail list)" - and the answer is nope. Best of luck OP, but I think you should post again once your idea has more substance.

This is my first time on HN. I'm learning a lot from the feedback here. And I learned that I should have shared more details beforehand.

I'm not trying to sell anything. I basically wanted to see if people would be interested, then share more information and tips later.

Appreciate your feedback. I am a work in progress.

Re: I created a language learning method that helps you learn French in 4 months

#19

Post by keiferski »

ernestb wrote: post #17
keiferski wrote: post #11

You haven't given any information on what your program actually does, just some vague unsupported claims. This is borderline spam. -- For anyone that's reading this and looking for actual advice on learning French, here's my advice, having done something somewhat similar. I didn't know much French prior to living in Paris for 6 months (which was broken up into two 3 month periods over the course of a year) but a Fren…

Sorry, this came across as salesy. My goal was to test the temperature and send more information and tips later on. But does that qualify this as spam? Anyway, the tips you shared are great; the only issue is that most people don't have the means to go to France for an immersion. And Québéc, while a great place, is not really the best place to learn French, the French way. If your goal is to learn Canadian French, Qu…

I would just be aware that the format of your post here is very recognizable as a marketing tactic, even if you didn't intend it to be. If you have a novel method or idea to share, then share it. The fact that you built up a problem but said "let me know if you'd like to join our waitlist" without offering the slightest hint as to what the solution is a big red flag.

You would have gotten a better response if you simply explained your idea and asked for feedback on it.

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