French Grammar

[Speicher]

Is anyone on here familiar with "Grammaire Progressive du Français" by CLE Internationale?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/364452397621

I bought a copy in order to practice my French. My copy does not have the answers, whereas later editions have, I think, the answers, (if you are not in a class).

Does the inclusion of "Corrigés" mean that the answers are included? I am fairly sure it does mean that. Do I need two copies, the exercises and the answers?

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Does the inclusion of "Corrigés" mean that the answers are included? I am fairly sure it does mean that.

My rusty French says you're correct.
Can you ask the seller if they have the other book with the answers?
I've got similar books for Latin, and for modern Greek: both are a set of 2 books, one book has the answers of the tests.

 

[Speicher]

I think it is two books. The "corrected" edition is 73 pages, whereas the "exercises" book is nearly 300 pages.

I bought the 3rd Edition. Obviously the two books need to be the same edition.

I have sent a message to the seller.

 

[Speicher]

The seller replied very promptly saying he did not know, but suggested they have more books on their website. I managed to find the 3rd edition of corrections, to match up with the first one.
Not confusing at all really.

 

[blackrat]

Not the same and excuse for meandering, but I find learning how to speak a language is far more use than the grammar of it. Besides, I expect the average French native has about as much grasp of French Grammar as has the average 6th form British school pupil's grasp of English grammar - which is to say, not much.

 

[Speicher]

Not the same and excuse for meandering, but I find learning how to speak a language is far more use than the grammar of it. Besides, I expect the average French native has about as much grasp of French Grammar as has the average 6th form British school pupil's grasp of English grammar - which is to say, not much.

The way I was taught French, and German, at school was in reading and writing the language. I did French and Spanish with business studies at College, and also audio typing and shorthand in French.

The main purpose of using the above books, is to keep learning, and keep the grey cells active. I have recently been reading some of the "Maigret" books in French.

My spoken French was greatly improved by spending two weeks in France on a walking holiday, mostly speaking French with someone who spoke no English.

 

[blackrat]

The way I was taught French, and German, at school was in reading and writing the language. I did French and Spanish with business studies at College, and also audio typing and shorthand in French.

The main purpose of using the above books, is to keep learning, and keep the grey cells active. I have recently been reading some of the "Maigret" books in French.

My spoken French was greatly improved by spending two weeks in France on a walking holiday, mostly speaking French with someone who spoke no English.

I have made the comment before on another forum that whenever I am in France and speak the few words I know I get a barrage of words spoken back to me in raid fire and I have absolutely no idea what is being said. These days, I merely say politely good morning, or whatever time of day and say please and thank you - all in French and then resort to English. I think having a go at the language shows my intent but most French people and other people in other countries speak English much better than I can speak their language.

 

[FrankCrank]

I has an Irish grandma - two in fact.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

@Speicher disregard Mr. Negative's statement upthread.
I went to school in Germany and in Italy both, I can confirm there's great emphasis on learning one's grammar.
We even have lessons on how to construct a sentence, this is from year 6.
I am aware it's different in the UK.
You could also subscribe to a YouTube French grammar channel and watch French TV channels online.
The Channel 4 app has a section called "Walter presents", it's full of series/movies in foreign languages, French and German too.
You can leave subtitles on or switch them off.

 

[Speicher]

Yes, I will look for Walter Presents. Thank you for those suggestions.

I have some "Maigret" dvds in French to watch.

Agatha Christie books (Livre de Poche) in French are a good way to practice. The advantage of those is the conversations in the present tense.

I attended school in India (two different ones) and in Saudi Arabia.

In India, one of my reports said I was doing well in Maths in the mornings, but very badly in the afternoons. The difference being that afternoon lessons were mostly in the local dialectic.

The Saudi one was full of American children, but it might as well been a foreign language, as the lessons were so different, not to mention the spelling.

 

[yello]

Besides, I expect the average French native has about as much grasp of French Grammar as has the average 6th form British school pupil's grasp of English grammar - which is to say, not much.

I'd disagree with that. Indeed, I'd say it's quite the opposite. It's true to say that grammar, in it's fullest, isn't really taught in UK schools, and hasn't been for quite some time (60s?) but that is not true of France - nor many European countries.

In fact, if there is an issue with language learning in France then I'd say it's actually too much grammar. Imo, there's a fear of making mistakes (which is key to learning imho) because they believe they have to speak 'correctly'.

However, I would agree that learning a language doesn't require you to formally learn it's grammar (it does help though) I'm more an advocate of immersion, getting your hands dirty and making loads of mistakes!

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Yes, I will look for Walter Presents.

Be sure to watch Astrid: Murder in Paris. It’s outstanding.