Classes

I find that my classes here are pretty similar to those at UT. The main difference is that the students are a lot closer, and therefore more open in class. Because we are not only taking classes, but experiencing the culture of a foreign country and traveling together, we are obvious more comfortable with one another.

I also find myself retaining more information from class because I am surrounded by French each day and can actually use what I learn as soon as I leave class.


Au Revoir, Sophie

Cultural learning

I believe that culture plays an important part in language learning. Surely, it is not necessary to know anything about a culture to learn textbook language, but culture holds many keys to understanding the eccentricities and minute facets of every language. Even in the United States language differs between cultures. People in the South speak differently and use different expressions than those from the West or Northeast. Language changes between classes as well.

It is possible for teachers to decontextualize a language and teach without acknowledging cultural aspects, but students will not gain as much and may face roadblocks upon using the language in a real setting.

For example, I used the term "courrier electronique" istead of "mel." My family looked at me like I was crazy. People here also speak differently from the textbook tapes I studied in school. Language is part of a culture, therefore it is fully necessary to learn about a culture in order to completely embrace its language.

Love-makin'

On Sunday, I took the train home from Avignon. The ride took approximately two and a half hours. About an hour into the trip a young couple, in their twenties, came on board and sat directly across from me and another young man.
Everything was going well, I was reading my newspaper and looking at the scenery outside. Only, my attention slowly became more diverted to the scenery across from me. The couple began to cuddle cutely, holding one another and talking closeley. The two then began to make out every so often and looked into one anothers' eyes.
The scene, which no one took note of on the train, would have elicited cries of "get your own room" and eye rolling in the U.S.

Language Learning

I have never been that good of a "language learner." I have been in French classes since I was 7 years old and I am still far from being fluent. At home in the States, it is especially hard for me to retain what I learn in class. So often I close my books as soon as the bell rings, open them for about 3o min. at night for homework, and then don't resume my French studies until the next class. I learn only just enough to complete the exercises on my tests.
When I learn languages, I have to practice in order to retain any kind of information. I have to use my exercise book to get down a tense and continually use vocabulary in order to learn it. I have noticed that I remember vocabulary more easily here because I am constantly surrounded by the language and constantly thinking about it.
Also, it now seems like there is a meaning to all of this memorization. Being in France has become a motivator to learning and comprehending the language.
Au Revoir, Sophie

climbing the tower of babel

The communication, as a whole is going pretty well. I feel like I am learning more and more each day. My family also tries to accomodate me, speaking slowly and explaining things a few times. Gestures and pointing also work as well.
I am also becoming a better speaker. But I've noticed that when I am put on the spot, my mind becomes a jumble and I completely forget how to say what I want. This is especially true in restaurants and check-out lines.
Each day I have been reading the newspapers at the metro stations and I think that I am understanding most of the stories. The only problem appears to be vocabulary. Mdme Munier's class is helping a lot with that. However, even as I understand more vocabulary, it is hard for me to actually use it. I find myself reverting back to the same old vocabularty set I've used since age 15. Lately, I've been playing a little game to see how much new vocab and l'argot I can use each day.

Meeting the Fam

My "mere d'accueil,"Patricia, and my "soeur d'accueil," Domitille, met me and Yvonne at the train station. I was very shy at first but triend to comprehend it all as Patricia explained the layout of the city and the family to me. So far, things have just gone up from there. Patricia and her husband Thibault have been very welcoming towards me and their apartment is very comfortable. Appartantly, they have foreign students regularly so the occasional akwardness I feel is most likely not mutual, at least I hope. The daughter is a little different, although she appears to like me a lot. She is eighteen and goes to high school in Lyon. At first, she was very quiet, but she has definately opened up to me a lot. Although her advances are, at times, annoying, communicating with her is helping my French.
As far as understanding and communicating with my family, things are going well. Each day it becomes easier and easier. The parents are also very accomodating, explaining things slowly and exactly. They are also very receptive to our nightly questions. I also find myself catching onto "la langue quotiedienne" as I speak more and become more comfortable with my family. They also ask about English words as well, sharing a mutual interest.
-Sophie

Bonjour a la Frace.

Paris was a lot different than I expected it to be. I visited the City of Lights eight years ago and it seemed almost more grand then. I think everything seemed a little bit cooler when I was 12 years old than 20 anyway. But, after Madrid, I was struck by the large amout of grandiose government buildings. It seems that everywhere there were state run museums and this-and-that ministry of some sort.
What I think I enjoyed most was all of the art. I spent a whole day in the Louvre! I find the Italian Renaissance paintings to be amazing. The Seine was also beautiful as well. The rain was dissappointing but after loads of rain in Madrid, I was prepared. I was also dissappointed by how much English was spoken, in Paris and now in Lyon. I ask questions in French only to be given a response in English.
The people have been very welcoming and acomodating as well. As much as any other European country I have visited. The rude French stereotype does not seem to be ringing true.
Until next week, Sophie

Espana

So I headed off to Spain before France where I stayed in Madrid for twelve days with two friends from summer camp. It was definately mind opening traveling as a student on a budget for the first time in Europe. Our hostel was small and cramped and we shared a bathroom. Additionally, I became very sick with a virus one night which was the worst experience of my life. I was alone, in a foreign country and the toilet was down the hall. I actually called my mother crying. However, that night is an experience that I will never forget and definately made me a stronger person. I assume that this kind of traveling is supposed to do that to you.
Madrid was interesting but we were there for too long. We had a Portugal trip planned in the middle but had to cancel it becuase of the virus. At the end, I was ready to head back to the US. However, I am excited about the rest of the trip and know that this will be the experience of a lifetime!