So far, French has had its ups and downs. There have been sessions where I thought I was really getting the hang of things. Then there were others where I couldn’t understand the homework at all. And by that I don’t mean the homework was difficult, I mean I literally could not understand the French my teacher was using to tell us what the homework assignment was.
Today, though, was a first. I wish I could say it was the first time that I found myself thinking in French instead of translating, or that it was the first time I made it through a class without any pronunciation problems. But it wasn’t either of those things. Today was the first time my teacher gave me – gave anyone – a high five for excellent French.
Why did I get the high five, you ask? Well, during an exercise when we were practicing ways to tell someone that you did not understand them, I found myself unable to figure out a way to rephrase my question in another way. So instead I simply told my speaking partner (in French, of course) that I would repeat myself, but more slowly. And then I began to repeat myself, more slowly.
Alex thinks I got the high five because the teacher was impressed with me. I think it’s because I finally said something right and he was throwing me a bone.
Either way, I think a high five should be worth at least half a point on the final exam. I hope I can cash it in.
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Learning a language is a journey. It’s not going to happen overnight but very soon it will start clicking in your head, you’ll see. Besides, a half a point here, half a point there and you’ll get to where you need to be. You’re doing great! Keep it up!
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Hey, that’s great Andy. Btw, do you get to listen to the BBC news in French? Great way to get exposure to a wide variety of situations and the associated vocabulary. Good luck!
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How about a High Cinq!
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