Dictionary Review: Collins Easy Learning French Dictionary

If you are learning French, then a dictionary will be one of your must-have learning materials. The dictionary will help decode unknown words, advise you on word usage and even help with conjugation. 

Increasingly, dictionaries are moving online, often as applications for a smartphone or electronic note pad. Despite this, I’d like to make a stand for the paper dictionary.

You can take the non-electronic dictionary anywhere, it’s easily accessible, doesn’t rely on internet access and never runs out of power. It also looks good on the bookshelf with your other French books.

The Collins Easy Learning French Dictionary (2009) is a classic English-French dictionary that is a good choice for beginners comfortable in English.

Coming in at a little over 600 pages, this softback dictionary is small enough to carry to class, yet big enough to hold sufficient vocabulary for early learners.

The bulk of the book is divided into French and English sections. Look in the French section if you have a French word you need to know the meaning of. Alternatively, look in the English section if you want to translate an English word into French.

The pages have an easy-to-read format. Target words are in bold blue in the French section and bold black in the English section. The explanatory text is in black in the French section and blue in the English section.

Apart from direct translations, the dictionary also gives information about gender and the type of word (noun adjective, etc.) and provides expressions and examples of how to use a word or expression in a sentence. For example, « remarquer » is defined as « to notice ». The accompanying sample sentence is: « J’ai remarqué qu’elle avait l’air triste, » meaning « I noticed she was looking sad. »

There is also a guide to grammar with useful conjugation tables. Another section includes handy snippets including a map of France, and subject-oriented French-English translations such as relationships and feelings, describing someone, time, numbers and writing letters and emails.

This is a great dictionary for beginning learners of French. A word of caution however: Try not to overuse the dictionary. When reading a French text, try to guess what a word means from the context. Alternatively, just try to pick up the sense of a sentence or paragraph – initially it’s not necessary to know what every word means.

Summary advice: Use the dictionary as one of your language comprehension tools, but don’t overuse it.  

Improving your French listening ability

For many people, aural or listening comprehension is one of the most difficult parts of learning French.

Reading French is perhaps the easiest, as you can see the words in their context and you have more time to figure out what the words mean. Speaking is not easy, but most students will have some level of vocabulary they can call upon, even if it is simply a Bonjour or au revoir.

Listening to French as it is spoken can be challenging. One of these challenges is time: For the learner, French native speakers seem to speak too quickly and many words are lost.
A second challenge is pronunciation: When reading you can see the whole word, but when listening speakers don’t pronounce all parts of every word while other words run together. Intonation can make words you recognize in writing seem very strange when spoken.

A third challenge: There just seems too much information. While you are processing the words you have just heard, you have to also be listening out for the ongoing stream of words.   

The obvious answer to this problem is to get as much listening practice as possible. Even if you are not in a total French environment, there are plenty of listening opportunities on the Internet. One I’d like to particularly recommend is “Le journal en français facile” on Radio France International (RFI).

This daily news programme of current events, which uses relatively simple words and explains things in their context, is available on the RFI website, at the top of the Apprendre le français section. 

The Journal package includes an audio file of about 10 minutes, which can be streamed online or downloaded, along with a script.

The Journal can be used in a variety of ways: You can listen to the audio one or more times and then read the script (probably the more challenging method). Or you can listen to the audio while reading the script. Alternatively, you could read the script and then listen to the audio. Whichever method you choose, engaging with the Journal will give you practice in listening.  

While it is invaluable to have written text of the audio, in some places the audio differs from the script. This is partly because the presenters go off script and partly due to some segments being from field reporters. This actually makes for a good additional learning opportunity: Listen closely and try to fill in the missing text.  

Another good thing about the Journal is that it relates to current news. If you are familiar with the news in English or other language, then it will be easier to understand the Journal.
Listen to the Journal as part of your daily routine and you will get at least 70 minutes of French each week – more if you listen to each edition several times.

10 tips about Alliance Française in Lyon

This post is the last in a series about the Alliance Française (AF) in Lyon. Previous posts have covered the following topics: getting ready to study at AF; living at the student résidence; the experience of studying French at AF; and using the vélo’v public bike system to get to and from class, and around the city.

The current post provides tips for students about the facilities and services available at AF in Lyon.

1. The reception counter and administration staff are very helpful and patient. They are always happy to talk to students about any questions or issues. For complicated issues, it is possible to talk with them in English.

2. The lobby area is a great social meeting point. There are comfortable chairs and small desks around which students gather before and after class. Many social activities are arranged in the lobby.

3. AF runs cultural activities. For example, during my month of study (April 2015) there were three French movie evenings, as well as jazz festival activities. There is a printed newsletter with details for each month.

4. The school produces a handy printed guide to studying at AF and many of the practicalities of living in Lyon.

5. A small reference-only library provides books grouped according to their corresponding level of French. Among the books are graded French readers; grammar and vocabulary books; and books on aspects of French society and culture. Two computers are available for listening comprehension. It is a nice library which at the time of my visit was open three days a week.

6. A student noticeboard provides all kinds of information, including about jobs; language exchanges; accommodation; events; and items for sale.

7. In the refreshments area, there are two hot drink machines, along with a cold water dispenser. A snack vending machine includes sandwiches as well as the usual fare of chocolate bars and chips.

8. There is free wifi in the lobby area and also in many, if not all of the classrooms. This was a lifesaver in my case, in terms of communication, as my student residence building did not have wifi. The AF wifi meant that I could keep in touch with family and friends at least to some degree. Many students used the wifi in class to power online dictionaries on their smartphones.

9. The mezzanine area has two computers for student use along with a table for meetings.

10. The school is close to a number of vélo’v bicycle stations and other public transport networks, including trams.

10 tips for using vélo’v in Lyon

Getting to and from French class at the Alliance Français in Lyon is a question that will face all students. For those living near the school, walking will be a great option. Other students living further away will be spoiled for choice by Lyon’s public transport system of metro, trams and buses. Another option to seriously consider is cycling and the public bike system, vélo’v.

Lyon is a great city for biking. There are loads of cycleways, including dedicated paths, as well as lovely routes such as through the ever-so-green Parc de la Tête d’Or and along the banks of the sedate Rhône and Saone rivers.

As I regularly used vélo’v to get to and from French class, two of my fellow students asked for help in how to use the system. Because other students and potential students might also have an interest, here are my 10 top tips on using vélo’v:

1.      Using a vélo is significantly cheaper than other forms of public transport. There are a variety of ticket options: Short term tickets are €1.50 for one day or €5 for a week. An annual ticket for €25 is available from the vélo’v website. Other options are available, such as using your Lyon transport Técély card.

2.      If you have a short-term ticket then you have 30 minutes of riding time before you will be charged extra. If you don’t want to pay more (for example, €1 for the second 30 minute period) then plan your trips so that you always return the vélo before the 30 minutes is up. For my vélo ride to French class, for example, I usually stopped at one vélo station along the way to either refresh or change vélo.

3.      Always check the vélo before you take it. Like anything mechanical, the vélo break down or function poorly at times. Given the popularity of the system, this is unsurprising. Basics to check: tyres are not flat; the chain is on; there are pedals; the lights work; the seat is adjustable; the bell works; and there is a panier with strap.

4.      Avoid certain vélo stations at certain times.  For example, on weekday mornings the stations around the main train station (Part-Dieu) become full and it is hard to find a place to park your vélo if you are heading that way. Stations near the Parc de la Tête d’Or are incredibly popular on a sunny day, particularly during weekends. At such times there can be a long queue.

5.      If a station is full or there are no vélo available, look on the computer terminal for nearby stations. The system will indicate how many vélo are available and there is usually a local map on the back of the terminal of nearby stations.

6.      Get the free vélo’v map from the tourist information office. The guide overlays every vélo station on a map of Lyon. It is very handy for planning your trip and reducing stress levels should your preferred station be full. The map also shows good cycling routes. If you have a smartphone, download the vélo’v app, which includes real time information on vélo availability.

7.      Information and instructions on the computer terminals is available in multiple languages including French and English. More details are available on the vélo’v website. Be aware that the touch screens on the computer terminals don’t always work very well. Sometimes the touch function is unresponsive, while other times a screen may be damaged, or possibly affected by direct sunlight. Be persistent and avoid any known problem stations. If your French is good enough, report the problem to vélo’v.

8.      Keep a close eye on your vélo! The system puts a €150 block on your credit card, with the amount liable to be deducted if you lose the vélo or it is stolen. Likewise, be sure to return your vélo properly. If the vélo is not fitted correctly into the docking station, you are likewise liable for the €150 charge. To make doubly sure of a correct return, get a printed return card from the computer terminal. It will help you sleep better.

9.      Wear a helmet! It doesn’t appear to be mandatory in Lyon, but for the protection of your head, it is worth taking this extra precaution.

10.   If you are planning to be in Lyon for longer than a couple of months, then consider buying your own vélo. In many ways, using your own vélo is easier than navigating the vélo’v system. You will be able to extend your range beyond the vélo’v system boundaries; the vélo will be set up how you like it; and you can potentially recoup some of your initial costs by selling your vélo later. That being said, vélo’v is a terrific asset for Lyon. Make the most of it while you are in the city and happy biking!





French classes at Alliance Française in Lyon

I am sadly coming to the end of my month of studying French in Lyon, with only a few more days of class to go.

I have really enjoyed my time at the Alliance Française in Lyon. I took the ‘Extra intensive General French’ package which consisted of 20 hours of French per week in two classes. The first -- a mix of grammar, oral comprehension, and writing – runs 9am to 12 noon Monday to Friday. The second is a conversation class offered four afternoons a week from 12.30 to 1.45. 

On the first morning, students gathered eagerly around a noticeboard to check lists of names for which rooms they would be in. Apart from French, there were all kinds of other languages being spoken, adding to the multi-national atmosphere.

Two teachers took a share of each of the morning and afternoon classes. For example, with the conversation class, one teacher taught for Monday and Tuesday, while another teacher took Thursday and Friday. The transition between teachers was relatively seamless and it was interesting to compare their different styles.

Initially the morning class had around 18 students, but was quickly divided into two separate classes with a much more comfortable number of students and more chances for teacher contact.

My class (level A2N1) used the textbook Alter Ego plus, published by Hachette. The package, available for sale from Alliance Française, included a textbook, activity book, and CDs of audio material. I didn’t have my book for the first class and the teacher very kindly copied the relevant pages for that day.

The classrooms are roomy and bright. Each is fitted out with a computer and projector which teachers use in an interactive way to display pages from the textbook, write notes on the enlarged pages, and play audio clips. This system really helped to enliven the textbook and gave the feeling that all elements were integrated. There is also plenty of traditional whiteboard space for writing new vocabulary.

The teaching styles varied between individuals, but all the teachers displayed a high level of professionalism and enthusiasm for French. All the classes were conducted in French and the teachers went to good lengths to use relatively simple French language to explain instructions and concepts. Where students really struggled, The occasional English or other language words arose in class, often from fellow students who wanted to help. Other students were a natural source of information and encouragement.

I was impressed with the extent teachers would go to explain, for example, certain grammar points when one or more of the class was a bit lost. I myself benefitted from this extra attention and explanation, which really helped me to come to grips with some concepts that initially had me baffled. In this regard it is really important to keep up with the homework and do extra reading as necessary.

The conversation classes where not quite as I had imagined, but were very good all the same. I had thought, rather improbably, that these classes would involve continuous chatting. Given the level of French and some natural shyness or lack of confidence in speaking, however, it was very necessary for teachers to take a structured approach. This often involved students first sharing what we knew on a topic. This was followed by a review of key vocabulary and conversation exercises around the topic, including in small groups and in front of the class.

One of the most fun activities for me, in conversation class, involved each student writing the name of a famous person or character on a notepaper and passing it to their neighbour to wear but not look at. Sitting in a circle, each student had to guess who they were by asking yes or no questions of the other students. It was such a fun game that the usual shyness barriers to speaking were quickly broken down. 

Although I have only been at Alliance Française a short time, I feel that I have made noticeable progress, both in terms of grammar, listening comprehension and speaking. Although I am sure I only speak in very basic and broken French, at least now I feel more confident than before to say some simple things. Being able to comprehend this personal progress is incredibly rewarding and I feel that I have a firm base for future progress. 

If you want to really improve your French, then I thoroughly recommend the Alliance Française in Lyon. Not only will the school help a lot, but also living in a French environment adds an important intangible: You have to be ready to speak French at any time! 

Morning class: One of the teachers and most of the students (a few were away this day).

Conversation class: One of the teachers and most of the students (a few were away this day).

Living at the résidence and getting to French class

I arrived in Lyon at the end of March ready to start a month of learning French at the Alliance Française in Lyon. 

Due to the availability of flights, I arrived two days before I could move into the student résidence on 1 April. I stayed at two of the several hostels in the city travelling easily by public transport (a combination of tram, metro, and funicular). 

The first night was at the Hostelling International hostel, on the historic Fourvière hill, which features dorm rooms for up to six people. The second night was more comfortably spent in a single room at Éthic Étapes which is however further out from the city centre. 

Résidence Jussieu, which I was to call home for the next month, is a collection of multi-story student accommodation blocks opposite the campus of the Institut national des sciencés Appliquées de Lyon (INSA) in the north-east suburb of Villeurbanne. I found the office and completed the check-in procedures in a mixture of French and English.

My room is on the top (fourth) floor of one of the blocks. No elevator unfortunately, so I lugged my case up via the stairs.  The room is basic and small (10 m2) but has a large desk with a window overlooking trees and the sky. There is also a small fridge, shelves, a narrow cupboard, a slat bed, and an ensuite containing a wash basin, shower, toilet, and an outlet for an electric razor. The ensuite appears to be a modular unit that was added to the room at a later date. It is amazingly small, yet very usable and gives the room the feeling of a tiny apartment or even a train sleeper compartment. It is possible to rent a cheaper room without ensuite, or alternatively a studio, which is more expensive.

Each floor of my block has a shared basic kitchen featuring a sink, bench, microwave, and stovetop elements (no oven). Some of the kitchens also feature a table with chairs. If you want to cook, you will need to provide your own cooking utensils along with cleaning materials like dishwashing liquid. A supermarket and a boulanger are nearby, and every Sunday there is a local market.

Apart from the stairs and hallway, the kitchen is the main place at the résidence to meet other students. I found that a number of other Alliance Française students are living here, including several from my class.

Generally speaking, the résidence blocks are equipped with wifi, but unfortunately my building was not included in the network and only offered internet via cables. This is fine if you have a laptop, but not so useful if you are using a tablet or smart phone. 

Although the résidence is some way from the Alliance Française and the city centre, it is well linked by trams 1 and 4.  A tram stop is just across the road. Another transport option, which I use extensively, is the public bicycle service Vélo’v. One of the city’s 345 bike stations is beside the tram stop and another is only a few minutes walk from the school.

To go to and from classes I bike through the large Parc de la Tête d’Or and along the Rhône River. It is a picturesque route which includes the unusual bonus of being able to see giraffes and other wild animals at the park zoo. An additional advantage of this route is that it uses cycleways and avoids motor traffic as much as possible. Depending on the availability of bikes, the weather, the traffic conditions, and how fast I am going, the journey typically takes 30-40 minutes. 

Learning French in France

Maybe you’ve learned some French at high school, evening class or university. You may also have visited a French-speaking country on vacation, or at least thought about the possibility. A natural next step, if you have the opportunity, is to take a French language course in a Francophone country.

I had been thinking about doing this very thing for some considerable time. Apart from being a fun experience, studying in a French-speaking environment seemed like a great practical way to improve my French. What better way to build confidence in one’s French speaking and listening ability than being surrounded and immersed in French? Also, there would be cultural and travel opportunities when not in class.

The stars finally aligned and I had some spare time to spend a month studying. I had visited France before on holiday and decided to return for more serious purposes. I had previously attended evening classes at the Alliance Française in Jordan and New Zealand, where I was impressed with the quality of teaching and the availability of library materials and cultural activities. There are more than 800 Alliance Française centres around the world.

I looked at a number of schools in France before deciding on the Alliance Française in Lyon. It is a very popular school with more than 2,600 students each year, representing more than 130 nationalities. Being a larger school, it has many class levels, so can cater for students of varying abilities and be more likely to group students of similar ability in the same class.

The school also has a library and organises cultural activities. Another important factor is that it can help with a range of accommodation types to suit different budgets including student residence, host family and private accommodation.

Another key factor that attracted me is that the Alliance Française in Lyon has been awarded the French as a Foreign Language (FLE) quality mark. The mark is awarded jointly by three French Ministries to French language centres that meet a set of objective criteria related to quality of teaching, service and management. There are around 95 schools which hold the FLE quality mark. You can search them at the website link above.

Lyon itself is a large city with many attractions including an old town, Roman amphitheatres, a fine arts museum, and an excellent park. (I’ll go into more detail about Lyon’s treasures in a later blog post.) There is also plenty to see in the surrounding area, including Annecy and Geneva to the east.

I am currently on my way to Lyon where I will be studying at the Alliance Française during April. I’m very excited about this opportunity and look forward to sharing my experiences as a student at the school and of living in France.