Absolutely loved the practical approach here. The Matisse painting really captures the essence - conversation as art, not performance. I dunno, I've always felt that language learning is more about creating moments of connection than achieving perfection, kinda like how a good painting invites you in even if every brush stroke isnt technically perfect. When I first tried speaking Spanish with my neighbors, I expected to sound fluent but instead sounded like a toddler - and yet, they were so excited to help me learn that it became this shared joy rather than just embarrasment.
At school we learnt conversational French in a language lab. We would record our own voices on tape and play it back. There is nothing so off putting as hearing yourself. Not recommended. Most French people are happy when you try to communicate in their language.
Merci pour le partage de mon Substack et pour ton super tutorat ! 🫶😊
Avec plaisir, longue vie à A. Mann's World !
Absolutely loved the practical approach here. The Matisse painting really captures the essence - conversation as art, not performance. I dunno, I've always felt that language learning is more about creating moments of connection than achieving perfection, kinda like how a good painting invites you in even if every brush stroke isnt technically perfect. When I first tried speaking Spanish with my neighbors, I expected to sound fluent but instead sounded like a toddler - and yet, they were so excited to help me learn that it became this shared joy rather than just embarrasment.
Thank you, that’s such a beautiful way to put it.
Conversation really is an art, not a performance.
And what you describe with your neighbors is exactly it: connection comes first, perfection comes later (if ever).
At school we learnt conversational French in a language lab. We would record our own voices on tape and play it back. There is nothing so off putting as hearing yourself. Not recommended. Most French people are happy when you try to communicate in their language.
I agree, I hate listening to myself in another language too 😅
Real conversations are different though. And you’re right, most French people really appreciate the effort.
When are the meetings?
Bonsoir Adam! For the moment, here are the scheduled times for the next few weeks: https://calendly.com/learnfrenchwithtimo/le-cercle-conversation They may change depending on interest, so feel free to reach out if these times don’t suit you.