Easy French Poetry
In these lessons, I use poetry as a topic to speak in a slow, everyday, easy to understand French. Even if you don't particularly like poetry, give this a try, you will learn a lot of French in the process, and might even develop a taste for the subject!
To use these lessons to their full potential, I recommend you purchase the French transcript of the recording as well as its English translation, available in our store for $5.99.
Now, Here are some suggestions on how to use these recordings:
- If you are an intermediate, this is a great tool to better your understanding. Use the translation as a last resort; repeat the recordings a couple of times, you'll see you'll understand a bit more each time. When you are stuck, read the transcripts (available in our store), and try to analyse why you didn't get it: was it the vocabulary, the speed, the pronunciation? That will tell you what you need to focus your efforts on. Of course, memorize the new vocabulary. Finally, work on repeating the fast reading of the poem exactly the way I do, mimicking my pronunciation, rhythm and intonation.
- If you are a beginner, begin by reading the translation of the poem, then listen to the slow recording of the poem while reading the French text, and see how much you understand. You can then work with the transcript (available in our): read the French and use the English translation to help you. Then listen to the whole recording, and memorize the new vocabulary. Finally, work on repeating the slow reading of the poem exactly the way I do, mimicking my pronunciation, rhythm and intonation.
- If you are advanced, you may want to skip the text explanation, and concentrate on the analysis, the life of the author and the fast pronunciation of the poem: read the transcript (available in our store for a small fee) out loud and compare your pronunciation to mine. You can also use the slow reading of the poem as a dictation, or try to translate the podcast and compare your translation to the one included with the transcript.
Good luck with your studies and remember, repetition is the key!
-
French Poem Readings
In this section, I am going to read classical French poems twice: once slowly - so you can repeat after me - and once faster, with my own interpretation of the poem. I will also sometimes tell you about the author, or explain the vocabulary or the meaning of the poem, all in easy everyday French.
In my "Easy French poems and analysis" series, I read, paraphrase, analyse the very most famous French poems, such as "Demain, dès l'aube", "la Cigale et la Fourmi", "Parfum Exotique"... and talk about the author's life (Hugo, La Fontaine, Baudelaire...). These analysis are a great way to improve your understanding and vocabulary, and learn about French culture and poetry.I will be adding new readings regularly, so come back often, or subscribe to my newsletter to receive exclusive French tips, sales and updates.