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Checking to see what this site is

PostPosted: November 8th, 2009, 12:37 pm
by pwm1pwm1
Is this site a vast, empty dessert or is someone really reading these posts. I am interesting in French and I speak English. My email is pwm1@email.com and I would like to hear from anyone with similar interests.

Re: Checking to see what this site is

PostPosted: November 8th, 2009, 9:18 pm
by VagabondPilgrim
Well, I wouldn't call it vast... ;)

The forums are here for people to discuss the courses found on this site. Unfortunately, most people who visit the site, grab whatever courses they're interested in and move on. Still, there are a few folks lurking about.

Are you using one of the French courses? What are your impressions of it? Are you studying wholly with FSI courses are supplementing with other materials?

What made you decide to to study French to begin with?

-VP

FRENCH and GERMAN

PostPosted: December 25th, 2009, 7:20 pm
by mbateman
I speak English and French fluently, and I learned the latter the hard way. Although the pedagogical approach of the FSI courses is no longer fashionable, these are quite simply the MOST EFFECTIVE self-study language programmes available. Consider boxing as a metaphor. The FSI courses provide you with a SPARRING PARTNER. The workout is VERY demanding, but if you stick to the programme, at least you’ll be prepared to step into the ring. In all fairness, I recognize that most language programmes present the basics of the target language. However, since they do not provide the mind-numbing drills that the FSI courses do, they’re the linguistic equivalent of shadow boxing. While they might help you impress your friends, they cannot possibly prepare you for the ring. If you decide to take the FSI programmes, I highly recommend that you BEGIN with the relevant PROGRAMMED INTRODUCTION. The French and German variants are absolutely fabulous! The staff at the Foreign Service Institute deserve a medal for their contribution. Merry Christmas!

Re: Checking to see what this site is

PostPosted: February 27th, 2010, 7:47 pm
by RogueM23
Hi everone, I am currently learning several languages, Russian, Spanish, French and I also communicate using ASL. I am currently learning these languages from the Michel Thomas Discs, excluding the ASL, with some satisfying results. I was introduced to this website from the FSI book purchased at a used bookstore and I was fasinated by the amount of material and teachings provided within.
I am actually considering on giving up on Michel Thomas and focus primarily on the FSI teachings.

I would like to have written permisson from the FSI themselves to have the PDF ebooks printed at a pinting service here in the city and to also have the recordings 'burnt' to disc due to my constant on the road lifestyle.

Is this possible to have granted? That would be great, Thanks in advanced. :D

Re: Checking to see what this site is

PostPosted: February 28th, 2010, 9:00 am
by Oberon
Given that these are in the public domain, why do you need written permission? It's sort of like asking for permission to breathe air.

Re: Checking to see what this site is

PostPosted: February 28th, 2010, 12:36 pm
by RogueM23
Thats all I needed to know, Thanks!