Streetwise French vs Living Language UFA (Language Programs, Books & Tapes) Language Learning Forum

Streetwise French vs Living Language UFA
Tags: Living Language \| French
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Language Learning Forum : Language Programs, Books & Tapes

10 messages over 2 pages: 1 2

s_allard
Triglot
Senior Member
Canada
Joined 5429 days ago
2704 posts - 5425 votes

Speaks: French*, English, Spanish
Studies: Polish

Message 9 of 10

12 April 2013 at 3:44pm | IP Logged

Slang or street language is notoriously tricky to use because a) as a foreigner one tends to sound ridiculous when using much of this stuff and b) it's difficult to use this material appropriately, i.e. in the right context and with the right people.

Now, what most learners are looking for is actually casual or colloquial language so as not to sound stuffy with textbook French or Spanish. But first things first. Before venturing down the road of slang or unconventional language, you really have to get your grammar rock solid. Slang does not mean sloppy grammar or pronunciation.

Then you have to become really fluent by which I mean the ability to respond relatively quickly and correctly when spoken to. Casual language is not necessarily full of exotic slang or swear words. Most of it is actually standard language used in a casual conversational manner. We do this in English all the time.

If you can do this in French and or Spanish, you are way ahead of the game and you will be able to manoeuvre in most situations. If you are interested in conversational French, in addition to the references from @emk, you could look at the real-life examples with transcriptions at Fluent French Now
3 persons have voted this message useful

Jeffers
Senior Member
United Kingdom
Joined 4908 days ago
2151 posts - 3960 votes

Speaks: English*
Studies: Hindi, Ancient Greek, French, Sanskrit, German

Message 10 of 10

13 April 2013 at 5:32pm | IP Logged

s_allard wrote:

Slang or street language is notoriously tricky to use because a) as a
foreigner one tends to sound ridiculous when using much of this stuff and b) it's
difficult to use this material appropriately, i.e. in the right context and with the
right people.

Now, what most learners are looking for is actually casual or colloquial language so as
not to sound stuffy with textbook French or Spanish. But first things first. Before
venturing down the road of slang or unconventional language, you really have to get
your grammar rock solid. Slang does not mean sloppy grammar or pronunciation.

Then you have to become really fluent by which I mean the ability to respond relatively
quickly and correctly when spoken to. Casual language is not necessarily full of exotic
slang or swear words. Most of it is actually standard language used in a casual
conversational manner. We do this in English all the time.

If you can do this in French and or Spanish, you are way ahead of the game and you will
be able to manoeuvre in most situations. If you are interested in conversational
French, in addition to the references from @emk, you could look at the real-life
examples with transcriptions at Fluent French
Now

I totally agree with this. I think sellers of slang textbooks are marketing an
illusion, because they make you think you'll be bantering with the natives after
finishing their book. As s_allard says, what you really need first is to get good with
the language. Once you are relatively fluent in conversation, it will be easy to pick
up all the slang you need simply by listening to and imitating the people you speak
with.
1 person has voted this message useful

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