Let us go then, you and I...

Annie, like the orphan. English literature major and French minor. Shakespeare and Tolkien enthusiast. Red lipstick lover. Working towards becoming a cunning linguist and a proficient polyglot. Fluent in Vietnamese and English. Learning French and Italian. Trying to learn Japanese. Hoping to learn even more...

[delvalentine]

I apologize for the stupid Americans that have annoyed you and that I just wanna say that I admire your courage to speak your mind. (I can barely do that.) (I also have another question, what's the difference between Canadian French and French it self [if you don't mind]? :L)

thank you ! i truly have no respect for somebody who chooses to start discourse with me without showing their face. it’s laughable.

canadian french substitutes certain terms that regular french doesn’t use. for example, for blueberries, we say “bleuet” whereas standard french calls then “myrtilles”. i wouldn’t know much since i dropped out of french lol. i believe every grammar rule is the same?

[dangcommaannie]

Oh hey! French linguist here and I can help answer this question for you!

Ultimately, there aren’t enough differences between Canadian French and French (also called metropolitan French in terms of linguistics) for them to be considered two different languages, but there are some notable differences that will definitely make it a bit interesting for who speaks one and is trying to communicate with someone who speaks the other

For the purpose of this explanation, when I say Canadian French, what I really mean to say is Québécois French since that’s what’s most commonly spoken when it comes to Canadian French. There are other forms of Canadian French, like Acadian French, but for now, we’ll keep it simple with just Canadian French.

Canadian French is more archaic. French settlers came in the 16th and 17th century, but when the British came in the 18th, French settlers were isolated from their native language in a way, even though many still continued to speak French after the British English influence. Because it didn’t develop in the same way as metropolitan French did around other French speakers, some terms are a bit old fashioned and quaint in the eyes of metropolitan French-speakers.

There are some differences in terms of vocabulary as well. Canadian French uses more Anglicisms, or borrowed English words, than metropolitan French. There are more English words due to English settlers and it’s proximity to the United States, but also, Canadian French has more words taken from indigenous languages. Oddly enough, because of Law 101, which basically made French be used for everything Québéc, there are some English terms that ended up being translated into French instead. For example, in metropolitan French, un hot-dog is fine, but in Canadian French, un chien-chaud could be used.

There are also differences in pronunciation. Some vowel sounds are different in Canadian French. Moi is pronounced more like moy. D and T sounds are changed to Dz and Ts before U and I, so poutine is more like poutsine.

More the most part grammar is the same, so that’s not something one would need to stress over. But there are a few differences here and there.

Really though, if you learned one or the other, or grew up speaking one or the other, you wouldn’t have too much trouble communicating. In a way, it’s kind of like how in English there are different accents. Maybe a little weird sounding, but still understandable.

[dangcommaannie]

Tips for learning languages? I currently know three words and don't really have anyone I can chat to in the language. It's not the most popular language either which sucks. Duolingo is good for some words written but not speaking it. Any advice would be fantastic if you could spare some.

Oh boy. I don’t know if I’m exactly the best person for this, but I hope this helps? lol!

Since you mentioned speaking, these tips will lean more towards that. But if you’d like some other tips, let me know and maybe I’ll be able to bs some more. XP

Talk to whoever or whatever you can

One of the hardest parts about learning how to speak in a new language is that you’re scared of messing up and sounding stupid. For me, I found that talking to myself, talking to inanimate objects, or talking to my pets would help overcome that fear of speaking. If you have someone that you trust and is willing to let you ramble in a foreign language, go ahead and do that. Start small and work your way up.

Find locals around you

Depending on where you live, if you happen to be in a place with a decent population size, you’ll probably be able to find people or communities that speak your target language. It could be a local market or store or cultural interest group or restaurant. Most people love being able to share their culture and language with other’s, so try to find something like that where you live, if possible.For example, I haven’t formally started learning Korean, but I’ve picked up a lot through watching variety shows and I’ve gotten the chance to improve my speaking skills because I frequent a Korean market in my city. Still haven’t started reading or writing in Korean, but I’ve picked up a good amount, in regards to speaking, just by casually chatting with the cashiers during off hours and with the old ladies that run the restaurant next door.

Find online communities

If you happen to live in a place where there’s a small population or you can’t find communities like that, look towards the internet. There are a lot of online language learning communities and I’m sure you’ll be able to find someone to help you. In fact, just yesterday, in one of my discord servers, someone sent a link to a language learning server called the Language Sloth. I haven’t joined, but from what my friend says, the server is made up of over 3,400 people around the world who are dedicated to learning and teaching languages. Nearly every language you can think of is supported including Korean, Japanese, Icelandic, Turkish, Russian, and even Albanian. If you can think of it, it’s probably there, so I’ll drop the invite link for you here:https://discord.gg/275VsfE

Talk during movies and tv shows. Do some karaoke.

Watching movies and shows, and listening to music in your target language is definitely a huge help, but there are ways for you to further how you use them to help you learn. When you watch things, try to use the subtitles that are in your target language if you can. Read out loud what is being said and see how that matches up with what is actually being said on the screen. You can do the same thing with music too. Look up the lyrics for the song you’re listening and try to sing and read along. Listen to what’s being said and sung, and see how what you’re doing compares.

[adieumynativeshore]

It’s been god knows how long since I’ve updated this blog, but I felt it was fitting given the loss of Anthony Bourdain today.

When I first heard the news this morning, I didn’t want to believe it. He seemed like the kind of man that would continue to live due to the fact that he kept on getting into fights with Death and winning. But in the end, we’re all human.

But that’s still something extraordinary too.

I started watching No Reservations back during middle school and from then on, I was a fan of Anthony Bourdain. I found his rawness and honesty to be different the other kinds of chefs and journalists I had seen. Not that there’s anything wrong with them because I do enjoy them, but Bourdain was like a dunk into ice water: Shocking at first, but refreshing. Whether I knew it or not, his way of traveling and connecting with people had a profound impact on my travels. Two years ago, I took a chance and ran off to France. I knew I would be in good hands, but there was still much that I didn’t know and even more to explore. I was anxious of what might become of me, but Bourdain was the one that reminded me that all travel will not end in comfort and that’s okay. Things don’t always go as planned, but that doesn’t mean it was a waste. It’s okay to go off the beaten path and discover something else. This mentality led to me wandering around alone and doing things I never thought I would do. I was given the chance to create memories, both good and bad, and for that, I am eternally thankful.

But another part of Bourdain that I admired was how open his problems. He wasn’t shy about his addiction and depression, and I think that helped me come to terms with my own mental health as well. It is tragic that his life had to end like this, but like I said earlier, the man seemed like a fighter and he was fighting. Bourdain has spoken about quiting, going to rehab, and therapy, and I think that’s something to be admired. The man fought to live for years and he did. He continued to live and in the end, he was fighting once again.

This all ended up being sadder than I meant it to be, but it’s really supposed to be a thank you letter.

So thank you, Anthony Bourdain, for all that you’ve done. You’ve inspired many for years and you’ve fought for even longer. It’s time for you to rest, but there’s no doubt in my mind that you’re still fighting, so I’ll keep fighting too.

[adieumynativeshore]

A year later

Wow. Uh. Long time no talk! I know I said I would try to update with more linguistics and travel tips posts, but that clearly didn’t happen and I’m sorry. It’s been a long school year and even though we’re back to summer, I probably won’t post anything linguistics or travel tips related since I doubt anyone is actually interested in them anyway.

But that’s not the point of this blog posts. No, the point of this post is to reflect upon this last year, in relation to France.

In my last blog post, I mentioned having eternal longings in me when it came to France. Coming back, and writing that post, it was very possible that my feelings were at a high since I had only recently come back, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. A year and a few more French classes later, I’ve come to accept that my longing for France is not something passing, but truly something eternal. In France, I found a home and I ache to return.

I will always remember Lucie telling me that she believed me to be secretly French. I thought she meant this in passing or maybe in ideology, but she was right, I think. When I was in France, I felt immediately at home. I fit in quickly. I became a part of France as if we were meant to be. I thought this was because I had spent so long figuring out how to fit in with French society and learning how to be a true Parisian and not a tourists while abroad. However, I am home in Texas now and the ache I feel for France was the same as the ache I felt near the end of my month abroad. I don’t long for France in the same way I do any other place I have visited. I long to live and be in France for it is my home. Only a month was spent there, but France felt more like a home to me than most places. I felt safe. I felt warm. I felt content. I felt at ease. I felt happy. I felt like I belonged.

I still don’t know how I will exactly return home, but I will someday. I have to. I need to. There’s no other place that feels so right.

As mentioned before, this blog will remain. This time, I make no promises about when I will post next because I really don’t know. However, I hope that the next time I do post, it will be of France or of a place beyond my shores.

Until then, à la prochaine.

[adieumynativeshore]

I’m not dead yet!

Hey! So...

I’m totally not dead, so sorry about the lack of updates. I do fully intend to keep this running as a language and linguistics blog, but I need to do some planning first to figure out how this is all going to happen. Also, uni has started up again, so there’s that too. I might include some travel tips because I now have plenty to give after living in France, so yeah.

But the point is that I am not dead! I am here! This blog will keep going! Just...maybe not immediately. So be patient because it takes a while for me to figure out what my next step is.

However! If there is something in particular you want to learn or see, don’t hesitate to send me a message with suggestions! I will most likely do them.

So until the next post... Whenever that is...

[adieumynativeshore]

An epilogue where I reflect on what has occurred and what is to come

Well then! That’s it! We’re done! I can now officially say that I have spent a month abroad in France!

It’s taken me longer than expected to update and post everything (A fortnight, to be exact.), but this extended period has given me to time to really absorb everything that has happened and discuss the possible future of this blog.

It’s surreal to know that I’ve actually gotten the opportunity to not only go to France, but also study and live there. A year ago, I wanted to seize this chance, but was afraid due to time and financial issues. But at the insistence of my parents and a little extra push from Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hey. When you have “My Shot” on repeat, you can’t help but make impulsive decisions.), I’m so so glad that I took this chance. I got to see and experience so many different things and I have such a great appreciation for so many things that I’ve taken for granted before. I’ve changed and grown in many ways and although the prospects of the future still brings me worry, I’m glad I can look back on this experience without any regrets.

My biggest change and probably my biggest lesson in this involves my mentality when it came to seizing the day and not throwing away my shots. I came to France believing that this would be my only chance to be here. The chances of me having this much time and this much money in France were slim and I wanted to do and see as much as I can and I did that. There were clearly some days where I was running on only a few hours of sleep because I went through this month thinking that I could just sleep the summer away instead. But as I neared the end of the month, particularly when I was with Lucie, what she said to me when we parted really struck me. I might not have a definitive time and date for when I will return to France, but I was going to go back. I want to go back. I need to go back. After my month there, I have formed a relationship with this place and it would be wrong for me to assume that there would never be a chance for me to go back just because I feel like the chances were so slim. Lucie was right. It’s not definitive, but I have eternal longings in me that will ensure that I will find a way back to France. There is a hope and need to be reunited that will certainly guide my path instead. I came here expecting to say, “Au revoir” or “Adieu” to France, but instead, I think it will be more fitting for me to say, “À la prochaine.”

Besides, I have to find a way to move to Amiens.

As for the fate of this blog, it will remain up. I still thoroughly enjoy being able to share my love of languages and linguistics with people, even if it’s just one person within this vast universe. If I happen to have any more trips and adventures (By the way, is anyone interested in Florida? Because I’ll be headed there in just a few days.), I will most likely be posting about it on here. I made this blog unsure of what is to come and to be honest, I’m still unsure, but whatever happens will happen.

[adieumynativeshore]

June 30, 2016: Homeward Bound

It was an early morning for Emily and I because our month in France was coming to an end. Knowing that security would be a pain to go through, we left early to hopefully avoid that. We were wrong. The line to get our bags checked was a huge pain, but surprisingly, security was extremely simple. It probably took me 10 minutes max to get through and there were a lot of people there. Emily and I both looked at that line and immediately thought of how that could’ve easily been an hour long wait at an American airport.

We were soon on the plane and headed back home. I was actually able to get some form of sleep this time, which was much needed. Got to actually watch some good movies this time as well. Soon enough, we were back in America and going through customs, which was incredibly long. But we made it through and honestly, getting to hug my dog again was great, even though she doesn’t like me.

[adieumynativeshore]

June 29, 2016: The Last Supper

My last full day in France was uneventful. Largely because we had final exams and that took more out of me than I thought it would. My day was spent preparing for our farewell dinner.

The farewell dinner was incredible and extremely bittersweet. All of us agreed that we would love to stay for longer, but god! Going home for a bit would be great. I’m sure after three days at home, I’d be ready to come back.

[adieumynativeshore]

Versailles [4/4]

[adieumynativeshore]

Versailles [3/4]

[adieumynativeshore]

Versailles [2/4]

[adieumynativeshore]

Versailles [1/4]

[adieumynativeshore]

June 28, 2016: You were my Versailles at night

As Lucie said, I couldn’t leave France without seeing Versailles, so that’s what happened today. We were originally supposed to go as a class last Thursday, but due to strikes, we were unable to go. Luckily, today was open because it would have been really disappointing not being able to see Versailles.

Words cannot fully describe how grand and opulent Versailles is. Words cannot fully describe how many tourists there are also. It was incredible to see and explore every thing, but dear lord. The tourists. The tourists! I could only handle so much, so I went through as quickly as I could and headed home for a much needed nap.

[adieumynativeshore]

Monet’s waterlilies at the Musée de l’Orangerie

[adieumynativeshore]

June 27, 2016: More Monet

My class went to visit the Musée de l’Orangerie today to see the Apollinaire exhibit. It was interesting to see his relation to other well-known artists, such as Picasso. Seeing his poetry was interesting as well.

The Musée de l’Orangerie is also well known for having Monet’s waterlilies and of course, we all know I feel about Monet. The paintings were so much grander than I expected them to be. It’s still mindblowing to know that I have seen these waterlilies in real life. It really is amazing to see how life creates art.

[adieumynativeshore]

Tournai

[adieumynativeshore]

June 26, 2016: Parting and Partnering

I awoke to a silent morning, but the air was laced with the faint reminder of what is to come. I thought I was the only one who heard it, but one look at the smile that Lucie gave me that morning informed me that I was not alone.

Lucie and I set out for Belgium again. This time, we went to Tournai. As always, Lucie told me everything she knew. It was an early Sunday morning, so not much was open. The fact that it was raining meant there weren’t many people out either. Unfortunately, because of the rain, we were unable to stay for long. Even though I wasn’t able to see much of Tournai, I could see it was still lovely. We soon headed back home for lunch. The drive was silent, but Lucie did her best to fill the void.

Both of us had plenty of work to do for classes, so we decided it would be best to just spend the rest of our time working at home. Lucie’s mother was worried that I would be bored, but after living with each other, once again, Lucie knows me well and knew I was more than content with just being here. A familiar silence surrounded us as we sat on the couch working. I remember glancing up at her across from me and was reminded of how much I missed this. I smiled at her focused expression, but a voice quickly reminded me that it would soon be gone. Lunch was a simple and calm affair and it felt like I was back home again. But my time to leave was coming up and that feeling was ever present. Lucie’s mother and sister would be taking me to the train station because they needed to pick up her sister’s mattress from her apartment in Lille. Because of this, Lucie wouldn’t be coming along and our farewells would have to be at home. The two of us fretted about the house, pretending to make sure I wasn’t forgetting anything, but we both knew it was a lie and an attempt to prolong the inevitable. Finally, with tears threatening to fall, we both faced each other silently. Neither of us wanted to say it. When we had parted in May, neither of us were sad because we knew we would meet again in June. But it was different this time. Eventually, Lucie broke the silence with a small smile.

“This isn’t goodbye. We’re going to see each other again.”

I was thoroughly confused as I waited for her to continue.

“You know I want to work in television, specifically in America. You want to teach in France. It’s not definitive, but we both plan on returning to each other’s country. But that maybe is enough for me to not say goodbye. Instead, this is a see you later.”

The heaviness in my heart was lightened by her optimism and hope. I smiled back and we embraced each other. Both of us whispering a “See you later” to the other before one last wave.

The drive to the station was silent, but getting there was harder than expected. Due to the soccer match, many people were watching the game at the fan zone and roads were blocked because of it. I would’ve been perfectly fine for me to walk to the station since Lucie had showed me yesterday, but her sister insisted that she walk me there. I said my last goodbye in Lille as I hugged and thanked her. It was at this time that I realized this was the first and only time I had been greeted with the signature French cheek kisses. The train ride back to Paris was I silent, but hopefully. I tried my best to sleep without disturbing the man next to me. Once we were in Paris, my only wish was to go home and sleep. However, there was more I had to do this evening, so I had to rush home to drop off my things for they would certainly be cumbersome at my next location.

My friend, Hannah, was a swing dancer and had found out about a swing dance ball here in Paris. Not wanting to go alone, she asked some of us to go and I gladly accepted. I had been meaning to try swing dancing or Latin dancing at school, but had never found the time to. This seemed like the perfect introduction for me since the likelihood of me seeing any of these people (Not including Hannah and Katie, since we went together) were close to zero. Although I was excited to learn, I was still incredibly nervous when. My only previous dance experience came from when my Scottish professor taught us a Scottish dance in class and that was simply skipping in circles. (But honestly, that experience was probably one of the most fun I’ve ever had and would gladly do again, if the opportunity presented itself.) I doubt it would be of any use here. By the end of the night though, Hannah is an incredible and patient teacher and I had the time of my life. When the school year starts up again, I will certainly make the time to swing dance.