If any of you have doubts about my sanity, this should remove those doubts very quickly.
I have started yet another blog. But it is going to be very different.
It will be entirely in French!
As I have mentioned to some (perhaps all) of you in the past, Canada has two official languages: English and French. Particularly at the national level, one can ask for, and expect to receive, assistance in the language of your choice: English or French. If, as a government employee, you hope to reach the highest levels in government service, you need to be fluent in both official languages. That is even becoming true in middle management — at least the process is beginning.
So, to improve my French, as a retirement project, I'm going to work intentionally on my French.
I realize this new blog will hold very little interest for many of you who follow the Bear's adventures, and misadventures (especially misadventures). But for some, whose first language is French, or who have learned French over the years, it may hold mild interest (and an opportunity to help an old Bear learn his nation's other official language). And, yes; I would really appreciate any help you could give me!
There are translation buttons available, so you could have the computer translate the French to English, for your reading "enjoyment" (which is to say your chance to laugh at the Bear). Unfortunately (or fortunately) none of those translation services works on a Mac (so far as I know).
Bye of now. Or, in French, A la prochaine!
14 comments:
Bienvenu dans le monde bilingue, welcome to a bilingual world.
When I read what you were going to do I burst out in a loud laugh. I'm still laughing!
I can hardly handle two blogs in English. You are gifted.
I wish you well!
® potsoc: Thanks, Paul. You're part of the inspiration behind this. I may need your help de temps en temps.
® Suzie: As a Bear with a fairly droll wit, I'm not accustomed to making people laugh out loud. I appreciate the compliment and support; I hope you didn't hurt yourself in the process.
That is wonderful, Bear! I am a student of French and hate to make mistakes so I rarely write my messages or responses en francais (I can't find the accent marks on my laptop -- I use the alt keys at home).
I can't wait for you to get started and think that this will certainly delay your hibernation. I will try to keep up!
Genie
I'll definitely check it out! I studied French for years, but have lost so much of it, as I really have very little use for it here. My grammar is terrible, but I'll try to keep up with the conversation! :)
I totally going to be absolutely no help at all. :(
® Genie: It was 50 years ago that I studied French (in high school). And I barely passed at that. Still, about 20 years ago when we had one night in Paris, I was able to find our way around the city a bit with very broken French.
Now, I'm old, and (therefore) a bit crazy, and can perhaps get away with a bit of craziness. Like a blog in French.
® Nikki: Wow! It feels like forever since I visited you. Welcome! Glad you're here. I'll get back to you.
As I said to Genie, I'm no French scholar. But I have a few blog friends whose first language is French, or who are otherwise bilingual, and I'll count on their help.
So join the party.
Besides, only people who know me can access this blog, so it's pretty safe.
® Diva: I'm not asking you to help. If you have any interest in blogging en français, hang in here.
Besides, if you can do Drinks with the Diva I can do Le Jour en Fançais.
So . . . ?
Well, I had three years of high school French. I don't remember much. Perhaps you could give a refresher course! Love Di ♥
® Diana: I only had a few years of French in high school as well. And my grades were not particularly good. Somehow, some of the basics are still in my head. My bilingual friends are very kind in helping me.
As for a refresher course, all I can suggest is that you get a good French-English dictionary and follow along on Le Jour en Français.
This is strictly a "learn as you go" experience.
But thanks for raising the idea.
Q'est que c'est le cross cut saw?
® Fog Blodder: Wood, you believe?
Bonjour Bear.!
Je suis Camilla ici.!
I will have to brush up on my French, sad to say it's a tad rusty at the moment.
Aurevoir Bear.!
® Camilla: Thanks for visiting. And if this is the excuse you need to "brush up" on your French, well, good.
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