Learn to Speak: Conversational French - French For Beginners

--- **Overview of the Course** The course in question has garnered a global rating of **4.40**, with all recent reviews being positive, despite some specific critiques. It is particularly suited for English speakers looking to learn conversational French, with a focus on pronunciation and vocabulary. The instructor's clear and engaging delivery is highlighted as a strong point, and the course is praised for its basic foundational approach to learning French. **Pros:** - **Pronunciation Focus:** The videos are concise, which encourages learners to focus on learning and revising pronunciation in manageable chunks. - **Real-World Application:** The course covers practical phrases that are useful for English speakers in French-speaking countries. - **Didactic Excellence:** The instructor's teaching methods are commended for their clarity and effectiveness, making the course easy to follow. - **Production Quality:** The production quality of the course is consistently high, which contributes to an engaging learning experience. - **Resourceful Materials:** Additional notes and resources are provided to support learners. - **Engagement and Humor:** The instructor's approach includes a touch of humor, making the learning process more enjoyable. - **Comprehensive Coverage:** The course offers a systematic introduction to speaking French, with each lesson being well-thought-out. - **Ease of Learning:** The course is simple and easy-going, suitable for first-time learners. - **Downloadable Materials:** Scott provides cheatsheets that serve as helpful study aids. **Cons:** - **Limited Scope:** While the course covers basic conversational French, it does not delve into advanced grammatical structures or verb conjugations. - **Regional Variations:** The course may not address regional variations in French dialects, particularly for use in southern France. - **Lack of Native Fluency:** The instructor, while not a native French speaker, has a deep understanding of the language's nuances as perceived by English speakers. - **Potential for Overconfidence:** Some reviewers suggest that after completing the course, learners might feel more confident than they should be when speaking French in a native environment. - **Diverse Accents:** While the instructor's accent is authentic, there may be variations in the French 'J' and 'R' sounds that some learners might need to adjust to for different regional accents. **Testimonials:** - **"Highly recommended":_ "After taking Scott's course, you will be able to spend time in a French-speaking country and enjoy conversing with natives with great aplomb." - **"Great Value":_ "Scott builds systematically and in an easy-going way a wonderful introduction of learning to speak French!" - **"Easy to Start":_ "Scott makes it easy to start learning a difficult language. I was afraid to even try when I read books on learning French, but Scott's approach and presentation methods have helped immensely." - **"Perfect Refresher":_ "Took French in high school 45 years ago and I am going to Paris in a month. This course is a good reminder of the necessities needed for basic conversation. Thanks!" **Conclusion:** This course is an excellent starting point for English speakers interested in learning conversational French, with a strong emphasis on pronunciation and practical vocabulary. While it may not be comprehensive for all aspects of the language, it serves as a solid foundation and an effective refresher for those who have studied French before. The course's positive reception suggests that it is engaging, resourceful, and well-suited to its intended audience.