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49 reviews for:
The Bonjour Effect: The Secret Codes of French Conversation Revealed
Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
3.92 AVERAGE
49 reviews for:
The Bonjour Effect: The Secret Codes of French Conversation Revealed
Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
3.92 AVERAGE
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Interesting ideas and good examples from the couple's research year in France. Since the publication date was 8 years ago, it was interesting to reflect on what has changed since then. I expected more advice and direction rather than musings and observations, but several topics made me really stop to think. Solid, but a slow read for me.
I've been working my through Duolingo's French program for more than two years so when I heard of this book, I thought I would give it a try to give me a bit of background and context in the event that I ever get to actually use the French I'm learning. I listened, which I think was good, so I could hear pronunciation and try to listen for words I know, which I occasionally did. I think it was probably a good choice.
The truth is, for me, this book was too wordy and too long. I got a lot out of the beginning but some of the deeper looks into the French school system and politics just went on too long to really keep my attention very well. I think that if I actually had ENOUGH French language skills that I could hold a real conversation, this would have been more meaningful to me. As it was, these topics of conversation are so far above my level of French that I'd just have to stand in silence.
I did learn a lot, though, about the French mindset and way of thinking, about what is taboo and WHY people behave the way they do. I think I would do a better job now of interacting with an actual French person, even if we don't have a deep conversation about race relations in the Francophone world or the French employment contract system. And that's good enough for me.
The truth is, for me, this book was too wordy and too long. I got a lot out of the beginning but some of the deeper looks into the French school system and politics just went on too long to really keep my attention very well. I think that if I actually had ENOUGH French language skills that I could hold a real conversation, this would have been more meaningful to me. As it was, these topics of conversation are so far above my level of French that I'd just have to stand in silence.
I did learn a lot, though, about the French mindset and way of thinking, about what is taboo and WHY people behave the way they do. I think I would do a better job now of interacting with an actual French person, even if we don't have a deep conversation about race relations in the Francophone world or the French employment contract system. And that's good enough for me.
A bit heavy on anecdotes, but also some good insights into what's important when conversing with the French. It started to drag near the last third, but entertaining and helpful.
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
Very interesting and I learned a lot. Particularly enjoyed discussing it with French people who usually disagreed (as per book). A criticism is it was written in 2016 and things have changed since and they extrapolate experiences in wealthy, bourgeois Paris and Quebec to whole of France I’m not sure that’s valid.
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
This is a fun and insightful book on the culture of France and how it is reflected in language. It is more accessible than their prior books, The Story of French and Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong, which makes it a great read chapter by chapter. I found it reflected well on my own experiences in French conversation and culture, though it does cover a lot of ground in a relatively small amount of time.
I would highly suggest it for people who have an interest in visiting France for the people. For people interested in language learning or who want a reference book, this is not the one to pick up.
I would highly suggest it for people who have an interest in visiting France for the people. For people interested in language learning or who want a reference book, this is not the one to pick up.
Very interesting, but outdated at the point of me reading it. I would rather read something more relevant to current times.
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
Really interesting and informative!
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced