Train Your French Ear: Learn to speak French by discussing your favourite topics

It's no secret that the French you might lean in school, or read in classical literature is practically alien to the way French people actually sound when they speak to each other. This is what we'll be practicing, normal , everyday colloquial French, so that you can make yourself understood, and maybe even pass for a native. All those annoying liaisons and conjugations will begin to fall into place, just because they sound right to you.

This is an immersive procedure, so throw away those exercise books. Listening is how you learned to speak your native tongue, it's the natural method of language acquisition. And that process works at any age for any language you want to master.

We can talk about whatever topic strikes your fancy: food, books, art, economics, science, maths, movies, music, life, family, relationships, food (did I already mention food?), etc.

I'll correct you when necessary and give you pointers on nuances, pronunciation and style. If you're a complete novice you can begin by listening to me recount a familiar story or subject, and I'll help you step in as you gain confidence. If you're a more advanced student we can work on a general upgrade, or target specific areas you'd like to improve.

We'll also look at the different shades of speech from the more formal to the commonly used vernacular argot, and I'll suggest when each might be appropriate in social situations.

I'll give you optional assignments to watch French films, programs, as well as recommend a few graphic novels and comics to get a better understanding of cultural references, humour, mannerisms and expressions.

If you'd prefer not to use a video platform because you're hair's a mess that day or whatever, we can do voice only. After all, this is a conversation, not a whiteboard lesson.

À la prochaine!