Thursday, June 11, 2009

French phrases for the financially and physically irresponsible

I've been practicing my French since I basically won the lottery and was granted a 2-year fellowship to work in Paris on galaxy simulations. I got the official notice Monday, and I am stoked! I'm also nervous about all the logistics of a big move, but it will all work out.

Anyhoo, I've been working on my French, particularly focusing on listening comprehension. I'm listening to a few podcasts, one by French Today, which I highly recommend. I'm also reading and listening to French books in order to see and hear the words simultaneously. And, I've been watching the Simpson's in French. I find the Simpson's the most difficult to understand with so much slang being thrown around. I have no idea what they are saying and only catch a word here and there.

I also got a CD from the library, just to check it out. It is a "learn in your car" type CD where they repeat things too quickly and don't give you time to repeat what they are saying. This is such a weird CD. If you are making a 3 disc CD and are limited in space, I would think you would choose some of the most crucial phrases for a foreigner to learn. Here are some of the phrases they have included:

1. I want to keep this.

Possibility of my saying this? Maybe a 3 in 10 chance, if a waiter is trying to take away something I'm still noshing on. But, I'm not going to step into someone's house and need this phrase.

2. You need to pay them back.

hmmm. Perhaps I will make friends with someone who borrows money and refuses to pay it back and asks for my advice, but I doubt it. Possibility of Usage: 2:10

3. They are going to fall.

okay. Maybe I see some kids hanging over a bridge on the Seine, and they look careless. But, really? When am I going to use this? Possibility of Usage: 1:10

3. He is going to die.

my favorite phrase hands down. If I had a nickel for all the times I frantically tried to remember this phrase in French, I'd be a rich woman.

I mean. really. come on.

Possibility of Usage: 0:10 (knock on wood)


I'm actually considering copying these CDs b/c the phrases are so bizarre that I want to keep them for the novelty. It reminds me of our Finnish friend whose favorite phrase in French was along the lines of "gentlemen, prepare your bayonets". lol.



JUST FOR FUN:
What movie are you reminded of when you see these images?
French Toast
French Fries

French Dressing

9 comments:

Rebecca said...

Can't remember the name of the movie!!! but it was hilarious (the french exchange student at the dinner table)
Congratulations on the fellowship! wtg!
You'll haev to come down and visit - it's beautiful here! When are you moving?

Blind Dog Megan said...

You posted a blog! I'm still in some shock.

Hmm, I don't know the movie. But Freedom dressing is gross!

I love the phrases, these are just too weird.

YogaNerd said...

Hey Rebecca! I am moving in September. I would LOVE to come for a visit and meet you in person. That would be so cool. And if you guys make your way to Paris then you'd have a (very small) place to stay. :D

Mambinki, it has been a while since I blogged. lol. I just didn't feel like writing about anything until now. I was going to pretend it has only been five days instead of five months.

The movie is Better of Dead! soo funny.
"I want my two dollars!!"

-sanna- said...

Congratulations! And welcome back to Europe.

YogaNerd said...

Thanks Sanna. If you ever find yourself in Paris, please let me know. I'd love to see you again.

Anonymous said...

funny. good blog. you have such a great since of humor.

YogaNerd said...

Thanks Mom. :D

YogaNerd said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

oops. that would be sense of humor. silly me. lol.