Dr. Mary Hobson is one of my language heroes. Whenever I feel too old to learn a language, which is often, I read her story again. It’s here: https://markrwayne.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-inspirational-story-of-dr-mary.html
Dr. Hobson decided to take on Russian at age 56, and received a Ph.D in Russian when she was 74. You read that right.
So, yeah. When I feel I am in over my head, I remind myself of Dr. Mary Hobson.
These days I am teaching myself French in Spanish, and I am attempting to resurrect the German that once resided in my brain.
Keep in mind, I am making this up as I go, but here are seven resources I’m currently using to learn French.
Resource #1: For grammar, I rely on Margarita Madrigal’s Magic Key to French.
Unfortunately, it’s out of print and used copies are expensive. Currently, you can get it for $115! Yikes. Fortunately I found PDF versions on online. Scroll to the bottom of this page for a free PDF version: https://dwanethomas.com/french-resources/
(I will likely teach the Magic Key to French again this summer. Stay tuned. I will make any announcements here in the weekly email.)
Resource #2: For reading and listening practice, I am reading Le Français par la Métode Nature, also available on this page: https://dwanethomas.com/french-resources/
Resource #3: I often listen to Genesis in French. (I find Genesis fascinating) Found the Old Testament on Scribd. Here is the version I listen to: https://www.scribd.com/listen/367800735
Resource #4: When I want to watch something in French, I watch the Extra series: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=extra+francais+episode+1+english+subtitles. This series can be slightly inappropriate at times but… it’s still worth it. It’s great for conversational dialogue.
Resource #5: I also watch the old series French in Action. It’s dated. But, it’s highly repetitive. I find it quite helpful.
Resource #6: Just starting to look into this one. Haven’t used it yet. Italki is a site which allows you to connect with language tutors. It gives you an opportunity to practice your target language with native speakers. I am thinking of joining this summer. I need lots of French and Spanish practice.
