I received this note:
Hi Dwane,
Hope all is well man!
I have to say I really miss the Latin classes with you Dwane. Since I finished VL2 in December I am trying to learn French.
I found a website called French 4 me/French with Vincent that has 4 grammar courses. While the tutor and lessons are good, I really don’t like learning the language that much.
I’m not sure why but I just don’t have the same interest in it as Latin.
I’m not sure what to do now. I was thinking of learning Russian as I have a greater interest in that but I’m a bit lost.
Any tips?
Here is my reply:
Ah. I wonder if you are missing the human element….
I discovered ‘learn French with Vincent” years ago, and hope to go through much of it soon. (I am just starting to learn French). But, sadly, the videos can be a bit impersonal, I am afraid. Nothing wrong with them. Just a different format.
I think if you want to go for Russian, go for it. Motivation is a huge factor. I was excited about Italian a few years ago but now have grown rather bored with it. As a result, it is terribly difficult for me at the moment. Not sure what happened to me. February, I think. Trying to turn things around.
Of course, a change of tactics may help as well.
Have you looked at Coffee Break French? It’s a podcast series. I have only used the free podcasts, but they are really, really good. Plus, they have a Facebook community you can join. Here is the site: https://radiolingua.com/coffeebreakfrench/
Also, I find reading to be extremely beneficial and enjoying. There is a graded French reader in the style of Lingua Latina. I have read most of the Italian version. I am looking forward to reading the French version. You may find it helpful: https://dwanethomas.com/french-resources/
I hope these two links help. Unfortunately, I have absolutely no advice for Russian as I have never even considered learning the language.
Hope you are having a great day!
Dwane Thomas
