tips for reading in a foreign language

Hey, guys!

I’ve always wanted to learn French. When I was in first grade, I remember teaching myself French. Actually, I learned quite a bit. Even in middle school, I was able to hold a simple conversation with my friends who were learning French in school. However, when I began learning Spanish at school, I abandoned by French studies and forgot the language.

This year, I began taking French to fulfill a requirement for my film major. Currently, I’m in Intro to French I, and this summer I’ll take Intro to French II online. I hope to get a minor, or at least a certificate (even though my adviser even mentioned triple majoring), in French. However, my schedule’s already extremely packed, so we’ll see how that works out.

Next summer, I plan on studying abroad at Sorbonne in Paris, where they will tailor my classes to my proficiency in French. If all goes well, I aspire to move to Paris after university! I’ve always known that I don’t want to live in America when I’m older, but it’s always been a tie-up between England or France. (Currently, France is winning because they don’t have Brexit and Theresa May to deal with.)

What I'm current reading in French:

- L'entranger by Albert Camus

- Poesie et journalisme by Jean Cocteau

- Lettres à Missy by Colette

Here’s some tips for reading books in a foreign language:

Read books you’re familiar with!

Years ago I read a translated version of The Stranger, so I decided to pick it up again but with the original text as well. I read Les Enfants Terribles by Cocteau in English, so I at least have a feel for his work. While I haven’t read any of Colette’s writings, I saw her lovely biopic, so I know some information about her and her relationship with Mathilde de Morny.

Get the translated copy too.

I’m currently reading two copies of The Stranger, one in French and one in English. While the language is tricky, I’m able to guess what the general meaning of the passage is since I read the book a few years ago. However, I can’t figure exactly what Camus is trying to say. The solution? If you’re unsure what it says, check the translated copy. I literally alternate between the two copies every paragraph—and sometimes every sentence! This trick may be obvious and totally not glamorous, but it works like a charm. Just make sure you don’t use the English version as a crutch.

Avoid translation apps.

This may seem counter-intuitive, and the opposite of what I said above, but I assure you it’s best to put your phone away. Instead, use context clues and cognates to help you figure out what you’re reading. Otherwise, you’ll end up reading the entire book via Google Translate. Also, many translation apps are riddled with simple grammar errors. If you instead opt for an additional English copy of the book, you’ll avoid that conundrum.

Check out books from the library or hit up your local used book stores.

First off, buying all of these books brand new will get really expensive really fast. Instead, raid the closest library. However, my preferred option is going to used book stores. (You can find the closest ones to you here or you can hit up Books + Brie’s online shop.) When buying secondhand books, you’re likely to find notes and markings scrawled all over the pages, both enhancing your experience and introducing you to new vocabulary and meanings.

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—Milly xx