B1 here I come

Well, it’s official, I’m moving with the class into level B1. Most of the class, as some are journeying to other countries for new experiences. Ah, youth! One young woman from Sweden is off to Ibiza to start her career and continue working for a French firm. Another is traveling the world. One woman from Iran is here with her children; she and her husband are architects. I’m surrounded by brilliance! Engineers, doctors, surgeons, architects. So far I’m the only one that plays with crayons.

As I understand things, Level B1 takes two months’ time, and B2 takes 3 months. Somehow, I skipped A1-A2, but I’m not sure how. I keep waiting for someone to interrupt class and send me to the principal’s office. So far, they’re letting me stay.

I’ve heard that one of the exams for B2 (a level which makes you eligible for a lot of extras in France – residency, school, work…) involves a 45-minute oral exam, whereby you prove your mettle by conversing at length with a professeur. #goals

We moved into pronunciation this week. Le prof no longer allows mispronunciations, so guess who was suddenly popular? I was asked by the professeur to read something 3 times in a row because she said she just « loves to hear me speak French. » I never in a million years expected this. My only point of reference has been studying French in the U.S., with a couple of trips to Canada thrown in, so I’m thrilled that I am understood by the natives. I can credit various methods starting with my language education in the Philadelphia School District, thank you very much. I recommend Pimsleur to a lot of people for pronunciation, but their marierai is quite dated. Otherwise, various textbooks, and phone apps to stay current and practiced. There’s nothing that compares to actually being here, though. The correct pronunciation requires courage and a bit of theatrics because it’s that kind of a language. If you feel a little foolish, you’re probably doing it right.

Un peu à peu.

During break (pendant la pause) my classmates cheered me on and told me they admired my pronunciation/reading, which was nice. In turn, you all know by now how I admire their fluency. Every one of them (and some friends at home) advised me to just turn on the TV as the best way to condition my ear. One young woman said cartoons in particular were helpful. I admit I looked for « Sesame Street » on the TV upon arrival, but never found it. I did find some crazy game shows, talent shows, news, Olympics, and dubbed versions of American shows. Last night I watched « Back to the Future » in French, which was a unique experience.

It’s Friday, which is a big deal here. The whole vibe changes. Cafés are full and happiness is in the air. No homework is ever assigned (at this level anyway), though I personally plan to study — and watch some TV for learning purposes. I have no other plans at the moment, other than coffee with a friend on Sunday. Maybe I’ll trek over to Musée D’Orsay (everyone’s fave). Otherwise, je suis libre!

Monday, I am doing a little photo shoot with one of the students who is earning her Master’s in Fashion here in Paris. She asked if I would photograph her and her work. I’m honored to do so, though I only have my iPhone. Unbelievably, it’s more sophisticated than my Nikon dSLR, which is now a dinosaur. And speaking of which, there is a Nikon school next to L’Alliance Française. Hmmmmm…

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8 thoughts on “B1 here I come”

  2. Lisa,

    That is wonderful news that you are advancing so quickly to B level. Very impressive.

    The photo shoot for your fellow student is a great way for you to enjoy your hobby, too.

    Congratulations, Aunt Mary

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    1. Merci!

      This class/program moves at a good clip, that’s for sure! We delved into B1 this week, but I officially registered for the next session which is « B1/B2» today. After that, I suppose it’s B2 for a long time. Lol! I don’t think C1/C2 levels are quantifiable as that’s a whole other realm, but I’ll know more as we move along. I’m just thrilled to be keeping up and moving on.

      And yes, the photo shoot should be fun. I took some photos of this lovely young woman on our boat cruise on the Seine. She’s a great model, very natural in front of the camera and the camera loves her for it.

      Merci encore à ma tante préférée! XO

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  4. Ah Lisa, What an experience you are having. I so enjoy reading of your adventures. I loved your visit to Sainte -Chapelle. I have been visiting Paris since 1962 and absolutely* every time *I’m there I make a pilgrimage to S.C. My trip to Paris isn’t complete without it.

    Friends here in town are considering renting an apartment in Paris for an extended time. They (pre pandemic) would, twice a year, reserve their favorite room in their favorite hotel in the 6th. It was their home away from home, They had considered buying a place (they are in their late 70s and have an apartment in NYC as well as a weekend place here in L’ville) but have recently revised their plan. Now the scheme is to rent an apartment for a few months at a time every year. I told them about your bravery and curiosity and they are charmed.

    Don’t know whether you knew this or not but I am, and have been, a member of a (very) small French group for the past three years or so. We would meet up weekly at the Boathouse and our professor was a retired French/Russian instructor from Princeton High School.( One of his students was Bebe Neuwirth.) Since the pandemic he has retired from this role- I think he must be 86 by now. We have been meeting now very occasionally and the position of instructor has been taken over by my neighbor, Sue Jenkins. She is Welsh and speaks fluent French. She struggles to do the best she can with our motley little group. I am wondering if you would consider sharing your experiences with the group which would simply involve extending an invitation to Sue.

    She seemed very keen on the idea .If it seems OK, I will forward her email address to you. If you would prefer not to do this I completely understand.

    Congratulations on being graduated to the B1 level !! Enjoy your weekend (week-end) in the beautiful weather.

    BTW, there is going to be a meetup with the regulars at Bell’s on Thursday the 17th. We will raise our glasses to Eileen and to you.

    Bien a toi, Ellen

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    1. Bonjour Ellen! Mais bien sûr je sais ta groupe française! I was there for a time before COVID. I remember fine wines, treats and amazing conversations with all your neighbors, as well as that charming professeur from Princeton. I still receive the Bavardez emails from time-to-time, and would love to see the group again upon my return. I hope to speak French a bit better by then. If you meant sharing NOW via email, bien sûr! Peut-être Sue peux lire mon « blog. » Currently, my experiences are mostly about SCHOOL, but I would love to share about L’Alliance Française, too.

      Oh, and I will think of all of you at Bell’s Tavern on the 17th and raise a glass à vous aussi. And omg, to our Eileen. It’s so hard to believe she’s gone. I happen to have some bubbly of some sort dans le frigo maintenant, and she would love to know we’re doing this in her honor. Bises, Lisa

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