christinamguerrero.com ~ the official site ~
THIS YOUR BRAIN
ON FRENCH
Copyright 2021 Christina M. Guerrero
DEDICATION
N/A
STORY BEHIND THE STORY
Learning new languages.
ABOUT THE DRAFTS
Second draft: Nothing yet.
This is your brain on French.
You see that the French author has finally released another book. You are happy that there is a sequel.
Then you discover that there are only French versions of the book.
You’re too impatient to look around any further for an English version, plus it’s your birthday, plus the French version would be a nice treat so you check the birthday budget, check the price of the book, then download the book to your electronic devices.
Then, when you have time, you begin reading.
At first, the words seem to run together, beginning and ending in odd places, both in speaking and reading. You think that most words look and sound like this: “lemerrecerrelecerremerrelelelelelele.” Reading in French after a long time away from it is like learning to read in kindergarten: sounding it out slowly and carefully.
Soon, individual words begin to make sense. The ‘les’ and the ‘erres’ stop all looking alike. Each word becomes distinct. If pressed to explain what you are reading, you would have to think hard at first because the words are in French, by a Frenchman, and translating would detract from the charm of the narrative. But you would say this, “He is moving on from the event in the first book.”
Then you start laughing. You get the general idea of some of the words. Some parts are amusing, despite the story being about loss. You start having visions of the scenes, and of the places the author has been.
You have already observed the author in many videos as he comments about his life and his works. So you hear his voice when you read. You sometimes whisper the words, in his accent, and it helps you pronounce the French better.
You start reading faster, which seems odd. Do you really know all those words? And did he just share what you thought he shared? You consult your French dictionary, and yes, indeed, he did. Someone did compare his smiling face with a goat. How mean, you think. Then you continue to read.
Your pace picks up. You rarely check the dictionary. You have decided to read the French words and enjoy the experience. It is not easy, but it is enjoyable. Imagination plus experience plus synesthesia make the words come to life, and you feel like you are there.
One part, yet again without the dictionary, is rather disturbing. But many parts of his story are disturbing. He lost his wife, and his son has lost a mother. These sentiments are on almost every page.
You start speed-reading, when time does not allow for slower, dictionary-related sessions.
And then you finish for the first time.
Soon, time allows for a closer look at the book.
And you see that your French -- at least in reading -- has improved greatly, and that most of what you thought you read, was true.
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