Return to French Reading #
- The speaker marks Day 14 of their language diary by finally returning to reading French novels after a long hiatus.
- The primary motivation for this session came from a podcast featuring author Marc Levy, which the speaker listened to on Day 5 of the challenge.
- The goal for the session was to determine if the ability to enjoy and understand a native-level French novel would still be intact after several years.
Revisiting "Mes Amis, Mes Amours" #
- The speaker selected Mes Amis, Mes Amours by Marc Levy, a book they last touched approximately 9 or 10 years ago.
- The physical book still contained a bookmark on page 136, exactly where the speaker had left off years prior.
- The speaker reflects on the difficulty of reaching a level where reading novels is possible, noting the high vocabulary barrier.
The Reading Experience and Emotional Connection #
- Upon reading the first page, the speaker found that almost every word returned to them immediately, with only one unknown word that did not hinder comprehension.
- The speaker describes the "magical" quality of the French language and how reading it evokes specific emotions and memories.
- A preference for reading out loud is mentioned; the speaker enjoys "acting out" the characters, including their dialogue and specific mannerisms.
- The speaker notes that humor in a foreign language feels amplified because they can visualize exactly how the author intended the lines to be spoken based on their past experiences with French culture and film.
Outcomes and Observations #
- The speaker successfully finished a whole chapter and confirmed that their reading proficiency remains smooth and functional.
- A specific story mentioned by Marc Levy in a recent podcast appeared in the text; having the real-life context from the author made the reading experience more "delightful."
- The environment for the study session—complete with jazz music and herbal tea—was intentionally curated to mirror the "cozy" atmosphere the speaker used years ago.
Summary #
On the 14th day of their language journey, the speaker successfully reunited with French literature by revisiting a Marc Levy novel they hadn't touched in nearly a decade. Despite initial fears of vocabulary loss, the speaker found that the language and emotional nuances "flooded back" almost instantly. By reading aloud and immersing themselves in the characters, the speaker reaffirmed that reading in a foreign tongue is a deeply rewarding achievement for adult learners. The experience concluded with the speaker feeling a renewed sense of gratitude and a commitment to spend more time reading in French.of
last updated: