Customer Reviews

French at a Glance: Phrase Book & Dictionary for Travelers (Barron's Languages at a Glance)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the best book for people who are non-native french speakers. It has everything from how to talk to a doctor to how to convert from American clothing sizes to European. We used this book when we travelled around France for two weeks and in every instance, it was useful. For every word/phrase in the book, it even tells you phonetically, how to say it.

I have purchased many language pocket guides, and this one is by far the greatest. The book follows the actual schedule of the traveler. The beginning section of the books concentrates on arrival at the airport, customs, transportation etc. Then the book concentrates on lodging and meals. There are also helpful shoppers guides, social guides(nightclub converstaion), and emergency guides. From asking directions or buying stamps to going for medical treatment, the book covers all aspects of a travelers anxiety. Lastly, the book focus's on the pronunciation of the words as well. Having studied French for a few years, I have come to the conclusion that french words can be very difficult to pronounce for the average non french speaking reader. This book will help you articulate your french almost as well as a native french speaker. It's an essential tool for all levels of communication.

I have purchased many language pocket guides, and this one is by far the greatest. The book follows the actual schedule of the traveler. The beginning section of the books concentrates on arrival at the airport, customs, transportation etc. Then the book concentrates on lodging and meals. There are also helpful shoppers guides, social guides(nightclub converstaion), and emergency guides. From asking directions or buying stamps to going for medical treatment, the book covers all aspects of a travelers anxiety. Lastly, the book focus's on the pronunciation of the words as well. Having studied French for a few years, I have come to the conclusion that french words can be very difficult to pronounce for the average non french speaking reader. This book will help you articulate your french almost as well as a native french speaker. It's an essential tool for all levels of communication.

I'm planning a trip to France and needed to brush up on my long unused college French ; because I had purchased Italian at a Glance and found it very helpful I tried the French version and I'm pleased! It's very well organized which makes it extremely easy to handle. It's a very effective,condensed,comprehensive review of all the basics needed to handle the language and help you get around.

This is by far the very best booklet for the traveler. The booklet shines because of the pronunciation guidance given for each word or phrase. Additionally, you will find that the author has a talent for providing just the right phrases and sentences and not too much of any one thing.

It would have been nice if the publisher had included a CD with this great guide. In the past there was a language tape.

Just spent two weeks in northern France, carrying this little book everywhere. I speak Spanish as my second language, not French, so was worried that I'd have a difficult time. Aux contraire, mon ami. There wasn't a situation that I couldn't figure my way out of, thanks to this book and alot of sign language. Loved the pronunciations provided--even had people tell me my accent was excellent. Found the highway sign section to be invaluable, as we rented a car while we were there. All in all, an excellent value for the money, and the physical size of the book made it very easy to take to dinner, to the museum, etc without being too obvious. Don't rely on this for maps though--it's not a travel book in that sense.

Need to know just enough to get you by any basic situation in your travels in a Francophone country? Are you frustrated by heavy-duty courses and intimidated when you have to open your mouth and actually speak what you've learned (or half-learned)? You'll enjoy working with "French at a Glance." I especially appreciate the help with pronunciation. This is a very good value for very little money. Get it!

I bought the book in preparation for a brief trip to France. The maps are not good enough to use. The phrase book and dictionary are fine. The "Traveler's Aids" section is vague and no better than a magazine article. It needs useful maps and transportation information.