Parallèles: Communication et culture (3rd Edition) [Hardcover]

Nicole Fouletier-Smith (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0131832360 | ISBN-13: 978-0131832367 | Publication Date: November 16, 2003 | Edition: 3

Parallèles is an introductory French program that offers an exciting and innovative approach to language and culture. As the title indicates, Parallèles users are encouraged to explore the target culture and its language by drawing parallels between their own world and the francophone world. KEY TOPICS The Parallèles approach provides learners with tools to compare and contrast their own language and culture with another language and culture. The program systematically develops linguistic skills along with conceptual and cultural understanding, and fully integrates ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity within France and the francophone world. For individuals interested in improving their use and knowledge of the French language and culture.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Parallèles offers a balanced approach to language and culture. It guides students to explore a series of interconnections, similarities and differences central to becoming proficient in language and culture. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From the Back Cover

Paralleles is a complete introductory French program that offers an exciting and innovative approach to language and culture. It develops students' language and communication skills white systematically encouraging them to explore the parallels and diversities between their own culture and that of the French and francophone world.

The Paralleles program offers a well-integrated supplements package, including the latest in educational technology. The interactive Student Video CD-ROM contains the entire Paralleles video, along with pre- and post-viewing activities. The unique Companion Website, now linked to an online gradebook for instructors, provides access to the Paralleles audio program, web exploration activities, and self-soaring activities for practicing grammar and vocabulary.

FOR THE INSTRUCTOR

• Annotated Instructor's Edition (0-13-183238-7)
• Instructor's Resource Manual (0-13-183239-5)
• Testing Program on CD (0-13-183418-5)
• Testing Program (0-130183415-0)
• Image Resource CD (0-13-183420-7)
• Video on Cassette (0-13-183426-6)
• Answer Key for the Cahier d'Activites (0-13-183422-3)

FOR THE STUDENT

• In-Text Audio on CD (0-13-183416-9)
• Cahier d'Activites (0-13-183378-2)
• Complete Audio Program on CD (0-13-183421-5)
• Student Video CD-ROM (0-13-183423-1)
• Companion Website (www.prenhall.com/paralleles)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 557 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 3 edition (November 16, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131832360
• ISBN-13: 978-0131832367
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 8.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #104,675 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Ummm... Yeah. Not a fan., September 17, 2008

By 

Chris A. Christopherson "christcr" (Provo, UT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Parallèles: Communication et culture (3rd Edition) (Hardcover)

I'll start by saying that I'm not all that fond of the "star rating system" here--mainly, because a good or bad rating only applies to the reviewer's expectations. What's horrible in a reviewer's opinion may be wonderful for others (or the other way around). I'm giving this book 3 stars overall, but 2 stars for strictly language instruction. Before making your own conclusions though, please read my reasoning below. You may like exactly what I don't like about this book.

The title says it all: Paralleles, Communications and CULTURE (heavy on the culture)

This book is as much a French culture/sociology book as it is a language instruction text. To be fair, there is nothing wrong with being introduced to French culture and customs; in fact, it's very interesting reading. BUT, it doesn't do much for language learning. I'm reviewing this book as a language learning text, which I assume is its main purpose.

Yes, the basic language information is in the book (grammar, structure, etc). But, it tends to be "Grammar Light" (1/3 less filling and half the calories :), and it's enshrouded with way too much fluff for my tastes. It takes 20 pages to make a point or introduce a topic that could have been done in one page.

So... it's a bit "windy." Actually, it's very windy. There ARE exercises (many of them open-ended), but that's clearly not a priority. Also, there are no answers to the exercises, which makes the book pretty much worthless for self study. The workbook has no answers either.

Bottom line: it's flowery, it's full of graphics, it's bloated--yet very watered down with respect to in-depth language explanation. It's obviously geared toward classroom use. But even in a classroom setting, I wasn't all that fond of it. Can you tell I'm not a fan of this book? Your mileage may vary...

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars More for people that are familiar with the Language..., February 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Paralleles: Communication Et Culture (Hardcover)

I am currently using this book in my College French101 Class. The only problem that I have with this book is that the instructions (for the activities)are in french, so to know what you are supposed to do you must look up every word you don't know, which (if you are a beginner) is most of them!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It is just French, June 8, 2010

By 

Viktoriya Shcheglova "Vika1407" (DC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Parallèles: Communication et culture (3rd Edition) (Hardcover)

English is my second language. I have learned a lot about how books are importan in learning the language. I would not buy this textbook if my professor did not make me to do this. The organization is not good. Important grammar things are not high lighted. Explenation is not good either. Also, there is no phonetic. I still have hard time to read in French, even Iknow that there are some rules. If students know them, they can read without problems. There are tonnes of cheaper books, and I believe a lot of them are better than this book.