Customer Reviews

Parallèles: Communication et culture (3rd Edition)

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

 

 

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...

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!

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.

I am glad that I chose to purchase my textbook through this seller. I received my book quickly and it was in great shape. I now purchase all books for myself and family through Amazon.