Customer Reviews

SmartFrench - Introduction to French, Vol.2

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This method works. Period. I have a bookshelf full of French language learning tools (books, CD's, flashcards), and they seem useless now that I am using SmartFrench. I listen to it six days a week. I'm going to be able to converse at length with someone on the street in Paris when we go this summer. I have been studying French almost daily for 3 months, and I was to the point where I wished for a program (like this new SmartFrench method!) that would just teach the basics: the most used verbs, and an easy way to become proficient in counting (pay attention to how many times a day you say numbers and you'll see why it's critical in learning a foreign language). Because I'm tired of only learning to ask, "I would like a croissant", or "Where is the bathroom?", I am thrilled that this method is helping me to have a two-way conversation in French. I'm already speaking French to my twin (a French speaker) and she just laughs--she is so shocked at my progress.

This is a simple, simple program. The SmartFrench Audio Cds Beg I, Vol. 1 Vol. 2 (separate purchases) figured out which essential vocabulary words, verbs (4 of them), and phrases you need to know to speak French quickly. This method also teaches you counting. It's unbelievable that this simple, easy approach has never been done before. I'm glad someone finally did it! Some of the most successful, useful inventions become obvious to the rest of us after someone comes up with the idea, and we smack our foreheads with the palm of our hands thinking, "Why didn't I think of that? It's so obvious!" SmartFrench is like that.

The teacher on the CD is really gifted. He speaks at a perfect speed, or tempo, his voice is easy to listen to, and he's SMART! It's literally like taking a French class without having to go to school. He gives you tips, clues, and ideas on how to remember things. You get the sense that he truly, truly wants to help you become proficient in speaking French.

Have you felt like giving up on learning French? Try this program and you'll get excited about it again. Have a Francophile in your life? This would be the PERFECT GIFT for them.

Side note:
*Pay attention to which SmartFrench program you want. The titles are very similar. This program is called Beginner 1 Volume 1, and Beginner 1 Volume 2.
*Do not confuse the title with the CD entitled simply "Beginner Level"! That "Beginner Level" CD and the "Intermediate/Advanced Level" CD are also great, but have a different approach (VERY effective). Those CD's help tune your ear to the French language as you listen to native French speakers, at the same time teaching you to speak along with a really cool, innovative approach.
*The CD-Rom is also great. Very interactive. Nice to see the native French people speaking. Helps me to understand how to pronounce things even better and to see typical French mannerisms.

This is an excellent program for learning to speak French the way it's supposed to be spoken. School classes teaches the hard stuff, like grammar, etc., and not exactly how to speak/listen to the language. We tried a few other programs and were fairly disappointed until we got SmartFrench. This is an excellent program where you learn to speak, and as importantly, listen to French the way it's supposed to be spoken at different speeds. This first set of CDs (Introduction Vol 1 and Vol 2) will give you an introduction to simple everyday words, as well as some fundamental French language structure, and how to use them. Also, the 5 most used verbs are explained on their usage.

Finally, if you're an absolute beginner in the French language, this Vol 1 and Vol 2 will get you started in the right direction. Afterwards, the next sets (SmartFrench Beginner, Intermediate/Advanced) will get you further in developing the right speaking/listening skills. This program focuses mainly on the speaking/listening aspect of the language and it does it extremely well. This SmartFrench program should be used in conjunction with reading, watching French TV/movies, and working with other French grammar programs if you want total fluency in the language. Enjoy!

I love the SmartFrench products with native French speakers in conversation, but the Introduction to French, Vol 1 and 2, I, personally, would skip, because they are "explanations" of grammar, and I think it is more effective to go right to listening to the conversations, and absorbing the sound and flow, and than speaking. Even with no previous French, I think this is the best way to learn, because this is how I learned the language years ago. So, while this is a good product, I personally would invest in the CD-ROM or CDs with the conversations by native French speakers....and would bypass the CDs which explain grammar.

This is a wonderful learning tool. Along with Volume 1, you get the basics that you need to build a solid foundation for learning the language. The pacing of the lessons is just right, and they are very pleasant to listen to as well. You feel like you are in the hands of a good, smart, wise teacher. I love using it, and I recommend it strongly.

A unique and very effective approach to learning a foreign language. This is fun, easy, and fast. I have taken years of French (high school and college) but never really learned how to speak the language until I started using this product. I will point out that the better your grounding in the basics of the language, the quicker you will learn with the SmartFrench method. If you don't understand their grammar, for example, you might be a little confused at first, although you will pick it up the more you listen. I love this product, and so will you.

The man on the CDs has the best french accent. It gives a small about of humor to keep your attention on the subject at hand.

This is perfect! I'm learning fast. I downloaded the PDF file included on one of the CDs and it helps. Au revoir.

When I got ready to use the SmartFrench CDs, I discovered I had lost the booklet that came with it. In desperation, I contacted the company and they sent me another within days. My recent trip to France went a lot smoother with the instruction I received from SmartFrench.

I bough part one of this CD set, and decided to buy part two in order to increase my vocabulary. Each (part 1 and 2) is only 2 CDs and they are all 1 hr each. It is not the best deal out there compared to Behind the Wheel which are several hours long each. I have the same complaint about part 2 as I did part 1; the recording quality is very poor. You can here where injections have been recorded and inserted, and some of the recordings cut off in middle of speaking. It is very irritating. There are also multiple times where the instructor advertizes his products and website. The CD is already only an hour long, I don't need 4 commercials in there too. I also do not recommend this product for beginner French speakers. It jumps right in to slang and contractions which can be very confusing when you are trying to learn a language. I recommend that you learn the language and some vocabulary, then learn how to contract words and phrases. The instructors says that it is like learning the same way a baby does, which would be true if you immersed yourself in French and spoke it 24/7 in order to communicate. As a CD all it does is add confusion.

Takes me back to high school french. A little difficut to follow without written material.