So fast!

Question

It would be so helpful with exercises like this if we could slow the playback down. I play it 20 times and still struggle at times.

Does anyone know of any websites where you can paste the sentence in and adjust the playback?

Thanks

Answer

I know exactly what you mean. French natives just speak like all hell broke lose. Believe it or not, you'll get used to it over time. What helps is listening, listening and more listening.

First time through you will, maybe, get 25% percent of the what is said. Listen to it again and you'll get maybe 50%. Then read the transcript, put it away and listen to it a third time. This time you may get maybe 80%. And for the final and last time, listen to it while reading along with it. That should get you to 100%.

If you can, talk to a real French native. In a conversation, the sentences tend to be shorter and you are in charge of the context.

I watched Startrek Voyager in French with English subtitles in the beginning. It really was a strange experience at first but over time I was able to turn off the subtitles.

Answer

Hi Martin,  I have found 'google translate' an asset. Once you have typed (or even spoken) the sentence you can play it back. The play switch toggles between fast and then SLOW! The speech recognition helps ensure your accent is reasonable (there are limits to this app). Another option is " reverso '  where you can conjugate and hear (at regular speed) the verbs pronounced. "Forvo" enables you to hear words with a variety of regional accents.  Good Luck!

Answer

If you have an IPhone, you can install some French voices.  Highlight the text and select “speak”. You can control the speed of that speech.