French for beginners: language hacks for word endings

French for beginners: language hacks for word endings

As a master of ten languages, Michel Thomas taught the stars French for beginners. Here are some of the hacks that I have taken up so far

As soon as our journey around the world ends, we will travel to France for a few months before we finally return to London. With just a short course of the course (from my school days almost 17 years ago) I have to improve my French quickly.

So far I have digitally addressed the task with a combination of duolingo and the Michel-Thomas method. I used Duolingo for Spanish throughout South America with mixed success, but the Michel-Thomas method is a promising new approach for me.

The Michel-Thomas method has existed since 1947 when the eponymous Thomas moved to Los Angeles and founded a language school that claimed to convey language skills in just a few days.

As a master of 10 languages, he taught the film stars Mel Gibson, Woody Allen and Barbara Streisand in French for beginners (all paid up to $ 30,000 for private lessons). He even taught Doris Day Spanish so that she could sing the hit que sera sera.

This is mainly due to the way Thomas brings up the language and highlights the multitude of words that can be transferred from English to French. Here are some of his best hacks.

Oh, and what's the best of this method? There are no homework - perfect for a lazy learner like me!

French for beginners: Language hacks for word endings

1. Words that end up

At the beginning of the French beginner course, Thomas tells us that over 60 % of the English vocabulary come from French.

He shows that words in English, which end with -ble and -ble, are largely the same in French, with a consistent change in pronunciation and sometimes in spelling. The mere knowledge of this can give beginners an enormous boost.

2. Words that end on -ion

words in English that end on -ion come from French. The pronunciation is different, but the meaning and spelling is generally the same. For example, the condition, opinion and reservation in French and English are the same.

As with every language, there are exceptions from the rule (Thomas points out that vacation, translation, explanation of vacancy, translation and explanation), but in general it is incredibly helpful.

3. Words that end on -ical

words in English that end on -ical become in French. English words such as political, economic, logique and philosophy become politique, Economique, Logique and Philosphique. These can be combined with the previous trick in terms of -ion endings to create the following phrases.

I have to say that I was pretty proud that I was able to talk about the political and economic situation in France.

4. Words that end on -ary

words in English that end on -ary are in French. For example, words such as military, necessary and contra in English, Necesaire and Contraire in French.

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5. Words that end on -ent and -ant

Thomas also explains that words in English, which end on -ent and -ant, come from French. They have a similar spelling and the same meaning.

6. Words that end on -ance and -level

words in English that end on -ance and level come from French.

7. Words that end on -el or -al

The full Michel-Thomas method course is available from Amazon.

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