Courses that I teach

• FREN 1A - Elementary French
• FREN 1B - Elementary French
• FREN 104A - French to English Translation

FREN 1A:

French for complete beginners. As much as possible, this class is taught in French. The goal is not to be able to fill in blanks in grammar exercises, but to really use the language. To this end, we will do grammar drills, but we will also do a lot of reading, writing, and speaking.

FREN 1B:

This class is a continuation of FREN 1A.  This satisfies the General Education requirements for foreign language. It is intended for beginners, but is not a substitute for FREN 1A. Students who take FREN 1B are expected to have a foundation in French. In this class, we continue studying the culture and language. We will build on vocabulary, will continue with present tense conjugations, and will add the past tense (passé composé and imparfait). This class also builds on grammar adding direct and indirect object pronouns. All four communication skills are developed: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Students interested in reviewing for FREN 1B should study chapters 1-4 in the required Espaces textbook.

FREN 104A:

This class is not offered every semester and is intended for advanced level French students. This class is taught primarily in French and covers a wide variety of topics in French to English translation including linguistic and cultural challenges as well as the realities of translation from a business perspective. Topics covered include:

• False cognates (faux amis)
• Vocabulary expansion (synonyms, nuance, register)
• Translating verb tenses
• Literary Translation
• Marketing Translation
• Technical Translation
• Translation as a profession
• Culture in translation

Resources

Duolingo - Duolingo is a free app available for most mobile devices. This app is quite popular and allows players to advance through levels and earn badges.

TV5Monde - This French television network posts many French language exercises and resources online. I have linked to their beginner exercises.

RFI - Radio France Internationale posts many free exercises for French learners online. Here you can browse many diferent accents and news stories.

ATA - The American Translators Association website is a great resource for students interested in learning about translation and interpreting at the professional level.

Sacramento Resources

Sacramento has a surprisingly large francophone and francophile community. French learners in Sacramento have many resources at their disposal.

Alliance Française de Sacramento - The Alliance Française is an oranization that works to promote French language and culture around the world. The Sacramento AF has a very active member base with many community events and a library of French language resources.

Club Français de Sacramento - Interested in playing pétanque?

SFFF - The Sacramento French Film Festival takes place at the Crest theatre in downtown Sacramento every summer. Join the mailing list to hear about French films throughout the year!

NCTA - The Northern California Translators Association has periodic get togethers in the Sacramento area. This is a great group and is always ready to talk to students about translation and interpreting as a profession.

Professional Associations & Information

• American Translators Association
  
  • French Language Division - Assistant Administrator 2012-2014
• Alliance Française Sacramento
• French to English Translations: AEG Translations