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You haven't given any information on what your program actually does, just some vague unsupported claims. This is borderline spam. -- For anyone that's readin

You haven't given any information on what your program actually does, just some vague unsupported claims. This is borderline spam. -- For anyone that's reading this and looking for actual advice on learning French, here's my advice, having done something somewhat similar. I didn't know much French prior to living in Paris for 6 months (which was broken up into two 3 month periods over the course of a year) but a French friend later told me my accent was "perfect" although I used the word franchement too often, which made me sound like an old-fashioned farmer. - Focus on memory and vocabulary. It's a lot easier to have conversations when you know what to say, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect. - Drill the grammar for the most essential verbs (to have, to be, etc.) and skip most of the rest for now. - Listen to native speakers and imitate them. Try to get over the feeling that you're playing a character or doing an goofy French accent impression. You will have better pronounciation if you try to do an accurate French impression. - Try to spend some time in France or as a second choice, Québec. It's a million times better than reading a book or using some app.

jraph 3y ago
> or as a second choice, Québec Ouch, tough one for our friends in Québec xD French is spoken in many parts of the world, including a great part of Africa, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg. And France includes several islands and Guyane, it's not just the mainland. Canada doesn't only have Québec, they also have other speaking French parts like the Nouveau-Brunswick (New Brunswick) and Acadie (Acadia). New Brunswick you might be tempted to speak English though. I would guess everywhere should be fine, just know you might end up sounding like the people from the location you elected to go. Which is totally fine. It's legit French. France does not have the monopoly over the language and France also has its strong accents depending on the location.
- keiferski 3y ago
  I really liked Québec and think Montreal is probably a top 5 North American city, but to my knowledge and impressions from others, it's best to aim for a Parisian accent as the most prestigious and neutral accent. I don't have a super strong opinion on the subject, but personally I do prefer how France French sounds to Québecois French anyway. But sure, if you're only able to go somewhere other than mainland France, it's not the end of the world.
  - jraph 3y ago
    > Parisian accent as the most prestigious and neutral accent you are going to offend the Normans with these digs :-) The most effective way to learn to speak French might be to land somewhere you enjoy being, that would be my number one criterion I think. Paris is a fine choice if you like the city. You might end up sounding Parisian from the rest of the world of course. Your foreign accent will probably be stronger anyway.
ernestb 3y ago
Sorry, this came across as salesy. My goal was to test the temperature and send more information and tips later on. But does that qualify this as spam? Anyway, the tips you shared are great; the only issue is that most people don't have the means to go to France for an immersion. And Québéc, while a great place, is not really the best place to learn French, the French way. If your goal is to learn Canadian French, Quebec, without a doubt, is a great place to go. Thanks for chiming in. I appreciate the feedback.
- keiferski 3y ago
  I would just be aware that the format of your post here is very recognizable as a marketing tactic, even if you didn't intend it to be. If you have a novel method or idea to share, then share it. The fact that you built up a problem but said "let me know if you'd like to join our waitlist" without offering the slightest hint as to what the solution is a big red flag. You would have gotten a better response if you simply explained your idea and asked for feedback on it.
stevenjgarner 3y ago
> I'm still fine-tuning the whole thing before I bring it to market Welcome to HN! If the "fine-tuning" involves the technical implementation of your program or if you are still fine-tuning your business model and you have specific challenges or questions, this might be a good opportunity for you to ask for more directed input. Most of us have been where you are with an idea, so there is some empathy. One suggestion rather than joining a wait list, why not implement a (link to a) beta program and invite us to take a look at what you have, warts and all. Those that take you up on it will provide invaluable insight.

jraph 3y ago

> or as a second choice, Québec Ouch, tough one for our friends in Québec xD French is spoken in many parts of the world, including a great part of Africa, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg. And France includes several islands and Guyane, it's not just the mainland. Canada doesn't only have Québec, they also have other speaking French parts like the Nouveau-Brunswick (New Brunswick) and Acadie (Acadia). New Brunswick you might be tempted to speak English though. I would guess everywhere should be fine, just know you might end up sounding like the people from the location you elected to go. Which is totally fine. It's legit French. France does not have the monopoly over the language and France also has its strong accents depending on the location.

keiferski 3y ago
I really liked Québec and think Montreal is probably a top 5 North American city, but to my knowledge and impressions from others, it's best to aim for a Parisian accent as the most prestigious and neutral accent. I don't have a super strong opinion on the subject, but personally I do prefer how France French sounds to Québecois French anyway. But sure, if you're only able to go somewhere other than mainland France, it's not the end of the world.
- jraph 3y ago
  > Parisian accent as the most prestigious and neutral accent you are going to offend the Normans with these digs :-) The most effective way to learn to speak French might be to land somewhere you enjoy being, that would be my number one criterion I think. Paris is a fine choice if you like the city. You might end up sounding Parisian from the rest of the world of course. Your foreign accent will probably be stronger anyway.

ernestb 3y ago

Sorry, this came across as salesy. My goal was to test the temperature and send more information and tips later on. But does that qualify this as spam? Anyway, the tips you shared are great; the only issue is that most people don't have the means to go to France for an immersion. And Québéc, while a great place, is not really the best place to learn French, the French way. If your goal is to learn Canadian French, Quebec, without a doubt, is a great place to go. Thanks for chiming in. I appreciate the feedback.

keiferski 3y ago
I would just be aware that the format of your post here is very recognizable as a marketing tactic, even if you didn't intend it to be. If you have a novel method or idea to share, then share it. The fact that you built up a problem but said "let me know if you'd like to join our waitlist" without offering the slightest hint as to what the solution is a big red flag. You would have gotten a better response if you simply explained your idea and asked for feedback on it.

stevenjgarner 3y ago

> I'm still fine-tuning the whole thing before I bring it to market Welcome to HN! If the "fine-tuning" involves the technical implementation of your program or if you are still fine-tuning your business model and you have specific challenges or questions, this might be a good opportunity for you to ask for more directed input. Most of us have been where you are with an idea, so there is some empathy. One suggestion rather than joining a wait list, why not implement a (link to a) beta program and invite us to take a look at what you have, warts and all. Those that take you up on it will provide invaluable insight.