Construction
Now that you have the basics down, your next task is to practice combining them together for each line. This is where the real challenge begins. Articulating French sounds separately is one thing, but articulating French sounds in French rhythm patterns in real time is completely different.
You will not struggle with the English example below, but know that this will be challenging during the French lessons. In fact, your initial reaction might be that "this is impossible," but this is simply not true. As a human being with a fully-functioning brain and speech apparatus, you have it in you to learn new sequences of sound. Just like any other new motor skill, it's just a matter of practice.
So do NOT be discouraged by the slow learning curve at the beginning. Trust in your brain's ability to adapt and learn new abilities. Also, remember that creating these sound patterns is not an extracurricular French trick; IT IS THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL SKILL OF FRENCH FLUENCY.
It will indeed be challenging, but forcing yourself over the initial hump will actually physically change your brain, making it capable of processing French speech. Once you get through this hump, you will be amazed at how easy it suddenly becomes afterwards.
You will not struggle with the English example below, but know that this will be challenging during the French lessons. In fact, your initial reaction might be that "this is impossible," but this is simply not true. As a human being with a fully-functioning brain and speech apparatus, you have it in you to learn new sequences of sound. Just like any other new motor skill, it's just a matter of practice.
So do NOT be discouraged by the slow learning curve at the beginning. Trust in your brain's ability to adapt and learn new abilities. Also, remember that creating these sound patterns is not an extracurricular French trick; IT IS THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL SKILL OF FRENCH FLUENCY.
It will indeed be challenging, but forcing yourself over the initial hump will actually physically change your brain, making it capable of processing French speech. Once you get through this hump, you will be amazed at how easy it suddenly becomes afterwards.
English Song Construction
Continuing with the English example from before, use the audio files below to practice constructing the full lyrics. This is an interactive audio exercise. For each line:
- Start by reviewing the syllables. Listen to the Syllables audio and repeat each syllable exactly how I say it. The phonetic spellings are omitted so that you can focus your attention exclusively on the sound.
- I will chant either the URB or full line, then you will repeat after me in the time allotted to you.
- Sometimes, I will cue your entrance with the word "GO!".
- Throughout the entire exercise, you must keep to the beat.
- It may take a few tries for you to catch the beat, but listen a few times and it will all make sense to you.
Lines 1-2
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Lines 3-4
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Once you are comfortable with the line, you may move on to the next section - Memorization.
