When I took French in Jr. high from the illustrious Mr. Baigue, I learned to love the language. I never did develop of love for French classes however. The immersion method he employed resulted in a heightened understanding of the construct, but was not as enabling in the actual practice of speech. There are several things for which I am eternally grateful to him for. The first is introducing me to the language. If I had been in a class where the teacher insisted on grammatical complications and memorizing verb conjugation, I can guarantee that I would have become vehemently disenchanted. As this was not the case, I developed a taste for languages. I wish that this had extended to a natural ability to speak other languages, but alas, it has yet to be so.
The second thing I an grateful for is for introducing me to the musical Notre Dame de Paris. This adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic novel by the same name is one of the greatest masterpieces of art in music I have ever experienced. The beauty of language and culture is showcased on a grand scale that left an impression on my 14-year-old self that has yet to fade. As I listen to the soundtrack (which has been on my ipod for years) I still get a secret thrill from the melodies and envision the vague images I remember from watching the filmed production so many years ago.
This belle langue has faded in and out of my life for years. Since high school, I have not had many opportunities to practice speaking (although that has always been the more difficult part for me). I wish in some part that I could move to France, for several reasons, and become fluent. Sadly, I don't see that happening any time soon and I will have to continue settling for watching the filmed production of Notre Dame de Paris (that I just ordered off Amazon.com) and listening to Lara Fabian, Bruno Coulais, and the other French artists of my collection.
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