My philological studies have satisfied me that a gifted person ought to learn English (barring spelling and pronouncing) in thirty hours, French in thirty days, and German in thirty years.
~Unknown~

The great enemy of clear language is insincerity. When there is a gap between one's real and one's declared aims, one turns as it were instinctively to long words and exhausted idioms, like a cuttlefish spurting out ink.
~George Orwell~

 

 

LANGUAGES

French - Advanced Beginners and Intermediate:

In Advanced Beginners French (started in 2005).
We actually learn to speak French straight away, doing partner-work or role-playing.
We cover every-day and travel situations doing language work (or grammar) as we go along, and when needed.
The group is very supportive (and at the moment very full!).
You need to bring an A4 writing pad and some pens!.

Intermediate French  is more advanced than Advanced Beginners.
I would like to speak to applicants myself in order to judge their level.
Most applicants say something like “I did it at school 150 years ago” and know nothing. Actually talking to them is the only way to judge their level.

Spanish - Beginners and Intermediate Classes:

 We work from the book “Spanish Made Easy”. The Beginners Class is at about Lesson 4 by mid March and the Intermediate Class is part of the way through. The book is out of print but we can supply photo-copies of the lessons.

Songs sometimes learned, especially for break-up functions.

Italian - Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced:

While classes are at TAFE, there is no limit to the number of persons participating. We have Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced.

An Italian grammar book (out of print) is used as the text which requires photocopies at 10c per sheet. The total cost each batch is approx $3.90. The classes involve basic Italian Grammar moving through to more Advanced Grammar, taking in reading, writing, dictation and conversation.

You will eventually need an Italian-English Dictionary and an Italian Verb Book, but to begin with a pencil and paper will suffice. To learn a language properly, considerable work at home is necessary.

Japanese - Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced:

History:

Started teaching at Ringwood U3A in 1988 (still continuing). Started teaching at Croydon 1990.

Aim:

(1) Keep our brain engaged by learning something NEW in order to maintain its capacity for learning.
(2) Learning to speak, read and write Japanese.

Prerequisite:

Desire to learn something new.

Outline:

(A) Beginners: Learn to read , write and speak Japanese. Use of everyday expressions, self introduction.

(B) Intermediate: Continue with Japanese script and gradual introduction of Chinese characters, conversation. Table talk related to meals, visiting, making friends, asking the way.

(C) Advanced: Continue with all the above. Reading and translating original Japanese stories. Writing a simple letter. Use of different levels of formality, Cultural background.