Improve your French listening skills with this clip from Inner French. It’s 48 words in 31 seconds. Better pick up every word spoken, no matter your level. Improve your ear for spoken French
This clip is from the Inner French podcast Episode 001. Listen and fill in what you hear below. Read more and find a translation below. Find the full podcast here.
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The above audio sample and transcription is from the Inner French podcast episode 001. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
Only, only.
Is it really only only? What’s the difference between these words. I look at that below.
It is interesting that he uses them like this in this clip. Would I do that in English? Perhaps, perhaps not.
That’s what’s funny about language learning. The people, content, and clips we surround ourselves with in a foreign language become the “norm”. Think in English, or your mother tongue, how many people say things strangely, misuse words, mispronounce words or have unique accents. What might be unique to one person in their native tongue, might become normal to their language partner. I was always aware of this in Chinese when I had friends from certain provinces, with very different accents. I’ll admit I’m less aware of this in French.
I do highly agree with the professor here. I think comprehension is the most important thing. You might think you’re expressing yourself, but if you misunderstood the question, are you really communicating?
What’s opening up for you in this clip? I’m open to any and all feedback, as always. Let me know.
The snippet in English
Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?
Donc ça, c’est la quatrième hypothèse du professeur Krashen. Il faut essayer de comprendre des choses qui sont un peu trop difficiles pour vous. Il dit aussi que comprendre, c’est plus important que de s’exprimer. Pour le professeur Krashen, on fait des progrès seulement, uniquement, avec la compréhension.
So that’s Professor Krashen’s fourth hypothesis. You have to try to understand things that are a little too difficult for you. He also says that understanding is more important than expressing yourself. For Professor Krashen, you make progress only, only, with understanding.
The above translation from Deepl. Source
What is the difference between “seulement” and “uniquement” ?
“Seulement” and “uniquement” are both French adverbs that can be translated to “only” in English, but they have some differences in meaning and usage.
“Seulement” is more commonly used and more versatile than “uniquement”. It can be used in a wide range of contexts to express the idea of “only” or “just”. For example:
- Je ne parle seulement français (I only speak French)
- Il est seulement midi (It’s only noon)
- Elle a seulement une pomme (She only has one apple)
“Uniquement” is used less frequently than “seulement” and is more formal. It tends to be used to express exclusivity or limitation, and implies that there are no exceptions. For example:
- Les femmes sont uniquement admises dans cette section (Women are only allowed in this section)
- Nous acceptons uniquement les paiements par carte de crédit (We only accept credit card payments)
- Cette bouteille contient uniquement de l’eau (This bottle contains only water)
In summary, “seulement” is more common and has a broader range of uses, while “uniquement” is more formal and implies exclusivity or limitation.
What does “des progrès” mean?
“Des progrès” is a French phrase that translates to “progress” or “improvement” in English. It is used to describe the advancement or development in a particular area or activity.
For example, you could say “J’ai fait des progrès en français” which means “I have made progress in French”. In this case, “des progrès” refers to the improvement or advancement that has been made in the French language.
The phrase “des progrès” can be used in a wide range of contexts, such as education, science, technology, health, and more. It is often used to indicate positive change or improvement over time.
In some cases, “des progrès” can also refer to the process of making progress, rather than the progress itself. For example, you could say “Nous avons travaillé dur pour faire des progrès dans ce projet” which means “We worked hard to make progress in this project”. In this case, “des progrès” refers to the effort and work put into making progress, rather than the progress itself.
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