Le français ate my brain.

I am taking a graduate level course on medieval French lit. At the first session, this afternoon, I discovered what I'd expected, but feared, all along: it's taught in French.

Eeep.

I am acquainted enough with the language to be able to read in it with little difficulty (albeit slowly), and I understand... most... of what's said to me. I think I reliably understood 80-85% of what was being said in class, up to 90-95% if we count things I think I got but can't be sure about.

It's very difficult for me to speak French, though. I keep automatically inserting Italian words, I'm shaky on the simple past and future, I can recognize so many things but vocalize so few.

So the constant dilemma this semester will be whether to express myself in French or in English (something we from the Other Departments are allowed to do) at any given time. I'd like to improve my speaking skillz, but this may not be the perfect venue for that.

Ohh, but it's exciting! I mean, at any moment I might miss something absolutely crucial! That'll keep me on my toes! Plus, the readings are great.

Le français ate my brain.

I am taking a graduate level course on medieval French lit. At the first session, this afternoon, I discovered what I'd expected, but feared, all along: it's taught in French.

Eeep.

I am acquainted enough with the language to be able to read in it with little difficulty (albeit slowly), and I understand... most... of what's said to me. I think I reliably understood 80-85% of what was being said in class, up to 90-95% if we count things I think I got but can't be sure about.

It's very difficult for me to speak French, though. I keep automatically inserting Italian words, I'm shaky on the simple past and future, I can recognize so many things but vocalize so few.

So the constant dilemma this semester will be whether to express myself in French or in English (something we from the Other Departments are allowed to do) at any given time. I'd like to improve my speaking skillz, but this may not be the perfect venue for that.

Ohh, but it's exciting! I mean, at any moment I might miss something absolutely crucial! That'll keep me on my toes! Plus, the readings are great.