French accents (a, e, o, u, i)
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For English speakers, French pronunciation might be a little bit different and hard. There are quite a lot of similarities between these two languages.
In this lesson you will find a detailed explanation of pronunciation of the vowels with accents and the pronunciation. Once you have mastered these rules you won't have problems neither with spelling nor with pronunciation.
The French alphabet contains the same vowels as the English alphabet (A, E, I, O, U, Y) except the y, but the sounds of each of these vowels is different than their English counterparts.
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The French letter E has many different sounds as a closed syllable and as an open syllable, it's not wrong if you don't know how to distinguish these two syllables until you don't do pronunciation errors.
In the alphabet the e is generally pronounced [ə].
Moreover, this letter can take all three accents of the French language: the acute, the grave, the circumflex but also can take the umlet.
The acute e (French: l'accent aigu) is written é and is usually the sound [e].
The acute follows some rules: we find a -e with an acute accent when
é | Examples |
---|---|
First letter of a word | éditeur, électronicien, méchanicien, épreuve |
Last letter of a word | clé, abonnés, lycée, liberté |
Final consonant | clef, pied, chanter, nez |
Prefixes | préféré, député, mélange, désigné |
Past participle | chanté, parlé, donné, tué, été |
Never put an acute accent on a -e preceding an -x:
Never put an acute accent on a -e preceding a double consonant
The grave e (French: l'accent grave) is written è and pronounced [ɛ]. The general rule is to put a grave accent on the e when it is preceded by another letter and also followed by a syllable which includes a silent e. In the opposite case we put an acute accent.
We find a grave e:
Examples:
è | Examples |
---|---|
singular words ending with s | succès, accès, congrès, excès, exprès, près, progrès |
in front of group | trèfle, fièvre, lèpre |
the e in one syllable words is pronounced as [ə]; je, me, ce, que, and it also occurs in the first syllable of the word 'Monsieur' and the form of the verb faire: nous faisons [nu fəzõ]
The acute accent on the e indicates a closed sound while the grave accent e indicates an open sound.
The umlet E (French: le e tréma) is written ë and is prounounced [e]. Its usage is very rare and express that the precedent vowel needs to be pronounced separately.
Examples:
The circumflex accent on the e indicate the disappearance of a letter, usually 's'
Examples:
The e mute, as a rule, is a e who does not pronounce, we find after a vowel.
In the alphabet the a is generally pronounced [a].
Moreover, this letter can take these accents of the French language: the grave and the circumflex.
The grave a is written à and is pronounced [a].
We place a grave accent on:
Examples:
The circumflex a is written â and is written [a]. It used on the a of the suffix -tre marking a depreciation, on words that lost the s.
It indicates a sound more accentuated.
Examples:
There is a circumflex accent in the 1st and 2nd plural persons of the Literary past tense and the 3rd singular person of the imperfect subjunctive of the verbs in -ar.
In the alphabet the u is generally pronounced [y].
Moreover, this letter can take these accents of the French language: the grave, the circumflex and the umlet.
The grave u is written ù and is pronounced like the letter u. This accent is used only with où which can be relative or interrogative pronoun to differentiate it from ou which is a coordinating conjunction used to mark the choice.
Example:
the circomflex u is written û and is pronounced like the letter u. It uses a lot of nouns to diiferentate homonyms and make a different sound.
You can also find a circumflex û in adjectives.
Examples:
There is a circumflex accent in the past participle of verbs ending in -oir, -ître.
The umlet u is written ü and is pronounced like the letter u. It has a very rare usage and it is used to underline the fact that the letters has to be pronounced separately.
The alphabet letter is always pronounced [o].
Moreover, this letter can take the circumflex accent.
This accent is written ô and is pronounced like the letter o. It uses especially the possessive pronouns in the 1st and 2nd plural persons.
You can also find it in some nouns to make the sound more accentuated. Generally, it is used to make the s disappear.
Examples:
The letter i is pronounced as [i] so as the letter y . This sound is similiar to the vowel of English be
Moreover, this letter can take the circumflex accent and the umlet I.
The circumflex i is written î and is pronounced like the letter i. It uses some nouns to accentuate the sound.
We can also find it on the i of the verbs in aître or oître as well as the verb plaire (to please) when the i is followed by t.
Examples:
Generally it has the same usage as the vowels a, e, o, u
The umlet I is written ï and is pronounced like the letter I. It prohibits to pronounce two letters in one sound but separate them into two sounds. There are many French words that use the ï
Haïr (to hate) is the only French verbs that keeps the umlet in all tenses and personal pronouns except in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd singular pronouns of the present tense and 2nd singular person of the present imperative.
Examples:
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Hi! My name is Tiphaine, I'm french, I'm 37 years old and I live in Seville.
I grew up in the outside of Paris, I travelled all over the world and I live in Spain for 10 years now.
I'm a musician, a dancer and I love to cook and hike.
I'm a french teacher, and it's my passion! I speak 3 languages, and thanks to my learning I was able to live amazing experiences in many countries.
That's why I became a teacher, to be able to share with you my love for french language and culture and to guide you in your progress.
For me, each language is a way of seeing and interpreting the world, as glasses of different colors.
Understanding the way a language works is understanding how its people see things; it's such a exciting process, I can't wait to share it with you!
I have more than 8 years experience, in schools, companies and universities.
I work with people from all ages, beginners to advanced. I know most of french manuals.
I can prepare you to DELF and DALF exams. I also have a specialization in french for specific goals and french business.
I can offer you thematic courses, to improve your pronunciation, increase your vocabulary, prepare you for traveling or for a new job.
All my classes are in french, I adapt my vocabulary and speech speed according to your level.
I also adapt my method to your needs, personality, to take the best advantage of my classes and your french learning.
I use diversified ressources, from quizz to podcasts, videos, songs and games.
Whatever are your motivations, if you want to learn french in a pleasurable and rewarding way, book a class with me!
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Don’t be afraid to take the first step!
Remember: “The devil is not so black as he is painted”!
See you soon in our first lesson!
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À bientôt!
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Join a small group of learners of 2 or 3 for conversation lessons with me. An article or video to watch before the lesson and a conversation with personalized corrections during the lesson. This option saves you at least 10 euros per lesson on Colanguage.
Group opening:
Monday and/or Wednesday from 17:30 to 18:30 (French time).
Level: intermediate (B1)
Also, standard French lessons
- level A2 (low intermediate)
- 2 hours a week
- ask for schedule
Don’t know your level? Ask for a free level test.
I give Skype lessons to people who need or want to improve their French language. I like to use material from the internet (videos, article etc.) to introduce a theme which leads to a lesson and a conversation.
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Looking forward to hearing from you,
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*** Please note that I am on holidays in august***
Bonjour ! Comment ça va ?
My name is Lou, and I would be happy to be your french teacher !
French classes are for all levels, beginner to advanced. I can help you prepare to french exams and I also offer conversation classes.
My classes are fun and dynamic ! We will use various documents to work on and always adapt the classes to your needs and interests.
Free 30 min trial lesson !
Before the trial class, I will provide you a short French test to evaluate your level.
Feel free to contact me to talk about your goals and to plan a trial lesson.
See you soon online ! :-)
COMING SOON : a Whatsapp group for my students to practice french tchating with weekly challenges and conversation subjects !
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Hi! My name is Tiphaine, I'm french, I'm 37 years old and I live in Seville.
I grew up in the outside of Paris, I travelled all over the world and I live in Spain for 10 years now.
I'm a musician, a dancer and I love to cook and hike.
I'm a french teacher, and it's my passion! I speak 3 languages, and thanks to my learning I was able to live amazing experiences in many countries.
That's why I became a teacher, to be able to share with you my love for french language and culture and to guide you in your progress.
For me, each language is a way of seeing and interpreting the world, as glasses of different colors.
Understanding the way a language works is understanding how its people see things; it's such a exciting process, I can't wait to share it with you!
I have more than 8 years experience, in schools, companies and universities.
I work with people from all ages, beginners to advanced. I know most of french manuals.
I can prepare you to DELF and DALF exams. I also have a specialization in french for specific goals and french business.
I can offer you thematic courses, to improve your pronunciation, increase your vocabulary, prepare you for traveling or for a new job.
All my classes are in french, I adapt my vocabulary and speech speed according to your level.
I also adapt my method to your needs, personality, to take the best advantage of my classes and your french learning.
I use diversified ressources, from quizz to podcasts, videos, songs and games.
Whatever are your motivations, if you want to learn french in a pleasurable and rewarding way, book a class with me!
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Learning with a system and joy.
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Because of its linguistic relationship with English, Norwegian is relatively easy to learn for people with a knowledge of English. About a third of the vocabulary can be understood by everyone either immediately or after a few lessons. The grammar is simpler than in German or Dutch, for example. The best prerequisites for learning this wonderful language!
My lessons are aimed at beginners and advanced learners (A1-B2).
I practise modern language teaching methods that I learned at the Folke University in Bergen. This means:
- We learn by talking a lot to each other
- We will work with images that encourage us to speak
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- We take grammar seriously where it is important. We don't let it limit us
- We learn easiest when we have fun and enjoy it.
Regardless of whether you are preparing for a job interview, are thinking of emigrating or are just there to enjoy the matter: My lessons adapt to your wishes.
The first introductory lesson is free. If you book several hours at once, you will receive a discount.
--------------------------
I was born in Luxembourg and have lived in Bergen / Norway for over 10 years. I work as a historian in a UNESCO World Heritage Museum and am in daily contact with Scandinavian history and the Norwegian language. I originally studied Scandinavian Studies, Medieval History and Archeology in Germany and Norway. I learned Norwegian about 20 years ago and taught for several years at the University of Bonn / Germany and the Folke University in Bergen / Norway. I speak 5 languages and can also read some historical languages (including Old Norse).
These experiences will make learning Norwegian a lot easier for you. I know the pitfalls that await foreigners and which donkey bridges work well. My cultural-historical knowledge will not only give you an understanding of Norwegian culture and way of life, but will also help you in a practical way to be able to easily remember strange words and formulations at first glance and not to get lost in the thicket of countless dialects.
I am looking forward to our collaboration!
Vi snakkes,
Tom
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Specialized in teaching for many years, in him you will find a well prepared, expert, friendly and inspiring teacher with a creative and at the same time simple teaching method.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
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I am a tutor in French as a foreign language. I specialize in conversation and communication from B1 level upwards, but I also have A2 students with whom I follow a more traditional method.
With me, you can express yourself freely and make mistakes without fear, I'll take note of them without interrupting. Essential is that the conversation flows and that we understand each other.
I am Belgian and my mother tongue is French. I have always loved literature, culture, and languages. I studied in Flanders for 10 years, lived in France and Switzerland for 4 years, and I currently live in Valencia, Spain.
I followed the DAEFLE training (teaching French as a foreign language) in 2017.
My practice: - online conversation / support for self-taught students
- coaching / correction of speeches, lectures and documents
Method: - interests and culture
- videos, images, music, reports, poems
- asking questions and seeking answers online (with guidance)
- I encourage listening to podcasts and the use of applications such as Duolingo outside of class for vocabulary and repetition
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Basic rate 18€/hour
Children under 16: 20€/hour
Cancellation :
- If you cancel / postpone more than 24 hours before the lesson, it will not be charged.
- In case of cancellation / postponing less than 24 hours before the lesson, it will be charged at half price.
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I do not have a formal need but I want to be able to survive and communicate with friends in french in daily life. In that sense, lessons with Elodie is very nice. It is indeed like you are having a casual conversation with your very organized french speaking friend writing down the new vocabulary or the mistakes you make. Even though we plan 1 hour/week, it is already working a lot better for me compared to a 3-4 hour/week group course with 20 people. I had 5 courses including the trial lesson with her now, and I plan to continue as long as our schedules allow.
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Hello,
Are you looking to learn or improve your French in a Fun and relaxed atmosphere?
Look no further !
My name is Anissa and I'm a French native and certified teacher.
Focusing on each student's individual level, interests, and goals, my online classes are effective to achieve impressive learning results in a shorter period of time. The courses will be based on your personal needs and during the class you will receive direct explanations, correction and feedback in order to instantly improve your language skills.
Whether you want to learn French for your own pleasure or preparing for an exam, an upcoming interview or a presentation at work, I will be happy to assist you in reaching your goals.
My online classes are available at any time! Choose a subject from my curriculum or request your own topic, date, time and start master your French!
I look forward to meeting you,
Anissa, your French (and nice) teacher :)
*Please note that I'm not offering a free trial anymore*
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As always, Anissa continues to excel. She is a pleasure to work with, helpful in every way. I always enjoy our lessons.
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I’m French, currently living in the Netherlands.
I lived in Paris for almost twenty years, and I know very well my country (and of course my language, French, my mother tongue). I taught French for two years in Spain, conversation class about culture essentially.
In Paris, I was Spanish teacher, I have the Agregation degree which is the highest degree for teaching in France, I'm bilingual. I've participated too in several editorial projects about Spanish teaching and DELE preparation.
I have a Spanish Studies Master and I'm currently doing a research about the Spanish and Sefardi Judaism.
I have a French as foreign language and a Religious Studies Masters too.
I enjoy sharing what I know. I’m a very eclectic person and curious about everything. To give you an idea, my interest (and sometimes hobbies) are: philosophy, spirituality and religions in general, meditation, psychology and psychoanalysis, history, geography, literature, writing (in particular creative writing, and I’m used to write everyday), art (painting, photography), sciences (vulgarisation level) and cultural matters in general. I travel a lot (as a backpacker), sometimes by foot, and the places I know well are France, the Netherlands, Italy and Serbia.
One of my qualities is my capacity of adaptation, I enjoy preparing documents to help the student to acquire autonomy, but I love speaking too, and it’s the best way to learn a language.
I'm waiting for your message, please when contact me, explain quickly who you are, why you want to study French and what you are looking for exactly.
See you soon.
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Rosa's lessons are extraordinary. The texts and videos are well chosen to show the different approaches to a subject. I have learned a lot in recent months. I especially had the possibility of opening and widening my horizon. Thank you!
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