My husband, Paul, was perturbed. A radio show host had pronounced “les liaisons dangereuses” as “les liaisons dangeroos.” Paul grew up speaking French. He winced.
I said, “I think that’s how I learned to say it on Duolingo.” I have completed 1,301 consecutive days of lessons on the foreign language learning app. I have learned to use dangereuses in relation to certain rues (streets) of dubious reputation, as well as dangereux for the voleurs (robbers) that inexplicably pop up regularly in lessons. “I like to say dangeroos," I said. "It slides off the tongue.” Unlike words like oeil (eye) which just stick there.
“No,” Paul said. He glared at me. “How do you say forget in French?”
“Oublier,” I said promptly. Wait? What? That was quick. What had just happened?
Was I thinking in French?
I didn’t have a chance to ponder that thought because Paul was pointing out that the “ou” in oublier is different from the “eu” sound in dangereuse — les liaisons dangereuses, not dangeroos. I conceded the point and repeated dangereuses until I got it right.
I mangle words in English and knew that French pronunciation would be difficult for me. I warned Paul of this when I started my learning project because he, like so many Frencophones, is a stickler for perfect French enunciation. It wasn’t going to happen.
But I am good at vocabulary. I can now read the little story lessons on Duolingo without translating them word for word. Sometimes, while playing online Scrabble, I wish I could do it in French because there are so many words that use J (8 points!). Sometimes French words or phrases come unbidden to me. I saw a new café named “Lately’s” and I thought … dernièrement!
And I was able to produce, on a dime, the French word for “to forget.” And la cerise (the cherry) on top is that I pronounced it right too.
C’est une bonne journée, mes amis!
_______
I welcome email at lizzie621@icloud.com
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