Articles

EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN

Did you study French at school? It may be many decades ago, but research reveals that the vocabulary you learnt then is still in your head! The same applies to German, Spanish or whatever languages you may have taken as a youngster. Valérie Defendini, a French national and teacher based in West Dorset, put a post on her local neighbourhood site (nextdoor.co.uk) asking if anyone would like to join French conversation classes, with a twist. Intrigued, I immediately volunteered to host meetings at my home, adding a new focus and friends to my week. ‘What makes my approach different,’ says Valérie, ‘is brain training with a second language. I begin with a look at current affairs. Forming an opinion in English, and then translating that into spoken French is an excellent mind workout.’ We certainly have a lot of fun chatting about France, and there is sometimes pain au chocolat to go with the coffee! Resources: Nextdoor.co.uk is a website where local communities come together to greet newcomers, exchange recommendations, and read the latest local news. Valérie teaches French for beginners right through to advance level, one-to-one or groups, more at frenchteacherdorset.co.uk.

Valérie Bradley-Defendini
Dorset magazine March 2023

Mind your language

Valérie Bradley-Defendini
Bridport News September 2022