The message
from Janet Baraclough contains these words:

I'd agree with her. In the case of French, a very early basic dose
of the declension of common irregular verbs

Conjugation, IYWBSK - Declensions are for nouns.

makes the most basic daily
understanding, reading and speaking so much easier. It enables the
listener to recognise he's just hearing or seeing variations of the
same frequently used verb (ai, as, avons, avez , ont, all mean "have";
they also form part of the past tense of regular verbs ). They'll be
listed in the early pages of a basic grammar book. Even just recognising
(by ear and in print) the forms of etre and avoir gives a massive
advantage.

Je suis que Je suis, mai Je ne suis pas que Je suis.

If one has that basic grasp of the commonest verb variations, it's then
quicker and easier to pick up French by "total immersion" which as you
say is the best way to learn a language. Can you get French TV at home?


I tend to the 'little bit of grammar and vocabulary, then throw in the
deep-end' approach. By this method I learnt quickly, and at school I
spoke French quite fluently, gaining 95% for GCE French Oral.

J'ai forgottenai most de it maintenant innit.

--
Rusty
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