French Dialect by Amanda and Josette

Learning about the French dialect is important for students so that they can learn about a culture other than their own. This sound clip is from a 22 year old from Paris studying at Western Maryland College.

This is our lecture:

These first four changes are all closely related to the resonance. Make sure you have them down solidly before you go on!

1. The short "i" sound in words like "chicken" and "fish" becomes a long "e," as in "meet."
   His interest in the chicken dinner was thin.

2. The short "e" sound in "egg" becomes a long "a" sound, as in "say."
   He left eggshells in every entrance.

3. The "oo" sound in words like "hook" and "sugar" becomes a long "u," as in "fool."
   The good hood was on the hook.

4. This pair of changes is pretty subtle. It's a real test of whether or not you've got the hang of the resonance. The long "o" in words like "coat" and the "aw" sound in words like "caught" are changed very subtly by the resonance. Trust me, it makes more sense when you listen to it.
   He was left alone on the boat in his coat. He ought not to be walking, leading with his jaw.

5. In English,we pronounce the "r" sound in the middle of the mouth. In French, it is all the way in the back, almost swallowed. This is the most distinctive sound in this dialect, and absolutely must be mastered. It can also be one of the most difficult to get the hang of, so practice, practice, practice!
   His racing heart beat hard against his breast.

6. We now come to a series of changes that can easily be taken too far. The more comedic your character, the farther you'll want to take them. Fist of all, the "ch" sound in words like "change" becomes an "sh" sound.
   Chickens and children should not chase one another.

7. The soft "g" sound in words like "budge" and "jaw" moves towards a "zh" sound. Be careful with this one, it is easy to lose intelligibility.
   The judges enjoyed the fudge company's jingle.

8. The soft "th" in words like "thin" becomes an "s." The hard "th" in words like "the" becomes "z." Again, this one can quickly become too strong, so you may want to merely 'clip' the sounds.
   They played around with this, that, and the other thing.

9. The "z" sound in words like "tries" and "finds" becomes an "s" sound.
   He finds her in repose, and tries to wake her with his words.

10. The French pronounciation of "-sion," "-tion," and "-able" are used, so long as intelligibility is not compromised.
    'Twas his prediction that the frost would produce a pattern most adorable.

Our Task:
Have the students write a short dialogue using the rules presented above.

In conclusion all French classes use this dialect while speaking English. From servants to Royalty.