Learn French Slang with French Rap

by Professor Willy

French Rap Group IAM

When I think of slang I often revert to rap. The same goes for France in my mind. I start thinking of France when I’m at Fluent City, which = French slang, which = French rap. And not just any French rap, but the group IAM. The group is very popular among 30somethings and below. There are loads of slang terms throughout their songs, but two of my favorite slang terms which aren’t often understood outside the south of France are both in the same chorus:

“Je suis fada, je crains dégun
Je vous prends tous ici, un par un!”

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How to Rock Learning a Foreign Language

by Megan Heise

After checking out the Brazilian Film Festival at Central Park’s Summerstage this past weekend, I’m pretty convinced that foreign-language films and music are one of the most fun – and efficient – ways to learn a new language.

First of all, film and music are just plain enjoyable. Who doesn’t want to dance to the Afro-Brazilian beats of boTECOeletro’s DJ set? And the film itself, Raul: O início, o fim e o meio, was an entertaining, if at times somber, glimpse into the life of the late, great, Brazilian rock god, Raul Seixas.

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Five Ways To Learn A Language Without Realizing You Are Studying

Ok, so maybe laminating your book report helped you get that A+ in English class, but it takes a little more effort to learn a foreign language and learn it well. At Fluent City, we are convinced that exposing yourself (to a language…get your head out of the gutter) is the easiest and most fun way to study.

1. Food for thought.
New York is the only place in the world where you can experience the best food from around the globe all within walking distance. Did you know that Queens is the most ethnically diverse 115 square miles in the entire country? Step out and check out a restaurant that has fare from the country you are studying! Try to read everything on the menu and guess what everything is before reading the English translation – or better yet go somewhere that doesn’t have any English on the menu and ask for recommendations. The best part is that your waiter will probably speak the language being served. If you go out for enchiladas, ask questions and order in Spanish!

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A french smorgasboard…

Says Professor Diego on La Chanson Francophone En Cours de FLE: “This site has resources of all types. It’s also amazing for songs, best site ever.”

If Diego recommends it, it must be good :-)

Replace Missing Song Lyrics!

This is one of the most fun ways to learn Italian. Each exercise (broken down by level) tells you what verb or vocab will be reviewed. Exercises have song lyrics with missing words. Once you decide the correct word and conjugation, test your accuracy by watching the music video for the real words.

You can definitely do the same thing with your favorite songs that you don’t know too well. Print the lyrics to a song and have a friend cross out a few words, then test your accuracy once you replace them!

Looking for a good Brazilian playlist?

Professor Taminy recommends these stations on iTunes.

1) Go to iTunes

2) Click Radio, then International/World

3) Check out these stations:

  • Ambiance Brasil
  • Batanga.com Brasileira
  • Bossa Nova Hits
  • Brasil FM
  • Gazeta FM
  • Paul In Rio Radio

4) Enjoy!

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Lady Gaga Confirms She’s Italian….A Few Times

Lady Gaga would like the world to know she is officially, Italian. Yes, incase you didn’t already know, she confirms it….many times.

Ricky Martin sings a bilingual rendition of “Sexy and I Know It” on Glee