Bilingual Short Stories: French-English for A1-A2 Learners – Behind the Scenes

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you: I’m currently in the process of crafting the first collection of short stories in French, set to be published alongside their English translations. These texts are primarily aimed at beginners who are venturing into the world of French language learning.

Let me provide you with a glimpse behind the scenes.

These stories are not only enjoyable but also diverse, spanning mystery, everyday life, and even fantasy. Crafting engaging tales at a beginner’s level is no easy feat, but it’s a challenge I embrace with enthusiasm. It requires a deep understanding of the needs and capabilities of beginners.

One crucial aspect tailored to the beginner’s level is the vocabulary and syntax, ensuring readability without sacrificing literary quality, namely the plot, the characters and the setting. By simplifying sentence structures and favoring clarity, beginners can fully immerse themselves in the stories with minimal interruptions, such as looking up a word in a dictionary or reverting to translation.

Admittedly, this endeavor presented its challenges, leading to the inclusion of some stories in the following installment tailored for intermediate-level students.

Selecting vocabulary proved to be another hurdle, requiring careful consideration to maintain clarity, flow, and the beauty of the French language. Fortunately, I successfully incorporated themes foundational to language learning, covering a range of everyday scenarios and interactions.

It’s worth noting that the plots of these stories unfolded naturally, without deliberate selection, yet still aligning with the intended language level. While most stories were outlined, some were crafted spontaneously, contributing to the organic flow of the narrative.

Furthermore, a few stories inadvertently landed in the intermediate category, a serendipitous outcome that paves the way for future releases.

I’ll be sure to keep you updated on the progress of the book. Stay tuned, and don’t forget to subscribe to my email newsletter for the latest news and insights.