French [antikvár]

HOW TO USE THE LANGUAGE STUDY GUIDE The language guide and the five long-playing phonograph records contain words and expressions you are most likely to utilize in your travels. If you have ever been in a foreign country, you can appreciate the importance of knowing and using even a few common words and phrases of the native language. The information supplied here and on the records can be of tremendous assistance to you in getting around, exchanging greetings and other polite expressions, and avoiding unfortunate incidents and misunderstandings. The various categories listed in the Table of Contents will direct you to the section you want to find. In each of the sections are selected words and phrases to fit the ordinary situations of everyday life. If you need only a word, consult the Alphabetical Word List. It will refer you to the proper page, where you will find related words as well. Try to become familiar with the arrangement of this guidebook so that you can readily find the words you want to use. Each expression appears in three forms, under columns headed English, Pronunciation, and Spelling. The English column contains the English equivalents of frequently used words and phrases. In the Pronunciation column, all the words are written in phonetics —a simplified spelling that you read like English. Each letter or combination of letters represents the sound it usually stands for in English. If your pronunciation is so poor that you are not understood, point to the Spelling column across the page from the English. Your listener should be able to understand you then because the expression is written in his language. It is a good idea to memorize basic terms, such as numbers, days of the week, denominations of currency, and others in general use in homes or on shopping trips. In speaking any foreign language, always try to express yourself in the native tongue without first resorting to a translation from English. Use whatever words you already know that fit the situation. In rural areas, and sometimes even in cities, you may hear a slightly difierent dialect. You may also find that natives use words and expressions that vary according to the region. If you can't guess their meaning, try to find out by asking questions or ask to have the words repeated slowly or explained in simpler terms. Be careful not to lapse into a careless, English-like pronunciation. Listen closely to what the person says in response, trying to catch as much as you can. The first few times, it may be hard to understand even the words you know, but you will improve rapidly if you keep on practicing at every opportunity.