reading Le Petit Prince

11 December 2017

The most frustrating part of language learning for me has always been reading. I'm an avid reader and read so many books all the time, but when I have to read for French and I have to actually take the time to slow down and figure out what the words mean and decode the grammar and tenses, it becomes a long process. It's something that is hard for me to learn how to fully enjoy.

I had tried to pick up Le Petit Prince back in the summer, but with a busy work schedule and my constant frustration with trying to figure it all out on my own, I barely got through the first 10 pages before giving up. I wanted to be able to read it. I wanted to get past the struggle of reading in French, but I didn't know where to start.

As part of my French this semester, we were required to read full French books during our free time. Lecture libre. Not as part of any essay or larger assignment, but to simply push ourselves and exercise our reading skills alongside with what we were learning in class. With this accountability to help me stick with it, I decided to give Le Petit Prince another shot, determined to get through it.
Les grandes personnes ne comprennent jamais rien toutes seules, et c'est fatigant, pour les enfants, de toujours et toujours leur donner des explications.
This is one of the most charming books I've ever read. I had no experience with the story before. I had never read it in English or seen the movie, so I had no idea what to expect. I could tell that there was so much imagery and symbolism woven into the simple story of a little prince who traveled across the galaxy, but it was hard to completely understand and grasp since I was so focused on figuring out the literal translation of the words.

But for my first time reading an unfamiliar book completely in French, I surprised myself. As I got further and further along, and as I learned more grammar through my homework, I noticed that the reading was getting easier. I was taking less time looking up every single little word I didn't know, and it became almost natural. There were a couple times when I would read a sentence or two and know instantly, without thinking or translating it into English first in my head, what it meant.

I would definitely like to pick up the English translation of Le Petit Prince at some point so that I can catch the full meaning of the story, and to see if I actually did understand what was going on. But I'm so glad that I was able to read it first in its original language. This little book will hold a special place in my heart as I was able to learn and grow through it.
Reading is an essential part of language learning. Even though it's still something I struggle with, I'm finally making progress, and it's super exciting!
Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.

12 comments

  1. This was a pleasant post! I'm glad that it wasn't a pain for you to read.

    I've been meaning to read in Spanish for quite a while now but I keep chickening on it. Maybe next year? I want to buy the book because I know I'll definitely take my time!

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    1. Oh yeah! It's definitely best to take as much time as you need and to go at your own pace. Good luck!

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  2. How cool is this? To be able to read a story in its original language sounds beautiful. I took Spanish courses a while back but was never super fluent, though I could read very simple and very short stories. Languages are so wonderful. Love this!

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  3. I LOOOOOVEEE THE LITTLE PRINCE. so hohoho. I'm so glad you stuck with and and made it through! I wholeheartedly recommend watching the movie because oh my smoll heaarrtt. IT'S SO GOOD. do it. loves. x I'm glad French is getting easier as you stick to it!

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    1. I recently watched the Netflix movie, and while it pales in comparison with the book, it was pretty good! Thanks for your sweet comment, Cally!

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  4. I've been studying French for two years now. It's sort of a handy language for me, being a student of ballet. I love it, really, especially the accents! I have to read this book in French.
    Beautiful blog; so aesthetic.
    Michaila
    seventytimeseven.com

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    1. Glad to hear you've been enjoying learning French too! And I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. :)

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  5. I am completely jealous/in awe of the fact that you were able to pick up a book that is in a different language. I congratulate you.

    I have never read book or seen the movie, either. But I'd like to sometime. :) Great job, dear!

    xx Kenzie

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    1. Thank you so much, Kenzie! You should totally pick this one up sometime!

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  6. Congrats to you!! I can't read or write in any language except English, so you're already way ahead of me... thrilled for this step of your journey!

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