(Translated from the original French version)
Dominic lives in Montreal but grew up in Île-Perrot. Passionate about music, he studied jazz guitar, played in various bands, and went on several tours. He also worked on soundtracks for films. Today, he focuses on sound design for video games. In addition to his career, he is about to launch his first podcast and takes French lessons twice a week to improve his language skills. He is the undisputed master of object pronouns at MFT!
Karine: To start, I’d like to know what your relationship with French was like during your childhood and adolescence.
Dominic: I’m anglophone, so I grew up speaking English. In my neighborhood, there were a lot of French speakers, even though the two groups were somewhat separate. When I was young, I was afraid to speak French. It was in my immediate environment, so I learned it, but it was difficult for me to speak it. As I grew older, then in CEGEP and university, I gained a bit more confidence, but I still felt I needed to progress.
Karine: What was the turning point that led you to seek help to improve your French?
Dominic: About a year or a year and a half ago, I decided to take French lessons. I had this idea in my head for a long time, but I think I had a certain pride. I told myself, “I’m Québécois, I grew up here, so I don’t need lessons, that’s for others, not for me.” I held onto this idea for a long time, but there was a moment when I thought and said to myself, “No, I need it.” I lacked confidence, and if taking lessons could help me, it didn’t matter whether I was from here or elsewhere! I let go and said to myself, “Okay, I really want to improve my French and accept my current skills.” And my skills at that time weren’t bad, but they weren’t perfect either. I just accepted where I was.
Karine: How have you experienced the lessons since you started? What surprised or stood out to you in your learning process?
Dominic: When I started, I thought I was learning French mainly for practical reasons, because I’m here [in Quebec], I need to speak French to get ahead in life. But the more I learn, the more I like French. I like grammar, I like learning conjugations. It’s become a little game for me. I like trying to think of sentences in French, even in everyday situations, like on the subway, for example. I like translating my thoughts from English to French. That was a bit of a surprise for me. Also, the more I learn French, the more I find it helps me speak English. For my work, I do a lot of virtual meetings, and sometimes it’s hard to speak confidently in front of several people. I realize that speaking French helps me speak more expressively in English, with fewer language tics and hesitations. All those sounds come quickly usually, but when I speak French, I have to take the time to think about each word, and it’s a good method to transfer into my native language in all situations.
Karine: That’s interesting. Does it help you organize your ideas?
Dominic: Yes, exactly. It helps me find the right word, even in English. I realize that some words I often use aren’t the most suitable for certain situations. So, if you take 2 seconds to think before speaking, you can express yourself more precisely. I hadn’t anticipated that!
Karine: Have you experienced concrete moments where your improved French has been useful?
Dominic: Yes, there are little moments in daily life where my French is useful. For example, when I speak with a French-speaking friend and switch from English to French, it gives me a sense of belonging. Or even in the street, when I meet people who speak French, I can understand them and respond with confidence. I also do a lot of networking events where I speak French with French speakers, and this confidence in speaking with them opens up many other conversations I could have. These are the little moments that have the most impact.
Karine: Have your efforts in French been noticed by your friends, family, or colleagues?
Dominic: Yes. I have a friend with whom I try to speak more often in French, and he noticed. It’s good to hear. I’ve done something significant! Also, my colleagues know my situation and know that I’m working on my French. They’ve noticed my progress, and that motivates me even more to continue. If I start [speaking French in a conversation], it’s already a good thing! Even if I make mistakes. I think it’s well received by French speakers. If you try, people react positively and appreciate your efforts.
Karine: Some people say they feel hostility because they’re not native French speakers or because their French isn’t perfect. Have you ever felt that in your life?
Dominic: Now, it’s always positive. When I was young, yes, I had some bad experiences. When I spoke with French speakers, I tried to hide the fact that I was born here because I felt a bit guilty for not speaking perfectly. I envied newcomers who could learn French without that pressure. But now, I feel better! It’s my identity. I grew up here, it’s my story. I can’t change that, but I can improve right now, and that’s what I’m doing!
Karine: What are your next language goals?
Dominic: I want to have the confidence to speak and naturally follow in a group conversation!
Karine: To wrap up, what advice would you give to other learners of French?
Dominic: The key is to let go of the fear of making mistakes and projections. Focus on your learning and enjoy the process. It’s the same with learning guitar — there’s always competition and a lot to learn. But when you practice because you love it, not because you have to, the learning becomes much easier.