Speed comprehension

Christopher N.Kwiziq community member

Speed comprehension

I am using this as review but, maybe with a disclaimer you should offer at a slow and a native speed. I think that peoples ears and brains need to learn that language at native speed. Some overwhelming noncomprehension to help people realize how real language acquisition works. Maybe you do this for subscribers or something and I'm not too familiar with your services yet

Asked 4 years ago
CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Christopher,

Thank you for your feedback. I am sorry to hear that your language experience with Kwiziq is not as expected. Learning a language can sometimes feels very hard, especially when trying to develop your listening skills. I felt pretty confident in my language skills when I started working in the U.K., fresh out of university. Oh boy, how wrong I was! I would say follow Chris's excellent advice. This is the best way to get your ears and brain "trained".

Don’t hesitate to contact the Helpdesk if you have any questions or recommendations you would like Kwiziq to address with regard to how these exercises integrate with the other resources on the site.

Bonne journée!

AurélieNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour à tous !

Regarding the speed of our audio recordings for listening exercises, we tend to adapt it to the level of the text itself, in order to make the whole exercise a good practice of that level. Here the text was B1, therefore the audio speed is slightly slower and more articulated than would naturally occur. Our B2 and C1 texts tend to be at a natural speed, as well as our video transcripts which are based on "Native" videos.
So everyone can find what they're looking for :)

I hope that's helpful!

Bonne journée !

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

The listening comprehension exercises up to level B1 are usually at a slower speed. I know it sounds tough, but there's just no way around this. You learn best by jumping right in. Listen, see what you got right, then listen again. Read along with the audio. Then read it out loud yourself. Do this until you get every word. You have to break in your brain and train it to parse what it hears. This works. I'm living proof of that.

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Different take on the same comment - I think Christopher may be saying he finds it too slow, rather than too quick. I think it is at a reasonably normal speed for someone reading to an audience. It is not 'street' speed for modern conversations though, and Christopher seems to be saying that we should be overwhelmed.

Christopher N.Kwiziq community member

Yes I am saying its too slow

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Thanks for the clarification. A lot of people have been remarking that it was too fast for them. I think that's why it was recorded a bit slower on the less advanced levels. But an option to hear at at two different speeds would, of course, be great!

Christopher N. asked:

Speed comprehension

I am using this as review but, maybe with a disclaimer you should offer at a slow and a native speed. I think that peoples ears and brains need to learn that language at native speed. Some overwhelming noncomprehension to help people realize how real language acquisition works. Maybe you do this for subscribers or something and I'm not too familiar with your services yet

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...