Culture: Les applications françaises!

Do you have a smart phone or a tablet? If so, a great way to get involved with a language is to download some free apps to help you with your learning.

For those of you who own an apple product, I've tried out a couple of apps and here are the top 5 in no particular order. I've included the official name of the app  first and placed the name as it appears in itunes in brackets.

Le Monde.fr

This French newspaper has an app on which you can read the latest articles. Although it can be heavy reading, it offers insight into the latest French opinion on hot topics and for slightly lighter reading, you can visit the 'Vous' or 'Style' sections. Unlike a lot of other magazines and newspapers, Le Monde app allows you to read at your leisure without paying. Internet is required to update the stories, but once they have been updated, it can be read without a connection. It also seems to be available through android.

****

Hot Radio France (Hot radio FR):

This app allows you to listen to heaps of French radio stations live from wherever you live (so long as you have internet). It's great for practicing your listening comprehension, but also gives you some great insight into French culture and current issues. Radio stations are dived into categories such as News/Talkshow, Music and Top 10. It includes a timer, so you can listen as you fall asleep and it will turn itself off. However, a lot of the music is in English, especially on the popular music stations.

Also check out Radio France, for the more official French radio stations.

***

Culture-Générale.fr:

This app is based on a blog by the same name, and is updated regularly with a little snippet of information regarding part of today's French culture. You can read the updates as they come in, or you can browse by topic: Geography, history, sciences, society, sports, nature, diverse and pointless (just so you know).
The pieces are well written and interesting, and because they are short and to the point, they are great for reading practice and for expanding your vocabulary on a certain topic.

The app is well set out, easy to follow and will tell you which items you have read previously and which are still 'New'. Requires internet to update.

****

100 Orthographe (100 Questions):

This app is really designed for native French speakers, but for those who want a challenge it is a good way to fine tune your grammar and spelling skills. Dived into the sections of Conjugation, Participles, Genre and Number and Spelling, you can practice building up your skills before you play the game. There are 5 different levels- of you can reach Niveu V- Erudit (Level 5, Scholar) with no erreurs, you can consider yourself a true French grammar and spelling champion! If, like me, you find level one challenging enough, know that with every mistake you make you get one step closer to fluent sounding French.

***

Go Pilates (fr-Pilates):

This app is awesome if you are into Pilates and there is also a Yoga version available for yoga fanatics. I would recommend this app for use by people who have a decent level of reading comprehension, and that you make sure you understand the recommendations and instructions before commencing an exercise.

Exercises can be found by degree of difficulty, by level, by purpose or by marking them as favourites.
There are also structured  séances (sessions) of 15, 30 and 45 minutes, as well as the opportunity to create and save your own.

The pictures are simple and easy to understand, and there are comments and instructions for further clarification. I would recommend this app for people who have some previous experience practicing Pilates with a qualified instructor and who want to work their abs and their minds at the same time. (bonus points- do a Pilates session whilst listening to French radio :))

****


Other apps of interest:

For students: MediaEtudiant.fr
An app for university students living in France,  it offers some interesting articles, recipes and quizzes.

For film lovers: le, cinéma français (french cinema)
An app for those who like to be up to date with the film scene in France. It offers some great reviews on up and coming movies, so if you ever want some inspiration, you'll know which French movie to hire out.

For foodies: allrecipes.fr
This app includes a recipe spinner- simply select the type of meal, the key ingredient and the time you have to cook. The app then selects the recipes that fit. This app is useful, but it does help to have a good vocabulary around food, temperatures and lengths of time... otherwise you could end up concocting a dinner that is less than edible!

Also, you can check out the whole range of French apps on itunes here.

If you have tried out one of the apps above, or one you discovered on your own, please let the rest of us know what you thought in the comments section below. Happy apping!