French through impressions

THE AXIS for qualified Indians seeking employment abroad is gradually but perceptibly moving from the Eldorado of the U.S. to the European countries that have awoken to the immense resource of human potential that can be tapped from India. Consequently, the demand for learning and proficiency in European languages, chiefly French and German is on the rise. This is most evident during vacation times when school and college students enrol themselves in language learning classes.

'Inaword' is a school for learning French, with a difference. "Language-learning is futile if the target is only the acquisition of a diploma/certificate," says Zenobia Irani Dang, one of the instructors and partners of this school which functions in the premises of the Abacus School, at 39, Besant Avenue, in Adyar. "Proficiency in language is born from conversational practice, and not from written exercises alone". At 'Inaword' the emphasis is on learning French through the medium of French, with trained instructors like Padmini Rajagopal, Shailaja Mani, Zenobia and others. "The important thing is to speak like the French, with the right pronunciation, accent and intonation", adds Zenobia who has been exposed to living in France where she was engaged in extensive interpretation and translation assignments. Both Padmini and Zenobia have benefited with their 'immersion' in French life and culture and this gives them the edge in effectively simulating the pulse of French life and bridging the culture gap for the learners.

'Inaword' projects a professional set-up that offers customised courses. The accent is on 'small groups'. Shailaja Mani is very emphatic that language learning needs loads of personal attention and small groups are conducive to 'conversation build-ups' where no one gets ignored. Moreover, there is no compulsion of taking an examination at the end of the course, so language learning takes place in a 'stress-free environment' and language is learned thoroughly, for the love of it. However, a proficiency certification is also given on completion of the stipulated hours of each course.

Various courses are offered at 'Inaword', depending upon the needs of the learners. According to Padmini, the bulk of students are from schools where French is offered as a second language but where learning is examination-oriented. They come to 'Inaword' to gain practice in conversational French, which is lacking in institutions which cater for large classroom groups, and also to pick up the 'nuances of the language', which helps them to construct better essays for the school curriculum. The demand is at its peak during vacations, therefore 'Inaword' has plans to offer special courses from 7th April this year. Details could be had from any of the three partners Zenobia (4323932), Padmini (4996009), Shailaja (4413972). Short module courses are also offered to those who have the time-crunch, but need to learn the language just to 'get-by' in Europe while on brief visits or assignments.

Where do they go from here, I enquired? There's a lot on the cards. All three are flooded with translation assignments for multi-national companies, and frequently step-in for interpretation duties at conferences, which often include trips abroad. They also impart training in conversational French to Corporate Executives.'Le Circle Literaire' for French language- buffs to meet and interact and discuss literary works, etc. is also an important activity of 'Inaword'. A fairly good collection of French magazines is also available in the library for those interested in keeping in touch with French life. In the near future, it is proposed to cater for the needs of enthusiasts who wish to hone their skills in Spoken German, Spanish and guess what? Tamil too! But, their professional approach has kept their enthusiasm at bay and as Zenobia says, "It's got to be one step at a time."

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