Learning french: five short talk radio shows to improve your language skills

IMPROVE YOUR FRENCH COMPREHENSION WITH THESE QUICK, INSIGHTFUL BROADCASTS THAT CAN ALSO BE LISTENED TO AS PODCASTS France does great radio but listening to it can be a daunting prospect for

a foreigner who is not yet fluent in the language. May I suggest that a good way to start is with a selection of chroniques (also called billets.) These are segments given over to an

extended personal comment or essay from an invited contributor. They are typically only three minutes long so you do not have to concentrate for long enough to get a headache. If you listen

to them as podcasts, rather than live, you will have the advantage of being able to choose a subject that interests you and perhaps you already know something about – meaning you will

understand a lot more at the first take. Some chroniques are also available as videos which makes them even easier to follow. Read also: What are some good radio shows to learn about French

culture? Here are four recommended chroniques that form part of the morning show (Le 7/10) on France’s public talk radio station, France Inter and one other short programme on the same

station that you may enjoy. Bonne écoute! 1. Géopolitique by Pierre Haski  If French domestic politics do not interest you, you might like these short broadcasts that explain what is

happening in the world outside France. Haski, a veteran foreign correspondent, picks a topic in the international news; says why it is significant; and unpacks the complexity in a measured,

objective manner. 2. Le billet de François Morel Friday mornings. Morel is a well-known actor, director and screenwriter and he always has an interesting take on life. His witty and

insightful essays cover an eclectic range of subjects – anything that takes his fancy – and they have been collected into books including Ca va aller ! 3. LE BILLET DE SOPHIE ARAM Humour can

be difficult to follow if it is loaded with cultural references and in-jokes, but Aram speaks clearly and makes good arguments in an amusing way. She tackles subjects of political and

social relevance. 4. EN TOUTE SUBJECTIVITÉ  A cast of regular commentators is invited to deliver a point of view on a topic of the speaker’s own choosing. One guest once used the opportunity

to explain how as a media personality she is often expected to comment on subjects she knows nothing about.  Generally, however this is a slot for informed comment and it is often used to

give attention to an item in the news that might otherwise be treated as a soundbite. 5. LE JEU DES €1,000 12.45 daily. This is not a chronique but I include it here because it is a good,

short programme to practise your French comprehension. It’s a ‘round France’ quiz broken up into 15 minute daily bites. The questions are about France and to do with general knowledge. Read

also: Films and series to watch in February to improve your French