Lesson: Understanding a French Airport Dialogue
Situation: Nana is coming for a language stay in France. She has just arrived at the airport where two members of her host family are waiting for her. It’s the first time they meet.
Here is the complete dialogue between Julie, Théo, and Nana:
Key Phrases and Vocabulary
- Tu vas bien? – Are you okay? / How are you?
- Tu n’es pas fatiguée ? – Aren’t you tired?
- Si un peu, mais ça va. – Yes, a little, but it’s okay.
- C’est normal. – It’s normal.
- Le voyage est long. – The journey is long.
- C’est un vol direct ? – Is it a direct flight?
- Heureusement. – Fortunately.
- Vous venez ? C’est par là. – Are you coming? It’s this way.
- Je prends ta valise. – I’ll take your suitcase.
- Je prends ton sac à dos. – I’ll take your backpack.
- Merci. – Thank you.
✚ Explanation of Dialogue
This section explains the context and key phrases used in the dialogue, highlighting common vocabulary and expressions.
Greetings:
The dialogue begins with Julie greeting Nana: “Nana…” Nana replies, “Bonjour Julie!” This exchange demonstrates a typical friendly greeting in French.
Well-Being and Fatigue: Julie asks, “Tu vas bien? Tu n’es pas fatiguée?” (Are you okay? Aren’t you tired?) Nana responds, “Si un peu, mais ça va.” (Yes, a little, but it’s okay.)
Long Journey:
Julie acknowledges the long journey, saying, “C’est normal. Le voyage est long, n’est-ce pas?” (It’s normal. The journey is long, isn’t it?) Nana confirms the length, “Oui, au moins 12 heures.” (Yes, at least 12 hours.) Julie follows up with, “12 heures? C’est un vol direct?” (12 hours? Is it a direct flight?)
Introduction and Help:
Théo introduces himself: “Moi, c’est Théo. Bonjour.” Nana replies, “Bonjour.” Julie then asks, “Vous venez? C’est par là.” (Are you coming? It’s this way.) This interaction shows typical introductions and offering assistance.
Carrying Luggage:
Julie and Théo offer to help with Nana’s luggage, with Julie saying, “Je prends ta valise.” (I’ll take your suitcase.) Théo adds, “Je prends ton sac à dos.” (I’ll take your backpack.)
Surprise and Concern:
The dialogue ends with Nana’s realization, “Oh! Mon passeport…” This sudden concern suggests she may have misplaced her passport, indicating a shift in mood and possible problem-solving.
🍀 Exercises to Practice Understanding 🍀
🔷 Exercise 1: Comprehension Questions
- What is the relationship between Julie and Nana?
- How long was Nana’s journey to France?
- What does Julie offer to carry for Nana?
🔷 Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
- Julie asks Nana, “________ tu vas bien?”
- Nana replies, “Oui, au moins ________ heures.”
- Théo says, “Je prends ton ________.”
Exercice 3 : Complete with a subject pronoun ( je, tu, il, elle, nous, vous, ils, elles ) or a stressed pronoun ( moi, toi, lui, elle, nous, vous, eux, elles)
- _____ suis étudiante, mais ____ , il est ingénieur.
- – Ce cadeau, c’est pour Marianne ? – Oui, c’est pour ______ .
- – C’est votre manteau, madame ? – Non, ce n’est pas à ____ .
- ____ travaillons plus que nos voisins. ____ aussi, vous travaillez plus qu’____ , n’est-ce pas ?
- – Sur la photo, c’est Loïc ? – Non, ce n’est pas ____ , c’est son frère.
Training :
Understanding this dialogue and practicing the exercises will help you become more comfortable with conversational French in real-life scenarios. Use these common phrases and interactions to improve your comprehension and fluency in French.