This little volume has been prepared with a twofold purpose in
mind: to provide material (1) for conversation and (2) for a
review in the elementary principles of the grammar.
To attempt to stimulate spontaneous conversation, even on simple
subjects, without the aid of a French model, not only is hazardous
but often becomes aimless, and at best results in the acquisition
of a limited vocabulary. Furthermore, it requires a skilful teacher
to adapt to such purposes the substance of a text prepared with
a totally different end in view.
The author, in the course of five years' experience with conversation
classes in the University of Michigan, had difficulty in finding
material for this work in a form that was adapted peculiarly
to his needs. Plays and anecdotes were found to yield the best
results.
Another need is that of books offering a systematic review of
the first year's work. In every class will be found a certain
per cent of students who translate readily but who have only a
hazy notion as to the practical application of some of the most
fundamental principles of the grammar.
It is hoped that this book will help to fill the two needs above
referred to. The anecdotes have been selected from a large number
used by the author in conversational classes and drawn from a great
variety of sources, many of which will be readily recognized.
He is in a number of cases indebted to Claude Augé's excellent
grammar. Most of the anecdotes have been adapted to the author's
purpose of illustrating grammatical principles. Questionnaires
have been inserted.
In the preparation of the _vocabulaire_, the Petit Larousse and
Hatzfeld-Darmesteter dictionaries have been freely consulted.
Students will at first require some aid and encouragement from
the teacher, in the use of the all-French vocabulary; but they
can be made, in a surprisingly short time, to form the habit of
using a French dictionary by preference, and of doing a large
part of their thinking in French.
It is suggested that the book be used on certain days of the
week only, to supplement the student's reading texts, and provide
the sort of exercise indicated by its title. It is not intended
as a reader.
The author's thanks are due to his former colleague, Professor
Hugo P. Thieme, of the University of Michigan, for many helpful
suggestions and criticisms, as well as to Professor René Talamon,
of the same institution, who kindly assisted in reading the proof.