Generally helpful resource
News in Slow French is a worthwhile addition to your language-learning routine, but it’s not without its flaws.
The Good. Learning a language while reading the news keeps things interesting. The app lets you listen to the news in French while following along with a written transcript and it highlights key vocabulary with translations to build your vocabulary. With beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, you can challenge yourself as your comprehension improves.
The Bad. The app’s functionality is basic and occasionally clunky. You can “download” lessons, but they won’t play without an Internet connection—a major flaw that defeats the purpose of offline listening. Forget about using it on a plane or out on a trail run.
The Ugly. In classic French fashion, the podcast hosts love political commentary. Unfortunately, they have little grasp of U.S. politics and culture, and nearly every episode features one or two stories relying on vague sources to justify sweeping, inaccurate generalizations about Americans.
Bottom Line. Despite its drawbacks, News in Slow French can be a helpful learning tool. If you can overlook the political bias, it’s an often-enjoyable way to strengthen your French comprehension.
The Good. Learning a language while reading the news keeps things interesting. The app lets you listen to the news in French while following along with a written transcript and it highlights key vocabulary with translations to build your vocabulary. With beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, you can challenge yourself as your comprehension improves.
The Bad. The app’s functionality is basic and occasionally clunky. You can “download” lessons, but they won’t play without an Internet connection—a major flaw that defeats the purpose of offline listening. Forget about using it on a plane or out on a trail run.
The Ugly. In classic French fashion, the podcast hosts love political commentary. Unfortunately, they have little grasp of U.S. politics and culture, and nearly every episode features one or two stories relying on vague sources to justify sweeping, inaccurate generalizations about Americans.
Bottom Line. Despite its drawbacks, News in Slow French can be a helpful learning tool. If you can overlook the political bias, it’s an often-enjoyable way to strengthen your French comprehension.
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Response from developer
To download content for offline play with the app (the links to the app are on the website's main menu), you must add it to an existing playlist or create a new one. Open any news story and at the top of the screen click on “add to playlist”. Select an existing playlist or create a new one. Repeat this process with other news stories from any category. Once you have finished building your playlist click on “playlists” at the bottom of your screen. Choose the playlist you want to download for offline continuous play and click on the download icon to the right. Now you’re ready to listen to your playlist offline! In the “playlists” screen you can also delete playlists from your device, edit their contents, and change their names.
Love the layout and translation function
Simple app. Solid news stories
Great resource!
One of my favorite ways to learn/listen to Italian! Keep it up! Only complaint is I wish there was more podcasts!
Love the layout and translation function
Simple app. Solid news stories
Leftist Drivel
While the concept is good, especially the phrase translation, the politics of the subject matter is offensively liberal. It would really be a great app, if the reporters would just report the news. Unbiased news.
