French Dictée | Le feu
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571 Galapago St, Denver, CO 80204 |
À vos stylos! French Dictée
The Alliance Française invites you to take part in a French dictée this November, a cherished tradition for generations of students in France and across the Francophone world. In the days surrounding Remembrance Day on November 11, we will mark the anniversary of the Armistice with an excerpt from Le Feu by Henri Barbusse. Published in 1916 and awarded the Prix Goncourt, this searing novel, drawn from the author's own experience in the trenches, gives voice to the ordinary soldiers of the First World War.
What is a dictée?
The dictée is a classic French language exercise in which participants listen to a text read aloud and write it down as accurately as possible. Beyond spelling, it is a powerful way to improve listening comprehension, reinforce grammar and syntax, and engage deeply with the rhythm and nuance of the French language.
How will the event take place?
The event will begin with a brief introduction to the author and the selected excerpt. The text will then be read aloud several times: first at a natural pace, then more slowly to allow participants to write, and finally once more in full. The dictation will be followed by a correction, offering space to discuss challenging points, language choices, and the meaning of the text in a welcoming, judgment-free atmosphere.
📘 Recommended level: B1 and above
This event is designed for learners at a B1+ level who are comfortable working with authentic texts and looking to challenge
themselves.
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About the Book: Le feu by Henri Barbusse
Le Feu (1916) is Henri Barbusse's unflinching novel of life in the trenches of the First World War. Barbusse wrote it after serving on the front lines and being wounded, and it follows a squad of ordinary French soldiers from different regions and walks of life as they endure mud, cold, exhaustion, and the constant presence of death. Rather than glorifying battle, Barbusse portrays the war through the eyes of the common infantryman, in a raw, realistic style that mixes vivid description with the earthy dialogue of the poilus themselves. First serialized in a newspaper and then published as a book, it won the Prix Goncourt in 1916 and was among the first major works to challenge official narratives about the war.
Whether you are passionate about literature, or simply looking to practice your French in a meaningful way, this dictation is an
invitation to listen closely, write carefully, and celebrate the richness of the French language together.
Cost: $5 for non-members, free for AFD members
Special prize: One participant will be randomly selected to win a copy of Le feu!
✍️ À vos stylos!
In partnership with SCFD, Scientific & Cultural Facilities District
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