INTRODUCTORY WORD

A MODERN language has no place in the American curriculum unless it can give the student a broader view of life by showing him the thought, character, and ideals of another and older race. It was with this aim in mind that the following collection was edited. The Petits Contes de France are real French stories in which French thought, character, and ideals hâve been simply and clearly portrayed.

Intended as a first year reader, its object is to instill an interest in and a love for France from the very beginning. To do this, historical and traditional backgrounds truly représentative of France were sought. Thèse stories are not to be read rapidly ; the material is worthy of intensive study.

The style is exceedingly simple, but there are at the same time enough " atmosphère *' words to make the reading genuine French French. The book does not contain more than a score of simple idioms. The contents hâve been made as varied ^ «^ as possible in order to avoid a too restricted vocabulary. The " Table des Matières '* will show that a ^^ serious effort has been made to give the studeat

6 Introductory Word

a practical vocabulary applying to home, country, city, sea, military, and religious life.

The " Etude de Mots " at the end of the text has been arranged in related groups for intensive study of vocabulary. If used while the stories are being studied or at the completion of the book, the association groups will prove a valuable help.

The *' Questionnaire '* is intended to help the student in thoroughly preparing the day's assignment and to familiarize him with varied forms of French questions. It will be found that because of the dramatic quality of the stories, they will easily lend themselves to numerous other questions.

It is essential that the explanatory notes in the " Table des Matières '* be read before each story is begun.

Attention is called to the map and to the numerous illustrations which accompany the stories. Animated conversation can be awakened by raeans of questions and answers based on the pictures, formulated by teacher and student. Since the stories hâve been chosen to represent différent parts of France in order to give the student a bird*s-eye view of its geography, the map inserted will greatly aid in impressing this part of the study of French upon the students.

In short, it has been the aim of the authors to /yroàuce a book whose characters are French types

Introductory Word 7

upholding French ideals of love, honor, duty, efficiency, and service.

The authors wish to thank Professor B. Méras, Director of Stern's School of Languages of New York, for his advice and inspiration, without which this little book would hâve been impossible.