Interactions 2 par Gaël Crépieux, Olivier Massé, et Jean-Philippe Rousse

Abstract

Reviewed by: Interactions 2par Gaël Crépieux, Olivier Massé, et Jean-Philippe Rousse Juliette D. Duthoit C répieux, G aël, O livierM assé, et J ean-P hilippeR ousse. Interactions 2. 2 eéd. CLÉ international, 2020. ISBN 978-2-09-038694-3. Pp. 144. This textbook targets beginner learners of French (A1.2 level) who already have some experience learning French. The book is divided into 4 thematic units— socialiser, consommer, utiliser, voyager—each designed to be taught in twelve to fifteen hours of class. Each unit has three lessons, a class project (such as: "Organiser un circuit touristique en France"), and a mock exam for DELF A1. The lessons work on communication skills (oral interaction, written and oral comprehension and production), linguistic skills (grammar and phonetics), and cultural skills. The activities are indicated as individual, pair activities, group activities, or class activities. There is media material available at <https://interactions.cle-international.com>, which can be downloaded or used directly on the website: audio recordings, videos with and without French subtitles, and extra pictures for some activities. Interactions 2also comes with a booklet containing corrections and audio transcriptions for the DELF mock exam activities. The general aesthetic of the book is appealing. It is colorful and uncluttered, with plenty of illustrations. Material in the book—from the graphics to the audio recordings and readings—is mostly created and non-authentic, which has the advantage of being perfectly tailored to the lesson, activity, and the learners' knowledge. Regarding pronunciation, there is frequent use of French IPA symbols and exercises targeting phonetic or phonologic components, such as intonation, liaisons, or sound writing. The activities are varied, from classic grammar drills and dictations to communicative interviews and role plays. As in many European textbooks, the grammar pages appear late in the lesson and are succinct. There is little vocabulary listed within the lessons. Instructors are free to supplement vocabulary better suited to the needs of their specific learners. There is an effort made at diversity, as the characters depicted in the activities and readings have varied origins. However, the textbook focuses more on France and French regions than on other French-speaking countries. The French accents presented do not reflect diversity. The video and recordings tend to present a standard Parisian accent, even if the character speaking supposedly comes from Québec. This can be helpful for beginners who may not be ready to juggle various accents. Unfortunately, it does not reflect reality. It is also disappointing that such a recent book is not more inclusive, with no use of inclusive writing or inclusive pronouns such as iel. The lesson on family, for instance, does not present different models of families, and remains heteronormative. In a nutshell, this textbook is tailored for beginning learners, avoiding the issues of accents and complicated authentic material, and is aimed at improving communication skills without relying heavily on vocabulary or grammar. Instructors could use the book as is for lessons or could supplement it with their own activities, authentic documents, or vocabulary. [End Page 273] Juliette D. Duthoit Purdue University (IN) Copyright © 2022 American Association of Teachers of French