Alter Ego method is a combination of books, audio and workbooks for learning French as a foreign language. This method comprises 5 levels and is designed for 15-year-olds+ and for adult language education. Many Alliance Française schools have used this method in their language education programs for years. What the advantages and disadvantages of using Alter Ego? Is Alter Ego worth it for learning French?
If you are a complete beginner in the French language, or if you know a few basics to help you get around: This is not a D.I.Y. method for complete beginners, and this could be seen as a disadvantage if you prefer self-learning. This is because if you know your learning pace and you have a final goal for your learning, this method won’t provide the flexibility to take you there on your own. The reason for this is that the success or failure of using this method depends on going through the full curriculum and through the 5 levels that Alter Ego offers.
However, if you already have some independent French language skills and you can navigate a French language environment with relative ease: You can peruse this method as a solo learner and Alter Ego could be worth it, but only if you use it for targeted learning. For example, it’s ok to use it with some success if you know where in the Alter Ego learning materials to look. Even if your knowledge of the language is barely intermediate, it is possible to still adapt some of the Alter Ego resources for your purposes, but with some limitations. So, if you are looking to improve your grammar skills, and you know exactly what you’d need to work on, then you could in theory use the Alter Ego package for self-learning in this targeted way.
The problem with using Alter Ego in a self-taught manner is deciding what criteria to use to decide its use to you? You need to get very clear about what you would like to learn and your learning timetable.
If, on the other hand, you are using Alter Ego as part of the full 5-level curriculum that it was designed for, you can assess its use to you and if you’re successful with it by referring to evaluation criteria such as:
- Is it Fun?
Do you enjoy learning in a classroom environment with an instructor? Is the content fun or is it elaborating a grammar point in an otherwise boring or cumbersome delivery? Alter Ego is more fun than not (although its delivery is far from a game app like Duolingo).
- Speed & Pace:
Does Alter Ego align with your learning pace? Does it work for your schedule (keep in mind classes might take place on weekends or on evenings after work hours) or your timetable? This will vary for each person.
- Cost & Access:
Alter Ego is one of the more expensive methods for learning French as a foreign language. Keep in mind that you’d need to buy the Book + Workbook package at each of the 5 levels in order to get the best out of this method. If you are attending classes with an instructor it is even pricier. Furthermore, you would need to adapt your availability. It is a big commitment.
- Is it comprehensive?
Alter Ego is geared towards DELF competency. If you manage to complete all 5 levels (which few can given the commitment) the future looks good for your French.
- Is it flexible?
It is not very flexible, because it requires you complete all 5 levels to get to the DELF, and to the results that this method promises.
If you’re going it alone, use your own evaluation criteria. Bonne chance!
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