10 Comments
Am I right in thinking that there is no way to tell the difference between "ses mots" and "ces mots" pronunciation wise ?
1719
"Ses mots" and "ces mots" are homophones. Only context would tell you. Either is reasonable and accepted in an audio exercise.
- 467
I just got this one with the word list. When I previously had to translate it to French, Duo would not accept "mots" - it insisted on "paroles"...
- 1719
It was a slight omission but fixed now. As you may know, "paroles" means words in the sense of one's speech, not individual words. It's the same word used to refer to lyrics of a song, for example. Note, you may or may not include « comme » here.
"Ces mots sont du miel pour moi" is marked correct in the dictée, but the English transation appears as "Her words are honey to me."
It is evident that given just one sentence and without context, it is impossible to distinguish between "ces" and "ses".
Either the English translation needs to be modified accordingly, some context needs to be given or this example needs to be omitted.
- 1719
If you are given the audio exercise, either "ses" or "ces" is accepted. The way you answer does not change the way the exercise is presented, however. It is still "ses mots ...." That is just the way Duolingo works here by cutting you some slack when presented with homophones, either of which makes complete sense.
- 1054
The refusal to accept that 'ses' could be his or her in this sentence is a sexist presumption. Unacceptable.
- 1719
Easy there! Both "his" and "her" are accepted. So the only thing unacceptable here is the rush to make a sexist accusation.
