These are my two cents about learning French. I’m not going to give you the usual tips about how to learn French effectively, how to learn French fast, or how to become a fluent speaker in just a few months or a few weeks even! What I’m going to share here are real-life tips from my own perspective. I’m not saying this is the ultimate truth; it’s just what I’ve learned over the years as both a language learner and a language teacher.
1. Perseverance
Your perseverance should not be bound by time. What do I mean by that? Simply, you need to keep going. When the tide gets high or low, you keep going. When it’s no longer fun, you keep going. When you’re struggling or moving smoothly, you keep going. This is the number one tip I can give. Regardless of what you’re going through in your French learning journey, just keep going.
Now, keeping going doesn’t mean repeating the same things over and over again, especially if they’re not working. It means you don’t stop learning and you diversify your strategies. Use what works for you, even if it’s non-orthodox or goes against the grain of common advice.
2. Learn from Different Regions
Learn French from different geographical regions. This tip is often overlooked. People might think of it as the last chapter in language books where you get a couple of pages on cultural tips and tricks. Focus on this from day one. If you have access to resources like TV5MONDE, you’ll find a plethora of videos and exercises featuring people speaking French from various countries. This will give you a rounded perception of the language.
I know some may argue that this can be confusing, especially for beginners or intermediate learners, but it’s an excellent way to immerse yourself in real-life language. This is what most language books miss – how people actually use the language in media and daily interactions.
3. Understanding Spoken French
French is notoriously difficult to understand when spoken. One of my friends said French seems like a language with too many words to express a single idea compared to English. She’s right in a way. You might feel like you understand written French, but spoken French can be a different beast, especially when spoken naturally.
Remember tip number one: keep going. Push through the frustration and the feeling of being lost. Listen to French every single day if possible. What you listen to is up to you – movies, podcasts, or any spoken word material. Just make it a habit. Even if you abandon formal study, keep listening. Understanding spoken French can take months to years depending on your personal factors and native language. For example, you might understand news broadcasts because journalists speak clearly, but struggle with casual street interviews.
4. Reading
Read anything and everything in French. As a second language learner, processing material in a foreign language requires extra mental effort. By reading anything, I mean even things that may not seem relevant.
For instance, if you’re at a bookstore, read the synopsis on the back cover of a book. If you come across French material in your daily life, take the opportunity to read it. Waiting at the doctor’s office? Read French magazines. On a plane? Read the safety instructions in French. This trains your brain and helps you process the language faster.
Combine this with reading material that interests you, such as books and articles. Bilingual books can be particularly useful. Read the French text first before referring to the English translation. This helps you avoid relying too heavily on the English and promotes independent reading in French.
5. Speaking
Speak French whenever possible. French can be intimidating with its unfamiliar sounds and rhythms. Many French speakers also speak English, and they might switch to English to ease communication. However, whenever suitable, seize the opportunity to speak French.
By speaking French, you produce and comprehend the language simultaneously, which accelerates learning. Speaking in French might be stressful, but it’s essential. Engage in conversations with other learners, as they might better understand your learning needs. Native speakers can be helpful, but learners at different stages can offer more targeted support. And don’t fret over your accent. Make reasonable efforts to improve it but don’t let it deter you from speaking French.
To sum it up: keep going and never give up. Read French anywhere, anytime. Speak French whenever you can. Listen to French every day for at least 10 minutes.
Happy learning French!