Learn French with these 5 tips
I recently started learning French, my third language and have been collecting resources to help speed up my progress. This article is a helpful guide to the best French language learning resources I’ve discovered.
Bonus tip: start by setting a measurable goal
Inspired by past trips to France and the latest seasons of Emily in Paris, I began picturing myself having my own adventure living in France for a few months. My goal is to be at a conversational level in French by the time I’m 40 as that is when this longer holiday will take place.
I kicked things off by signing up for a course at Alliance Française after trying to learn alone on Duolingo and realising just how challenging the pronunciation is. For this reason, my first tip is a language school or tutor.
1 Alliance Française
Alliance Françiase has 832 French language and cultural centres worldwide whose mission is to spread the French language and culture.
I was excited to join a class and to receive feedback on my accent early in the process to avoid developing bad habits. It has been really fun being back in the classroom environment. I recommend getting accent tutelage so that will have you nailing the basics from day one. Not only do you participate in a combination of speaking, listening, writing and reading activities; you will have access to membership resources that will help you improve these skills through comprehensible input website like Culturethèque.
2 Comprehensible input
What is comprehensible input?
‘Comprehensible input’ is acquiring a language through a method where you understand some of the words but not all of them. For instance, if you have been studying French for one month, and you try to read a novel in French it will likely be too difficult, however, if you tried to read a book for toddlers, you are likely to understand what the book is saying without needing a translation. As you acquire more language, the type of book you can read will gradually advance.
Comprehensible input a fancy way of saying, don’t get ahead of yourself.
What is an example of comprehensible input?
Luca from French Comprehensible Input is excellent. Using these videos I try to start practising my own ‘vocabulary of self’ and put words to everyday questions about my life, for example, where I live, how old I am, my family, my hobbies and daily habits, my work, etc. These will help when you come to tip 5.
3 Buying a beginner book
This brings me to my next point - buy a beginner ‘learn French’ book or hire one from your local library. A good place to start are the books by Ollie Richards. Story-based learning is a great way to see how phrases relate to each other.
There are few things more satisfying than finishing page after page of a book and understanding the story in your target language. Plus, there are comprehension activities at the end of each chapter to test whether you understood what you read.
I also recommend getting a French picture dictionary that will help you to remember the vocabulary and gender of day-to-day objects.
“The more you move, the easier it is to keep moving. Maintain the momentum.”
4 Listen to French Music
Immersing yourself in the culture and language is key to staying motivated to learn a language. There is so much beautiful French music to listen to, from L'Impératrice to Indila and La Femme. It’s exciting to know that I’ve just scratched the surface with music I may not have heard otherwise.
5 Practise speaking
I use HelloTalk for learning Spanish and know that this will come in handy as I develop my skills speaking in French. Finding a language partner who is patient with you is a game changer but is something I don’t recommend until you are past A1 level so that you’re able to introduce yourself, ask questions and have a basic conversation.
I highly recommend finding someone that you can text with, send voice messages, ask questions, send memes and have fun with the language. This will also make French part of your daily life in a natural way.
I hope these help you along your French learning journey as much as they are helping me with mine. I will add more tips and resources as I find them.
Bisous!