French Language Learning Tips

Looking for some inspiration, guidance and tips to help your French studies? Then read on….. Adults can’t learn French in the same way as children learn a language. Adults compare the language they are learning to their own native language and like logical answers to their answers, not just

“that’s just the way it is.” Unfortunately languages don’t work like that, including French, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the journey of learning French! And here are a few tips…..

Start learning what you actually need and want to know

If you’re learning French for work, learn vocabulary related to your work and not the names of French animals (unless you are a vet)! If you’re learning French to chat to your neighbours, learn everyday vocabulary, how to talk about yourself and others and how to ask questions. Adults don’t have the same capacity to learn hundreds of new words each week like children do, so it’s important to focus on the vocabulary that is useful to you.
Have fun
Learning French is an ongoing journey; you aren’t going to become fluent overnight so you need to make sure you enjoy studying. Make your French learning fun and interesting. Instead of just studying from books, try incorporating your own interests in your studies: read books in French about things that interest you, watch French comedy sketches if you are into comedy, read French sports magazines if you are into sport.
Reward yourself
Remember to reward yourself for your achievements. Maybe if you successfully chat to your neighbour, treat yourself to a French magazine. If you remember to use the past tense, then buy a nice bottle of French wine. It is important to reward progress instead of beating yourself up for making mistakes.

Don’t translate word for word
French is not just English/Spanish/German… with different words – it is a different language and it works in a different way, with different structures, different exceptions and expressions. It is important to learn to translate ideas rather than individual words.
Have a realistic goal

Learning a language takes a long time. There is no magical point where you will speak French like a native. You will learn, forget, learn some more, struggle with a concept or a tense, then overcome that and move on. It is a journey that you will enjoy if you make your French learning fit into your life in a way that suits you. Little and often is the key; it is better to do 30 minutes per day every day than 10 hours every 2 weeks. But if that is too much, do 5 minutes a day. Every little helps.

Learn French in context

Try and relate what you are learning to your life. You will remember more if it is a sentence describing something that is true to you, rather than an imaginary phrase. If you can learn a phrase and then practice it in the real world outside of the classroom afterwards, this is even better as it will cement the knowledge.

Incorporate French into your daily life

Try to find little ways to use French in your every day life…..

• Count in French
• Write your shopping list in French
• Use French recipes when cooking
• Listen to French radio in the car or while doing housework
• Label things around your house – with post its, fun with kids

Speak Out Loud

Speaking out loud in a comfortable environment is a great way to practice your pronunciation and learn how to get your mouth around French sounds. Try a conversation class, a pronunciation workshop or simply reading road signs or singing along to French music when you’re in the car on your own!!

Listen listen listen

If you can’t understand what people are saying to you, then communicating is really difficult. Listening to French can feel like a chore, but you can combine active and passive listening to mix it up. Passive listening is having French radio or French TV on in the background while driving, doing housework…. Active listening is listening intently to try to understand. Choose from listening exercises adapted to your level or real-life situations as both will benefit you.

Don’t stress over mistakes

It’s normal to make mistakes, and in the beginning you’re better off getting several sentences out in mediocre French than just two perfect words. If you ask someone to correct you all the time, you will get frustrated.

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