Tips to learn French
August 12, 2016
Learning a new language can be daunting, but with a good attitude and a little bit of motivation, learning Frenchin France can become child’s play.
Here are 10 tips to learn French fast:
1. Watch films
Watching films in French with French subtitles is one of the best ways to learn. Not only will you discover everyday idiomatic expressions and new vocabulary, but you will also be able to read words as the actors pronounce them: an ideal way to train your ear and improve your accent.
2. Learn with songs
Just like films, songs are an excellent way to learn French in a playful way. Translate the texts and sing them along. You will finally understand what your favorite French songs actually mean!
3. Read
Alternate between traditional study methods and more playful ones. You love detective novels? Why not read them in French? If you prefer lighter reads, buy magazines and use them to learn new vocabulary in relation to your passions.Comics? Comics are a very useful way to learn French, a mix of text and images facilitate the understanding and learning of French.
4. Find a partner
Find a native French speaker wishing to learn your mother tongue and alternate between conversations in French and in English. Everyone wins! If your spouse or a friend is also learning French, speak in French when you are together! Progress and fun guaranteed!
5. Don’t be scared to try and make mistakes
A lot of people don’t make progress simply because they don’t dive in — especially when it comes to speaking. Don’t be scared to make mistakes! The persons you speak to will gladly correct you and help you progress.
6. Listen!
Actively listen to other people speaking: notice how they use certain expressions and do not hesitate to ask for explanations. Even when you are busy doing something else, put on a French radio program: passive listening can also help you progress.
7. Practice
Take advantage of your moments of solitude to repeat the words and expressions you have learnt out loud. Don’t be scared to talk to yourself in order to work on your pronunciation!
8. Sign up for an intensive course
Whether it is in full immersion or in your home country, an intensive French courses can be an excellent way to learn French quickly. Be careful not to relax in your efforts once the course is over. To make sure you don’t lose what you have learnt, you need to keep practicing. Which brings us to the next point: consistency.
9. Be consistent
To learn quickly and efficiently, one must work everyday, even if it is only for five minutes each time.
10. Go for a full immersion
The best way to learn is certainly through full immersion. This can be daunting at first, but you will learn French in no time and will live unforgettable experiences. To avoid feeling completely lost, you can reach out to a French language school implanted in France. CIA itself is located on the French Riviera and offers tailored programs for all levels. Do not hesitate to contact us for further information!
