If you want to pass a language requirement or order food at a Parisian cafe during your vacation, you should learn some basic French.If you have the confidence to speak, write, read, and comprehend the language under normal circumstances, then you are in good shape.You can expose yourself to written and spoken French once you have determined what fluency means for you and what your French language goals are.You can immerse yourself in environments with native French speakers by taking French language classes.
Step 1: French flashcards can be used throughout the day.
A stack of cards with common words in your native language on one side and the French equivalent on the other side is all you need.You can make your own flashcards, buy sets of cards, or print online.Pull out your flashcards when you have a few minutes to study.You can start with French or your native language.Pull out words that you have mastered when you add new words to your flashcard stack.For occasional review sessions, keep these pulled cards handy.
Step 2: You can make French music and sing along.
Put on a French music list when you are tidying up.French pop music can be heard through your earbuds.You can become an expert on the Edith Piaf and Johnny Hallyday song catalogs.It is easy to get access to an endless supply of French-language music thanks to the ubiquity of music streaming services.Singing in the shower is a great way to improve your pronunciation and vocabulary.
Step 3: You can watch French TV or online for over 30 minutes a day.
You can find a French-language news or entertainment channel on cable TV.You can find shows, movies, and short videos in French online.After you get more comfortable with the language, you can turn off the subtitles.France 24, which covers global news, and TV5Monde, which carries a range of French language shows, are sometimes carried by U.S. cable TV systems.Videos and shows from these stations can be accessed online.
Step 4: During your commute, listen to French audiobooks.
This is a great way to learn more about French.You will struggle to figure out what is being said, but you may be surprised by how quickly you pick it up.The more you listen, the better.You can get faster results if you ride the bus.You can listen while doing the dishes or gardening.
Step 5: French websites, newspapers, magazines, and books are read daily.
If you want to have daily exposure to listening to French, make sure you read some French every day.Look over French-language publications for at least 15 minutes.At first, keep a French-English dictionary handy.Context clues are used to figure out the meaning of a word or phrase.
Step 6: Take notes and remember what you have heard, seen, or read.
You can use your phone or a pen.Take a few notes in French while you listen, watch, or read.The best way to summarize the material is in French.Your notes and recaps may be very basic, but you will be able to write in more detail over time.When learning a language, competency in written expression is an important aspect.
Step 7: French is the language of your phone and other electronics.
After you begin to get more comfortable with the language, this is a great way to challenge yourself.If you get stuck, make sure you know how to switch the device back to your native language.
Step 8: You should switch up source materials every few weeks.
In other words, switch to a new show, style, genre, newspaper, and so on.You will be exposed to the ways in which the French language is used in different contexts.It's a good idea to switch things up frequently to ward off boredom.You can see what Le Figaro has to offer after you get used to Le Monde.
Step 9: You can take French classes in your area.
The obvious solution to getting better at French is to use this one.There is a good chance that a community college will offer French courses.If there is a small French-speaking community in your area, your odds may be better.If you can't find in-person classes nearby, online classes are a good alternative.Many learners benefit from interacting with their instructors in person.
Step 10: You can use aWebcam for remote tutoring.
It is possible to find an affordable French tutor in your area.If you're looking for tutors who use programs like Skype to work face-to-face with their clients, look online.If you know any fluent French speakers who live in the neighboring town or halfway around the world, you can use the internet to have French-language conversations with them once or a few times per week.It is possible to mix group-based instruction, one-on-one exposure, and self-guided work for many learners.
Step 11: You should interact with French speakers as much as possible.
In addition to making occasional Skype calls with your second cousin who lives in Montreal, seek out every opportunity to interact with native and/or fluent French speakers.You will pick up on the nuances of the language more quickly if you surround yourself with French people.If you are in college, you could set up a French club with a few friends who are also learning the language.You could converse only in French at the local cafe.
Step 12: You can immerse yourself in the language if you travel to a French-speaking area.
Looking for an excuse to go to Paris?Go for it!Put yourself in situations where you can use your French language skills the most.If you are trying to practice your French with a native speaker, they may want to speak your language instead so they can practice.If you set a schedule, you can speak your language and French at the same time.France isn't the only option here.You can head up to Quebec in Canada if you are in the U.S.There are countries with large numbers of French speakers in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean.
Step 13: Tailor your efforts to fit your goals.
Do you want to be able to communicate easily with a Francophone friend or relative in French?Is it possible to read classics of French literature in untranslated form?Do you want to move to the French Riviera?It will be easier to fine- tune your learning process if you are clear on your goals.If reading is your primary goal, you can focus more of your efforts there.If you work with a group of French-speaking scientists, you can tailor your training to emphasize the vocabulary used in your field.
Step 14: Understand whatfluency means to you.
The degree of mastery over the language you hope to achieve is related to establishing your particular goals for your French language skills.Even native speakers wouldn't be fluent if you said "Fluency" means you know everything about the language.If you can use the language to learn more, and if you don't need to rely on your native language, you might be considered fluent.In simpler terms, it means that you are confident in your ability to comprehend and express yourself in French whenever you need to.Make sure you understand the criteria for fluency if you need to demonstrate it for a particular job, as part of your education, or for immigration purposes.
Step 15: Emphasize both comprehension and expression skills.
You should expect it to mean that you are competent and confident with your French skills, even though it can mean different things to different people.Listening comprehension can be done comfortably while listening to a lecture.Sending long emails back and forth with a friend is a written expression.It is possible to read a French newspaper without looking up words.
Step 16: You have to create a schedule and intermediate goals.
There is no way around it.You can dedicate at least 60 minutes a day to working on your French skills.Setting goals for yourself along the way will help keep you motivated.If you want to confidently order dinner for two at a fancy French restaurant by the end of next month, or watch a full French newscast without subtitles, you should set a goal.When you achieve an intermediate goal, reward yourself.You can find a French bakery.