Here Are 5 Guidelines On Learning And Speaking French
By: Benedict Smythe
Submitted: 2008-08-16 11:42:08 | Word Count: 549
There is no specific formula for learning a second language. Learning any language would require effort, time and much patience. There are many techniques, however, which will help any learner become more efficient in learning any language such as French.
There are two aspects that must be remembered by anyone wanting to learn French. First, learning French requires constant studying; and second, it requires much practice. These two aspects always go together as vocabulary words are rendered useless if the person would not constantly use them even in simple conversation.
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5 Helpful Tips
1. Try to enroll in French classes. There are several ways that classes are held—in language schools or French classes in local communities, colleges or education centers.
2. There are now French lessons that are held online. Online lessons begin with the French basics such as vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and lessons on verb. The online learner has the option to go through the outline of lessons or to study according to topics. Online lessons also point at the major differences of the French and English languages.
3. It would be helpful for someone learning French to purchase audio cassette tapes or CDs that teach French. This would give the learner an opportunity to learn French even in idle moments such as waiting in line or being stuck in traffic. Constantly listening to such tapes would make the learner accustomed to how French words are pronounced and how they can be used in everyday conversations.
Listening to French radio and watching television shows in French might be difficult at first but the learner would soon pick up the rhythms of the language. French people are also fond of making films so it would be an added learning experience if the learner could watch any of these films and take note of the French people’s cultures and traditions. Sometimes, understanding the general culture of French people would make the learner understand the etymology of their language. French movies with English subtitles would also be beneficial as the learner can read the meaning in English while hearing its French counterpart. This will give the learner an experience of decoding French into English.
4. Read French materials such as French magazines and newspapers. A learner must take note of all the unfamiliar French terms that he would encounter in all the articles that he reads. It would be helpful to have a French dictionary alongside every reading material.
A French learner must also get to read the famous French literary works of Alexandre Dumas and Jules Verne. Appreciation of France’s culture through these books would help the learner strive to understand the language.
5. The best practice for anyone learning French is to speak and write using the language. Use French wherever and whenever the opportunity would arise. Write grocery lists in French, decode the ingredients on French cuisine, and try thinking of things in French. This means total immersion to learning the language. One great way to constantly practice French is to join a coalition that promotes French such as Alliance Francaise (a non profit organization).
Every French learner must understand all these aspects but, above all, he must have fun while learning. Minus the element of fun, learning French is nothing more than a need to just learn a second language.
