French Language Guide (3): Ways to Learn French
Saturday, 21st July 2007
Making the decision to learn a language and actually going about it can be two very different things. It can be a daunting enough experience deciding to learn a new skill, especially later in life, let alone be faced with a myriad of ways in which to do it.
Making the decision to learn a language and actually going about it can be two very different things. It can be a daunting enough experience deciding to learn a new skill, especially later in life, let alone be faced with a myriad of ways in which to do it.
Below is an overview of the different ways you can learn French - and remember, you don’t have to stick to just one. Choosing a combination of learning methods can often make it easier to fit language learning into your routine - to say nothing of stimulating the mind and ensuring you stay motivated!
- French language course abroad
- French immersion/residential course
- French evening class
- French self-study software
- French books
- Online French tuition
- French podcasts
- French film, music, radio, etc.
French Language Course Abroad: Learning a language in the country where it’s spoken is arguably the best way to get results - and have the most fun while you’re at it. When you walk out of class the lesson is only just beginning: surrounded by the sights and sounds of your chosen language and culture, you can’t help but soak it all up and practise what you’ve learned with everyone from the waiter to the boulanger to the bus driver. You will encounter fascinating people and have random experiences that would be impossible through a CD or evening class back home. And, most importantly, you will be inspired and gain confidence - by being understood for the first time in a real-life situation, by making a stranger smile, by realising that you have the ability to get by in a foreign environment.
Language courses abroad are available from one week upwards, for all ages and levels, in a huge variety of locations across the globe. Classes usually take place in the morning, leaving you the rest of the day to explore, join other students in activities organised by the school...or just sit back on a sunny café terrace and soak it all up.
Cactus Language organises French language courses (which can be combined with activities ranging from golf and surfing to cookery and wine tasting) in some 15 locations across France, including Paris, Aix-en-Provence and Bordeaux. Courses are also available further afield in Monaco, Switzerland, Canada and Guadeloupe.
French Immersion/Residential Course: Ideal for those wanting to completely immerse themselves in the language by taking classes and living with their tutor. By sharing mealtimes, visits into town and activities outside class, you will naturally be exposed to the language all day, every day. Having to make constant conversation can be intense but effective, as you will immediately put into use what you have learned. An immersion course is suitable for those who need to make rapid progress in a short time.
French Evening Class: If you can’t go abroad, or if you want to brush up your language between trips abroad, an evening class is ideal. Your local Adult Education centre or community centre may run courses, or even the university.
Make sure when booking your class that your teacher is a native speaker, and check how many students there are per class: the less students you are, the more interaction you will have with each other and the more individual attention you will receive from the teacher. Your teacher should use material from a variety of sources - newspapers, music, games, role play, etc. - to work on the main language skills of the group, and keep classes fun and interactive. With a couple of hours’ tuition per week you cannot expect to advance too far without doing some homework, though, so expect to do a few hours’ study on your own too. Learning a language in a social environment like this opens you up to meeting new people, it encourages you to practise your skills then and there...and it gives you motivation to come back the following week.
Cactus runs 10-week French evening courses in the UK (over 30 locations) and in North America (US & Canada), on various start dates throughout the year. Classes average 8 students.
French Self-Study Software: CDs and accompanying books are an easy and popular way to kick-start your language learning, or boost it in between other courses. These provide valuable listening and comprehension practice. Quality and effectiveness of software can vary from brand to brand, so check exactly what is included, how long they recommend you study for and what level you are expected to start at / reach, to make sure that it matches your goals. Usually - but not always - the more you pay, the more topics and skills are covered.
Popular French learning software includes Michel Thomas, Rosetta Stone, Linguaphone, Champs-Elysées, Teach Yourself and euroTalk.
French Books: Besides the books that often accompany self-study software you can buy separate language learning books containing texts, grammar modules, vocabulary lists and practice exercises. These are good to practise reading and writing skills, and to get a base in essential grammar and vocabulary. It is advisable to support this type of study with extra listening and speaking practice.
Online French Tuition: Online learning is totally flexible and geared to your own specific needs and interests. You have your own private tutor, and lessons can take place any time of day, for as little or as long as you want. All you need is a computer, headset and webcam. Online learning tends to be more expensive than other methods of learning French, but results are achieved fast - particularly in listening and speaking. As such it suits people who are short on time and willing to invest a bit more - business people, for example, taking a French course for work. Cactus Language Training organises online French tuition geared to your exact requirements, while the BBC offers ready-made French courses at varying levels.
French Podcasts: Podcasting is an ideal way to learn French when you’re out and about and on the move, via your iPod, mp3 player or similar. If you subscribe to a French language podcast you will automatically receive your next lesson as soon as it’s available. Otherwise, you can download individual lessons. Self-learning by podcast will give you mostly listening and reading practice, but it is a great supplement to your language learning as you can follow it whenever - and wherever - you want.
French Film, Music, Radio, etc: Find out how to make French a part of your everyday life.
Tags: guide, french, culture, location, part-time evening course, evening class, surfing, united states, france, united kingdom, general, immersion, french evening class
Posted by Sarah Gooding under Language guides,
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