If you’ve learned languages before, go back over how you learned them and see what worked for you and what didn’t. In most classroom settings you will do a lot of writing, but less speaking. Speaking the language and immersing yourself in it is extremely important and a way to become more efficient at the language more quickly.
Make sure that you keep practicing the words you’ve used previously, so you don’t forget them as you memorize new words. The top ten most common French words are: être (to be, being), avoir (to have), je (I), de (of, from, by, than, in, with), ne (not), pas (not; step, pace), le (the; him, it (referring to a masculine singular noun)), la (the; her, it (referring to a feminine singular noun)), tu (you), vous (you, yourself). [2] X Research source Label everything in your house with the French word and make sure you say the words out loud whenever you read them. Make yourself flash cards and use them when you’re on the bus, during commercials while you’re watching t. v. or whenever you have a bit of downtime.
Grammar is incredibly important to learning a language. To speak it properly, you’ll need to understand how verbs work, how present, past, and future tenses work, and how genders work with nouns. We say things forward in English e. x. The bathroom, whereas the french (and the rest of the world) say things backward, taking longer to say it e. x. the room of bath. Learn pronunciation. This is especially important with French, where to English speakers, the written words look nothing like the spoken language. For instance, French has vowels like “eau” which is pronounced “o” or “oi” which is pronounced “wa. “[3] X Research source You will need to know how these pronunciations work.
Children’s books are a great place to start when learning to read any language. Since they help children learn their native language they are a great way for someone learning the language can get a handle on reading it. Another idea is to find your favorite books in French. This will help keep your interest and will help you decipher the text since you already know the plot. It’s good to start simple, since a too-challenging book at the start of your learning will only frustrate you. [4] X Research source Keep a French journal. Even if you only write a few sentences in it every day, it will help show you how much you’ve improved and will give you a chance to practice the language.
Many polyglots (folks who know more than one language) swear by the “shadowing” technique for learning a language quickly. Go outside and put your headphones on. While you play the language, walk briskly. As you’re walking repeat out loud and clearly what you’re hearing. Repeat, march, repeat. This will help you connect movement with the language and to retrain your focus so that you aren’t obsessing about memorization. [5] X Research source Listening to natural French speakers will help you get a handle on how quickly French is spoken and how the intonation works. The more you listen, the better you will get. In the beginning, while you’re watching a movie, have the French subtitles on so you can better follow along with the dialogue and can start to see how the words you’ve been reading act when spoken.
Find a penpal, or skype buddy who speaks French as their native language. There are lots of programs over the internet or through colleges and local language schools that can set people up with people who speak French. Don’t be upset by critique of your pronunciation. Instead, thank the critic and work on improving Talk out loud to yourself in French. Narrate what you’re doing. If you’re doing the dishes, or driving a car, talk about that. Pay attention to your intonation and pronunciation.
Think in French. Set aside time during the day to practice thinking in French. Go to the grocery store and think about the items in the store and the conversations you have with people. Practice reworking those interactions into French. [6] X Research source Turn your Facebook (or other social media) settings to French. You still know where everything is, but it makes you have to practice what you’re learning in a practical manner. Don’t give up! Sometimes it can seem like you’re never going to get it, but you will. As long as you practice and vary your learning methods, there’s no reason for you to not learn French.
“Bonjour” which means “Hello” is pronounced “bohn-zhoor. " “Je m’appelle. . . " means “My name is. . . " and is pronounced “zhuh mah-pehl. " “Au revoir” means “goodbye” and is pronounced “oh-reh-vwar. "
“Parlez lentement” means “Please speak slowly” and is pronounced “par-lay lehn-ta-mohn. " “Je ne comprends pas” means “I don’t understand” and is pronounced “zhuh nuh kohn-prahn pah. "
