Learn French

There are many ways to learn French, from self-study to attending university. Which approach works best is largely dependent on personal learning styles, preferences and circumstances. It is often the case that in a family, some members find one approach works best while others find another. Sometimes one needs to try a couple of different methods before determining which is best for oneself. Following is a general summary:

• Self-Study. There are a number of self-study packages, some of which are book-based (suitable for learning to read and write) and others which also include tapes (for learning oral French). The big advantage of these is that they are completely flexible; you can work at your own pace and fit the study around your available time. However, this flexibility means that it is very easy to push study to the side ('do it tomorrow'). In addition, the lack of social involvement, either with a teacher or other students, means that many people finding it a particularly lonely and boring activity. Due to these two factors, relatively few people find that they have the time and study discipline this approach requires. However, if you choose this approach, one of the most highly recommended packages is the set of study CDs produced by Michel Thomas (available from Amazon, among others).

• French Courses. There are a wide range of courses and associated approaches. These include private tutors, formal university classes, relatively informal community courses, and summer-camp type activity courses. The choice is largely down to personal preference and circumstances. All of them provide more structure and social contact than self-study, and consequently tend to be much more successful for most people.

• Daily Life & Community Activity. Once you have learned a little French, try to use it as much as possible in everyday activities. For example, even if the local shopkeepers speak English or understand sign language, practice your French with them. If you can become involved in a community activity or hobby, with French speakers, this will also help you reinforce and expand your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation. Remember that when English children are sent to a French school, they often learn more French in the playground than in the classroom. For most adults, making the opportunity to use French regularly is as important as formal study.