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contributed by Jennifer McCleary There are a lot of different resources that you can utilize when learning to speak French at home. Learning a new language was not an easy task for me, but these simple tips helped my out a lot with my Spanish language course. I learned to speak Spanish fluently enough to converse, read, and even write simple phrases in Spanish. So, now I am using these tips to help me learn French and they are working wonderfully! Tip #1: Watch Movies!This method is not only simple, it's fun, and it can really help develop a foundation. Start watching movies in English that have French subtitles. If you can't find any at your local video store, you can purchase many films online. Reading the subtitles while listening to the words in English helps you to better understand conversational French. Also, once you are starting to really be able to understand French, you can start watching movies, spoken in French, with English subtitles. Try to understand what is being said and use the subtitles only as a guide. This is an excellent way to pick up conversational language without having to visit a foreign country! Tip #2: Use Flash CardsThat's right, use this simple technique we were all taught in school! You can use flash cards in two different ways. First of all, you can place a card on objects around the house with the French word for that object. This will help you learn the French words for common things around the house. The second thing you can do with flash cards is put common phrases in French on one side of a card and then the English translation on the other side of the card. Then, speak the phrases in French when ever you have the opportunity. Tip #3: Read Comic Strips and Children's BooksI know it may sound silly but by using children's books you avoid advanced and hard to translate words. Take comic strips, or children's books, that you are familiar with, that have been translated into French and practice reading them. These publications will have simple sentence structure and should be fairly short in length. It is also helpful if you have a copy in English so that if you really get in a bind you can translate. Hopefully though, you will know the story well enough to fill in the blanks when you are unsure of a word or phrase. Nothing can replace an actual class, or course in speaking French. But, by using these three tips, you can incorporate learning French at home into your everyday life. This will help you pick up the language more naturally and without hours and hours of studying. You can use these techniques in addition to taking a class or by themselves in your spare time. Just remember, the best way to learn anything is through repetition and by incorporating new things into your everyday life! So, have fun and don't get frustrated. Just keep working and you will get it! P.S. These tips can be used to help learn any language! So, don't limit yourself just to French. Try German, Spanish, Italian, whatever you're interested in. Also, if you have children around, start using these techniques with them. Children pick up languages very easily, and then you will have partners in your new adventure! About the Author: Jennifer is a full time teacher and self proclaimed travel enthusiast. She has studied languages at school and has utilized this knowledge on her trips abroad. She has just come back from Mexico and is planning a trip to France. Did you find those tips on learning French at home useful? You can learn a lot more about how to learn French at home by visiting http://www.we-review-for-you.com/foreignlanguagereview.html. |
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