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Learn to speak French
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As many more people are wishing to learn a second language the market for CD French courses is growing rapidly.
However, be aware that there are good and not so good CD courses out there. Use this guide to help you choose the best one for you.
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Nowadays there is a huge choice of learning tools that will tempt even the most language shy learner. |
We all learn at different speeds and some of us have a better ear for languages than others. However 'everyone' can learn another language if given the right tools.
Don't worry about speed but worry more about commiting yourself to learning and exposing yourself to French. The more you listen and learn, the faster you will get there.
* Is it possible to 'teach yourself' to speak French?
* My TOP 5 French language CD courses/programmes
The answer is « YES » and « NO ».
With any self learning package, no matter what the subject, you need to be self disciplined. Your progress will depend on your desire to speak and learn French.
"YES"….. Books can teach you the grammar. Work books can provide exercises to practice what you have learnt.
"YES"….. Audio and Video can help you listen to the correct pronunciation.
"YES"….. Software packages allow you to learn to speak French in an interactive way exercising written, listening and audio skills.
"YES"….. Magazines can provide interesting lessons and articles about the culture and daily life in France.
"YES"….. The Internet can provide a lot of FREE resources and gives you the support of other learners in forums.
"NO"….. You will not learn to speak French with nearly the same fluency as when you have face to face tuition.
"NO"….. If you are not truly motivated and there is no one to push you or to encourage you along, you might struggle. Many people give up after a couple of months.
"NO"….. If you don't choose the right learning method for you you will progress slowly or you may give up and blame the method.
Recommended courses/programmes
You want to learn to speak French FAST
I want you to learn French fast too!
As I said before, the more time and effort you put in to learning a language the quicker you will achieve. However you cannot "master" a language in a week or even a month.
The good news..... is that a lot of research has gone into the best and most efficient way to learn a language and there are many methods (which I will show you below) that allow you to learn to speak French in a very enjoyable and practically effortless way.
Fast track French Courses/programmes
My TOP 5 learn to speak French programs - rated for ease of use, effectivness and value
Rosetta Stone - Learn French (UK store)
Rosetta Stone - Learn French (US store)
Rosetta Stone has been around for years and is often thought of as the Grand master of language learning. They use a unique method known as "Dynamic Immersion" which in plain English means that it builds on your current language learning skills (gained from birth) and immerses you immediately into learning French - everything is immediately taught in French. Each assignment varies in length from 5 - 20 minutes and you can monitor your progress all the way.
If you are serious about wanting to learn to speak French, then I would definitely recommend that you check this one out. There are 2 course levels ranging from beginners to intermediate and the course comes on CD-Rom or online subscription which gives you the ability to study anywhere you have an Internet connection. They have a
United States store
and a
United Kingdom store
Whose it for: Beginners and intermediate learners.
Linguaphone
are another language learning company who have been around for a long time so they have a lot of expertise behind them. They work on the principle of listen - understand - speak.
They have 2 types of course: French allTalk which is a totally hands-free language learning course, consisting entirely of audio CDs and French Pro which really is the creme de la creme. Whereas French allTalk will take you to average conversational standard, French Pro will take you far and beyond. This is serious stuff. The pack contains CD's, course books and access to their online resource material.
Find out more about Linguaphone
Whose it for: Beginners, intermediate and advanced learners.
This is one of the newest learn to speak French methods and is proving to be extremely popular.
Their major selling point which I really like is the tools they give you which allows you to retain vocabulary and to learn ultra fast. It works on the principal of visualisation and word association. So for example the French for THE RABBIT is LE LAPIN - therefore imagine a RABBIT LAPPING at a bowl of water.
The French courses are available in a choice of SOFTWARE CD-ROM, AUDIO CD, or MP3 AUDIO formats. The whole course coves all the major grammar points you need for effective communication, including all major grammar points for GCSE.
Find out more about Linkword Languages
Whose it for: Beginners, intermediate and advanced learners.
French Before You Know it!
is perfect if you want to learn to speak French fast without lots of fuss. It focuses more on voacabulary than grammar so is great for basic everyday French.
It uses a system called Perfect Recall. Words and phrases are divided into lists by category. The user selects a word list and then goes to the activity of choice to learn the contents of that list.
What I especialy like about this program is that it allows pronunciation practice, with the ability to record your own voice and compare it to native speakers.
There is a free downloadable basic version so you can try before you buy which is a great idea.
BYKI can be downloaded to your computer and BYKI Deluxe also includes the Before You Know It system for Pocket PC and Palm PDA plus POD MP3 Audio. Just load them on your ipod or MP3 player and listen on the go.
Find out more about BYKI! (Worldwide stores)
Whose it for: It claims it's for beginners to advanced but I would say it reaches only intermediate level.
Rocket FrenchI was a bit put off by the opening phrase "Who Else Wants to Learn to Speak French Confidently and Naturally In Less Than 8 Weeks?" - always sounds too good to be true.
However don't immediately dismiss this course either as it has a good following and some excellent reviews.
It consists of either a download or you can order CD's (20 of them!). This teach yourself to speak French course is narrated by an English male voice and a French female voice. The pace is good and the presentation keeps your attention.
What I liked about this learn to speak French course is that you can score your progress as you go along and there is a forum which I always think are invaluable for support. Plus there is a weekly newsletter with great tips and interesting snippets.
Learn more about Rocket French
Whose it for: Beginners and intermediate learners.
