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.
* My TOP 5 French language CD courses/programmes
* Is it possible to 'teach yourself' to speak French?
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
Everywhere Audio by Transparent Language
Everywhere French Audio is an all-audio French course for users on the go. Use it anywhere you have access to a CD player at home, in your car, or at the gym. Build vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation skills with dozens of lessons and native speaker dialogs on 5 CDs. Includes SPECIAL BONUS Companion BYKI Lists and Software.
Everywhere Audio is an all-audio course. No reading is required. Lessons begin with vocabulary and a quick grammar lesson followed by interesting, real-life dialogs that build your French speaking and listening skills.
English speaking instructors guide you through each of the 35 lessons. Native French speakers provide examples of dialogs. You simply listen and repeat. It's as easy as that!
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.
TELL ME MORE is renowned for its language learning speech recognition technology software. It is also the most jam packed program that I have come across and will certainly have something for everyone. It is not your cheapest package but then it is the most comprehensive.
Whose it for: Beginners, intermediate and advanced learners
Read My Full REVIEW on Tell Me More
French Before You Know it!
is perfect if you want to learn to speak French fast without lots of fuss. It focuses more on vocabulary 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 especially 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 down-loadable 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 French"Who Else Wants to Learn to Speak French Confidently and Naturally In Less Than 8 Weeks?" - that is their opening phrase! Too good to be true?
I think not. This French language course has a good following and some excellent reviews.......
Whose it for: Beginners to advanced intermediate learners.
Read My Full REVIEW on Rocket French
Is it possible to 'teach yourself' to speak French?
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
