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Methods of learning French -
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Learning French fluently or even to a high degree is not something that you can do in a day, week or even month.
I myself have been studying French for years and am still nowhere near fluent. I have tried various methods including audio, video, group lessons, intensive courses in France and distance learning with the Open University.
All the following learning methods have their pros and cons and the one that suits you may not suit your neighbour.
OK which one is best for YOU?
Start off by thinking about :
Books (on their own)
My bookshelf is stacked till bulging with books about learning French and maybe I need a clearout as many are so old! Books are a great tool for learning a language but really work best in conjunction with other resources. To master a language you need to be able to see and hear it being spoken. Books will provide the knowledge such as grammar rules, texts and vocabulary but you need to have audio tools as well in order to progress.
Pros
Can be cheap. Great for a reference source. Easy to pick up and put down when and where it suits you. Will help your written French. Lots of choice available.
Cons
Won't help beginners with pronunciation. Some will find this
learning French method a bit unstimulating. May not appeal to younger kids. It can be difficult to monitor your real progress.
Recommended books
Audio
Audio might take the form of CD's, TV, downloadable audio files or tapes or face to face. I truly believe that to master language pronunciation you must hear it being spoken correctly. However I would also say that you need to combine any audio material with written material in order to get the most out of it as written material can explain grammatical and spelling issues.
Pros
Excellent way of improving your pronunciation. Can be cheap or free. Good learning tool for the blind. Can multi task whilst listening. You can repeat and replay a section as often as you wish.
Cons
Some learners prefer to see the written word in order to memorise and understand it. Difficult to learn how a word is spelt and difficult to explain conjugation.
Review of the latest French audio products
Book/Audio/Video/DVD combination
A combination of visual and audio and/or written is an excellent way of learning French. Often you will get a CD/DVD with a book or magazine and both will compliment each other.
Pros
Stimulates all your learning senses. Is very portable and can be used in a variety of situations such as using the audio whilst driving or the written material on the train to work. This method will give one of the most all round approaches as most aspects of the language can be covered.
Cons
Can be expensive. A lot of different aspects of the language will be covered so you may feel overwhelmed or feel not enough depth was give to each area.
Software/CD-Rom self learning
This is very much a self learning French method. There are usually various levels and various areas to explore such as grammar, spelling, pronunciation and vocabulary. Kids often prefer this method of learning French as it provides a very visual and interactive method of learning.
Pros
Visual and interactive way of learning French. Method often suited to kids. Can learn at home when you wish. You can repeat a section as often as you wish. You can work at your own pace. Takes up little storage space.
Cons
Can be expensive. Not a very sociable way of learning. Need a computer.
Review of the latest software/audio
mp3 / Podcast
This French learning method involves you loading mp3 files onto your mp3 player or subscribing (podcast) to an mp3 course which is automatically downloaded to your computer.
Pros
Very flexible method of learning French as you can listen and learn almost anywhere and at any time that suits you. Allows you to use your listening skills which are vitally important when learning how to speak a language.
Cons
Not a very sociable way of learning. You don't get to practice your writing skills. You need an mp3 player or mp3 software.
Review of the latest mp3 / podcast programs
Subliminally learn French
Subliminal learning is one of the latest methods for language learning although the idea of subliminal learning is not new. It involves the process whereby the recipient receives messages/information to the brain in such a way that he is barely aware that he is receiving them. Basically the brain is absorbing information subconsciously.
Pros
It is thought to be an effortless and quick way to learn French. You can absorb the information whilst you are doing other things or even whilst you are sleeping.
Cons
There is no proof that this method works. You have to rely on the supplier that he/she has put subliminal messages on the video/audio that you are using. There is no real way of verifying your progress.
Does subliminal learning French really work?
Magazine Subscription
These might take the form of a magazine that gives a mixture of written French language lessons plus articles on French life, history and culture to the more complex magazines such as Champs-Elysées audio magazine which are combined with an audio CD and which focus more on the language.
Pros
Not always expensive and you can buy second hand. Is very portable and can be used in a variety of situations such as using the audio whilst driving or the written material on the train to work. The magazine can cover interesting articles of French culture, current issues and everyday life. The audio-magazine learning French combination can be an excellent way of learning as you are covering listening and written skills.
Cons
The magazine on its own will probably only provide you with quite basic French. You need to be disciplined as you are working on your own. It can be difficult to monitor your progress.
One to one private tuition
You personally hire someone to give you personal tuition in your home or at a mutually agreed place.
Pros
Good way of learning French fast. You get lessons tailored to your exact needs. Will suit if you have very specific needs in learning French e.g. you need French for a particular work situation. You can progress at your own pace. Transportation time and costs are reduced if in your own home. You have some flexibility on time schedules. Good if you want to learn French quickly but are unable to participate in an intensive course at a language school. You can monitor your progress.
Cons
One of the more expensive options. There may not be an available French tutor in your area. The lessons can be quite intensive. You don't benefit from the camaraderie of group learning.
Short/intensive courses at a language school/college in your home country
These might range from the low cost course at your local high school or college to the very expensive private language schools. Usually a course runs over a period of time such as a week for the intensive courses to 3 months and may be in the evenings or during the day. Classes are usually small and there will be a range of students of various ages and differing backgrounds but you will all be at roughly the same level in French. Generally the more you pay the more intensive the course.
Pros
Can be relatively cheap or even free. Very interactive way of learning. You will learn much quickly than studying on your own. You will have the support of your fellow students and you tutor(s). You can monitor your progress.
Cons
Can be expensive if you opt for private language schools. There may not be a course running in your area. You have to stick to the course schedule. Your tutor may not be a native French speaker. The low cost courses tend to have bigger class numbers.
Intensive course France
This method of learning French involves you staying in France (or another Francophone country) for a week or more and having daily French tuition for up to 6 hours per day. Accommodation is usually with a host family, bed and breakfast or in college/university accommodation. The courses may be run and held at a college/university or may be independently run at a tutors home for example. Classes are small (usually 10 – 14 maximum) and there will be a mixture of students of different nationalities and age groups but all at your level. Speak, hear and think in French all day long!
Find out more
Pros
An excellent all round way of learning French fast. Good if you want to learn French fast. Uses all your senses of learning. You will be exposed to everyday French and hear it spoken every day. It is a very interactive method. The classes will be conducted in French so you will pick up the correct pronunciation quickly. You will progress much quicker than with the other methods. You will have the support of other students and get a lot of personal attention and feedback from your tutor. Easy to monitor you progress. You get to explore parts of France.
Cons
One of the most expensive options. You need to take time away from family, friends and work. The intensity of the course can be quite exhausting at times. You have to adapt to student life which may not suit you. You have to fit in with the course schedule and keep up with the pace of study.
Extended study courses leading to a qualification
This will usually involve a set period of study from 1 – 3 years and if completed successfully you will receive an official qualification at the end. The course may be at a local college or university or it may be by correspondence such as with the Open University in the UK. Sometimes a residential week is required as part of the course.
Pros
Can be an excellent all rounded way of learning French. You get a qualification at the end that might be useful for future employment. It is not always expensive and sometimes you can get a student grant or loan. You have the support of other students and your tutor(s). The level of French attained tends to be quite high. Correspondence courses can be convenient if you can't travel. You can monitor your progress.
Cons
You have to stick to the course schedule otherwise you might fall behind. Correspondence courses may be convenient but you are quite isolated in your learning and it is harder to master the spoken French. Often a computer is required. If you fail the course you may feel let down. You need to be very disciplined in your studying.
Internet/on line learning
With the development of the internet, leaning a language online has become extremely popular. Some resources are free but others are not. Some of the free learning French courses can be good but they rarely cover enough depth to allow you to really master a language. If you are after snippets of holiday French then they might be perfect for you. Some sites will offer audio and video as well as the written French. Find out more
Pros
Some resources are free. You can quickly access the information that you need. Often more suited to beginners or those who only need basic French. Some sites have forums which are great places to get advice and support.
Cons
Often don't cover much of the language in depth. Unless you know what you are looking for it can be a bit bewildering. You need to be quite disciplined to follow the course. It can be difficult to monitor your progress.
Choose a French Language Course Online
