I’m a total beginner, how shall I start learning?
If you’re just starting to learn French, there are a few steps you can take to get started:
- Familiarize yourself with the French alphabet and pronunciation: The French alphabet has 26 letters, but some of the letters are pronounced differently than they are in English. Familiarizing yourself with the French alphabet and learning how to pronounce the letters correctly will make it easier to read and understand French words.
- Learn basic French grammar and vocabulary: French grammar has some differences from English grammar, so it’s important to learn the basic rules and structure of the language. You can start by learning common French phrases, such as greetings and basic conversation starters, as well as basic vocabulary, such as numbers, colors, and common objects.
- Practice listening and speaking: The more you practice listening to and speaking French, the more comfortable and confident you will become. You can find French-language audio and video resources online, or practice speaking with a tutor or language exchange partner.
And remember, always keep things fun!
- Listen to French music: French music can be a great way to immerse yourself in the language and learn new vocabulary in a fun and enjoyable way. You can find a variety of French music genres, from pop and rock to hip hop and electronic.
- Watch French movies and TV shows: French movies and TV shows can be a fun and engaging way to improve your listening comprehension and learn about French culture. You can find French films and TV series on streaming platforms such as Netflix (Emily in Paris, Arsene Lupin…) or borrow from our collection of French movies DVD at Upper Thomson.
- Practice with a language exchange partner: A language exchange is a way to practice French with a native speaker while also helping them practice your own language. You can find language exchange partners online or through local language meetups.
- Play language learning games: There are many language learning games and apps available that can make learning French more interactive and fun. These can include vocabulary games, grammar quizzes, and even French-language versions of popular games like Scrabble or Boggle.
- Cook French food: French cuisine is known for its delicious and diverse flavors like Beef Bourguignon, cassoulet, ratatouille, crepes Suzette and of course French toasts! Why not learn some French cooking terms and try your hand at making some classic French dishes? This can be a fun and tasty way to practice your food French vocabulary and learn about French culture.
In conclusion, the key to learning French in a fun and engaging way is to find activities that you enjoy and that help you immerse yourself in the language.