If you have been following this blog, you will now that I am a native French speaker and French tutor, so I will refer to the French language. However these tips apply to any language you are learning.
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Immersion is my preferred way of boosting your French intake, and it will give you results: a bit like a pumped-up vitamin pill!
Now, having said that, not everyone can afford the time and money to travel to France for extended periods and on a regular basis to immerse themselves in the language and culture. Here I list French-speaking countries, some of which closer to Australia. But still . . . How do you immerse yourself in the language on a daily basis, without leaving your life and commitments behind . . .
EASY!
- Think about all you do in French. Think in French as you go about your daily business
- Label everyday items around the house in French. Stock up on sticky labels and stick, stick, stick! NOTE: a common mistake is to write the French words WITHOUT the articles (un/une/des. le/la/les/l'). Add the articles otherwise how are you meant to remember that a table is feminine and a light switch masculine : ) This tip will help you learn vocabulary in no time.
- Make lists of words on certain topics based on your interest or need. You can compile your own word lists or as your tutor I can provide those to you or help you compile them
- Paste the word list on your fridge, the toilet door, the dry side of your shower screen (so you can read them when showering - in under 2 minutes of course, to save water!), on the glovebox of the car if you are a passenger, anywhere you will spend some time or see them repeatedly. You may even want to laminate your word lists so they last longer.
- When composing lists, be logical in your selection of words and phrases to compose your list, and in the way you order them. Add pictures and colours if it helps.
- Recite your list before going to bed each and every night
- Get friends and family to test you, and test you again
- Fold your list, origami-style, in an intricate brain-like pattern and place it under your pillow at night (Disclaimer: this probably won't work, but it will make my other points look much easier and accessible)
- Listen to French radio in your area of interest (see links to French radio stations on this blog), get podcasts to listen to at your preferred time, when in the car or train; watch French news bulletins on SBS. Do not despair if you are not able to understand all sentences or even words. Use tools at your disposal to make out the general topic: the presenter's/interviewer's facial expressions, gestures, tone, the images presented alongside the news item, the context etc. Eventually you will pick out more and more words, then phrases and sentences. You will get exposure to the French accent (or generally the Parisian accent). If you are (semi-)fluent, have fun picking out accents depending on the speaker's region.
- Watch movies in French: hire them, watch them on SBS, get French TV delivered to your door through Le Bouquet Français.
- Borrow French resources such as books, CDs and DVDs from your local library. Libraries that stock French resources are listed here. Good-quality children picture books are ideal. The picture help with comprehension and the books often include every day vocabulary and phrasing in a rhyming pattern which can help with retention. Don't be embarrassed borrowing children's books! If you are, just say you're learning French with your young nephew . . . I'm sure the librarian will be impressed. Speak to your librarian if you need assistance locating French resources in your library.
- Access French newspapers. While some good French newspapers now only make their articles available via subscription, you can still access great national and local newspapers online Libération , Le Monde , etc ( more links on the right hand side of this blog). If you are semi-fluent or fluent you will enjoy reading about France and world news from a French viewpoint. If you are beginning or find full articles too challenging, pick out a few large titles to work on, or some very brief articles. Daily news can be quite easy if you are aware of the news topic of the day. Entertainment and art news can also provide accessible titles.
- Subscribe to this blog using the button on the left-hand side. It's free and you will get regular updates on all things French to give you hints and tips and keep you motivated!
- Interested in getting your hands on your own French resources? La FNAC is my very favourite French store. It stores a large range of books, CDs, DVDs, and more that will be delivered straight to your door in no time. Look out for their specials (i.e. 5 DVDs for 30 euros at certain times). Be aware of postage costs. It pays to order in bulk to save on postage - maybe you can join up with other interested friends or students and share the postage costs?)
- Finally, nothing beats learning and conversing with a native French speaker. Book your lesson today by contacting me and make speaking French your reality!
Happy learning!
