Life In France Needs Language Skills
France is the world leader in tourism and lots of people would agree that it is a most attractive country. But vacations can be very different from actually residing somewhere. However, although money is still a difficult area for many of us, it doesn't seem to have stopped people leaving the U.K. to experience living in France.
The English person's most easily accessible part of "abroad", France is a truly beautiful country with very varied landscapes and cultures. It's sometimes referred to as being like the England of the 1950's, but this isn't the whole story. It's now a very modern country with its huge telecommunications industry and wide internet usage.
British educational policies change a lot on language learning, but there are still many who get at least a taster of French at school and it's a popular university subject. On the whole, however, we have a poor reputation for our language skills in a world where English is widely used as the means of communication.
I've met visitors who think I should be fluent in correct French because I've been living in France for many years. How I wish that did happen by osmosis. Of course it doesn't and quite a lot of deliberate effort is required. There are French people who don't understand the process either and who may regard us as a bit dim all round because we struggle to learn French.
It's daunting to come to live in a foreign country where your knowledge of the language is very limited, but a positive attitude will work wonders. Most French citizens are genuinely pleased to encounter British who are trying to learn their language so that they can live successfully in France. They don't mind mistakes, and indeed will probably be pleased to help with them, but do respond to good intentions and efforts.
And it's this attitude that is important in making a success of living in France.
Before starting to acquire or improve your working knowledge of French, you first need to lose something - your fear of looking foolish. Easier said than done sometimes!
For some people this isn't an issue and they will try, try and try again to make themselves understood by gestures, words and other means. They will probably get a French lesson in return as the other person tells them the French words for what they want.
Not all of us are naturally so self-confident and it might be necessary to really push yourself in just one situation. See how it goes and what you might do next time. Pick a situation which is vital to you personally, for instance a visit to the vet to discuss your dog's health. Think about how you'll describe the dog's condition and even write a little script. This allows you to look up any vocabulary you don't know. Include questions you need to ask. It's often best to start by explaining you're learning French and to ask for the vet to be patient with you and to speak slowly.
Of course there will be set-backs - after all, we're dealing with human beings here and we can all be unpredictable and moody. But in general, taking each situation as it comes up and preparing well if possible, guarantees you will make progress.
Apart from your attitude and effort, how else can you make progress in French language?
Telephones, Internet, e-mail and video conferencing are just some of the newer methods for learning French. Tapes, C.D.s and books are still very popular. There are a variety of combinations of methods and prices (and some are free), so take time to investigate possibilities and, if possible, ask other users' opinions.
It's quite usual to employ a personal teacher to come to your home to help with a subject like French - a good option if you prefer not to start in group classes which are also available in many places.
We all vary in learning styles and it's important to consider your own when choosing how to learn French. Your choice will be likely to work more effectively.
It really is down to your own willpower and persistence to benefit in full from the ways you choose to learn French. Having a working knowledge of the language is a great base for living in France.
The English person's most easily accessible part of "abroad", France is a truly beautiful country with very varied landscapes and cultures. It's sometimes referred to as being like the England of the 1950's, but this isn't the whole story. It's now a very modern country with its huge telecommunications industry and wide internet usage.
British educational policies change a lot on language learning, but there are still many who get at least a taster of French at school and it's a popular university subject. On the whole, however, we have a poor reputation for our language skills in a world where English is widely used as the means of communication.
I've met visitors who think I should be fluent in correct French because I've been living in France for many years. How I wish that did happen by osmosis. Of course it doesn't and quite a lot of deliberate effort is required. There are French people who don't understand the process either and who may regard us as a bit dim all round because we struggle to learn French.
It's daunting to come to live in a foreign country where your knowledge of the language is very limited, but a positive attitude will work wonders. Most French citizens are genuinely pleased to encounter British who are trying to learn their language so that they can live successfully in France. They don't mind mistakes, and indeed will probably be pleased to help with them, but do respond to good intentions and efforts.
And it's this attitude that is important in making a success of living in France.
Before starting to acquire or improve your working knowledge of French, you first need to lose something - your fear of looking foolish. Easier said than done sometimes!
For some people this isn't an issue and they will try, try and try again to make themselves understood by gestures, words and other means. They will probably get a French lesson in return as the other person tells them the French words for what they want.
Not all of us are naturally so self-confident and it might be necessary to really push yourself in just one situation. See how it goes and what you might do next time. Pick a situation which is vital to you personally, for instance a visit to the vet to discuss your dog's health. Think about how you'll describe the dog's condition and even write a little script. This allows you to look up any vocabulary you don't know. Include questions you need to ask. It's often best to start by explaining you're learning French and to ask for the vet to be patient with you and to speak slowly.
Of course there will be set-backs - after all, we're dealing with human beings here and we can all be unpredictable and moody. But in general, taking each situation as it comes up and preparing well if possible, guarantees you will make progress.
Apart from your attitude and effort, how else can you make progress in French language?
Telephones, Internet, e-mail and video conferencing are just some of the newer methods for learning French. Tapes, C.D.s and books are still very popular. There are a variety of combinations of methods and prices (and some are free), so take time to investigate possibilities and, if possible, ask other users' opinions.
It's quite usual to employ a personal teacher to come to your home to help with a subject like French - a good option if you prefer not to start in group classes which are also available in many places.
We all vary in learning styles and it's important to consider your own when choosing how to learn French. Your choice will be likely to work more effectively.
It really is down to your own willpower and persistence to benefit in full from the ways you choose to learn French. Having a working knowledge of the language is a great base for living in France.
About the Author:
French Life and the joys of French Life have been featured in magazine articles the world over. To get a first hand account of French Life take a look at Amanda Lawrence's new blog at www.frenchvie.com. Lots of real life stories and anecdotes from the Quercy. It takes you right there - you'll never want to leave. Don't forget to register for her free newsletter. Author of White Stone Black Wine.
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