Preparing to learn French, can seem difficult for most people since they don’t know where or how to start! Nowadays, many people want to travel or even live in French speaking countries so they can experience the beauty of its culture, food, and fashion. However, if you’re planning to migrate or travel to a French-speaking country, you should at least learn to speak elementary French. 

Some people might think that French  is the language of love, or a “romance” language. However, the truth is the term “Romance language” came from Latin, which is “Romanica Loqui”, meaning “to speak in Roman fashion.”

This article will provide you with the most essential information learn French and how to master it!

Essential books for learning the French language

One of the best ways to learn French is through guided books, that can help you learn at your own pace. 

YouTube Channels for French Learning

Frenchpod101

This Channel is full of short videos that will teach common French words to understand the spoken French with listening exercises in order to understand its meaning.

JeFrench

This channel always aids fun and attracts learning to the audience. The lessons offer all the basics of the language, and are easy to follow the discussion and have a clear illustration of subjects and images in the videos.

Some people who want to learn by listening to a podcast are relatively great options especially for beginners.

Learn French with Alexa

LearnFrenchwithAlexa is a channel perfect for all French levels. She teaches everything from basic grammar, to advanced “medical grammar”. 

Learn French with Vincent

This channel is perfect for students, that are interested in learning a bit of French every day. Learn French with Vincent, offers daily 30 minutes clips that focus on common French phrases. 

Learning French with a podcast is another great option for beginners.

Free Podcasts for French Learning

Parlez Away: Babbel’s French Podcast

This podcast is one of the world’s leading online language learning spaces which has basics learning in French. As it increasingly gets more difficult as you build the vocabulary and French listening skills. Moreover, we can get some updates with each new podcast that was uploaded by downloading the app and stream right after.

Coffee Break French

This podcast is one of the world’s leading online language learning spaces which has basics learning in French. As it increasingly gets more difficult as you build the vocabulary and French listening skills. Moreover, we can get some updates with each new podcast that was uploaded by downloading the app and stream right after.

Little Talk in Slow French 

Little Talk in Slow French is a podcast dedicated to having listeners learn French through interesting conversation. The podcast will help listeners improve their French listening skills, and become more familiar with the French language. 

Daily French Pod 

This podcast is perfect for advanced French learners. The podcast is hosted by French teachers from Paris, who cover a wide range of topics like “Nightclubs”, to “Syria”. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of learning French On Your Own 

Benefits of learning French on your own:

• Time management
  
  • Where you can adjust your schedule whenever you want and have an individual pace without worrying about your time schedule
• Learning based on your interest
  • You are freely able to learn French based on your interest like watching educational videos, listening to podcasts and more alternative ways to have fun at the same time learning from your interest.
• No financial cost
  • It is free to access tons of resources and search for informative information which could save money in the long-run.

However, there are some disadvantage when we conduct self-studying:

• Difficulty choosing effectiveness resources
  
  • It is difficult to navigate tons of resources of materials that will be needed. This also measures the quality of the sources and how to organize to work on them. Where to start and choosing the right material in order to be effective in learning.
• Lack of training program 
  • It does not undergo some sort of educational process with a certified teacher who will create a curriculum based on your current level. This may give a hard time to identify what is the correct process of learning.
• Lack of control 
  • As no one will correct you if you commit mistakes in reading, writing or on your pronunciation. That you learn based on your resources that were gathered. Sometimes it is difficult to comprehend the lessons without asking somebody.

French Online Courses:

AmazingTalker

One of the top online platforms specializing in teaching in various foreign languages is AmazingTalker, a Taiwan based company since 2016 with over a millions of learners across the world. Surprisingly, a total of 106 languages and subjects are available for any aspiring multilingual out there with 7,433 great and reliable teachers who are willing to teach.

AmazingTalker made it easier for each and anyone of us by providing quality teachers, detailed information on their website, easy to access, several language options at different budget options based on your capacity. They are also the one who will recommend tutors that vary from your chosen language and budget which is very convenient especially to those who are really used to enrolling in an online class.

Through this platform not only AmazingTalker helps the student to learn but also teachers who are thankful to have a decent job or part time for extra income this is probably a win-win situation.

Berlitz

For over 140 years in this industry, Berlitz had been expert in delivering opportunities to learn the language skills combined with better understanding the culture for further business opportunities and more connection possibilities. Berlitz focuses first on your proficiency level; afterwards they would take to the next step by making progress towards your goal.

Moreover, Berlitz offers two course options: Level based for a total of 40 lessons over 3 months in 45 minutes duration, Skill based for a total of 20 lessons over 2 months and in 45 minutes duration as well. However, all schedules are already fixed learners should be willing to adjust in order to meet the available course schedule.

Fortunately, one of the latest offered program is that they also provide a self-paced study by logging in to the website to study the given learning materials then complete the activities. Afterwards, when you’re ready and confident enough there is one way to assess your skills and that is to book for a one-on-one live coaching session to be evaluated by Berlitz instructor.

Alliance

For over a century, Alliance Française, a non-profit organization, was committed to promote French language and culture in the Philippines. With this program, they will be able to connect and build friendly relationships between the Filipinos and French. Moreover, student learners will be the one to decide whether they will avail either the tutorial or  coaching session. All courses with specific schedules are posted on their website. The duration is normally good for 30 hours for the whole package.

However, one of the disadvantages is the cost since not everything is included in the package price therefore you’ll be surprised by the total amount wherein there’s hidden but mandatory fees before checking out. That’s why, if you’re on a tight budget this is not the best fit for you. This type of course is more suitable for people who are really investing just to learn the French language.

French Institute Alliance Française 

The French Institute Alliance Française, or FIAF, is a non profit organization incorporated in New York city. The Alliance Française was founded in 1898 in New York City, and ever since has been welcoming over 6,000 students a year. The FIAF is made up of French qualified native professors, who have degrees in teaching, as a second language. It is currently one if the largest French centers in American culture and education of the United States.

Benefits and Drawback of learning French with a Tutor

Benefits of learning French language via a tutorial class:

• Formal and precise learning
  • Enrolling in any school and getting a diploma when you graduate is a formal education. Yet, attending a tutorial class seems to be formal too since there are teacher-student connections during the learning process. Knowing the fact of having a tutor is more accurate and detailed since training materials are being provided already.
• Strong foundation to start
  • If you only have little to none background in regards to the language. It is highly recommended to ask for help with the professional instructors. In this way, they will be able to introduce everything from scratch to have a strong foundation in learning the new language. In some instances, when some people find it difficult right from the start they tend to withdraw and not continue learning anymore. That’s why you need someone who will motivate and inspire you to continue to develop and continue what you have started.
• Provided essential materials and lessons
  • It is indeed true that training materials which are being provided already are much easier to start. It saves time and effort. Also, less hassle to begin with the learning of language.
• Reliable to ask questions to
  • Knowing the fact that the internet is truly a lifesaver when any questions came into our minds we just Googled it. However, not everything is in there and not every little detail there is correct as well. That’s why, in learning a new language, it is better to have someone who could share their ideas, experience and new learnings for you to be a better version and not commit the same mistakes they’ve made before.

Disadvantages of learning French language via a tutorial class:

• Should spend amount of money for the course
  • Nothing is free in this world, if got one you must be lucky. Courses especially the whole package with a private tutor are expected to have a fee since they have put a lot of effort into making the training materials, exams, teaching and motivating you to strive harder.
• No assurance to completely learn from your teacher
  • After spending tons of money, sometimes the full course is not yet enough. Only a few scenarios will only retain to your mind that terms can also be learned by self-studying.
• You cannot dictate the duration of class
  • You can book whenever you want at your preferred schedule. Yet, it will always be based on the instructor’s availability. There are some instances, when you feel still sleepy but attendance is a must and knowing the duration is 3 hours hence should still participate and listen to the instructor.

Tips for French Learners

Let’s claim it, French language sounds cool and pretty interesting. However, it’s not that easy to learn. Knowing how difficult and different to pronounce plus the spelling. While the common French mistake is False friends Also known as Faux Amis or False Cognates, Where the English term is just the same but the true meaning is very different from each other.

However, mistakes are really part of the learning process but it is safer to know the basics first since everything takes time in order to master certain parts.

Study the French culture and history first before the language

Every culture differs from one another, it may cause harm when we don’t have an idea of their unique culture at the time we visit one place to another. Also, knowing the origin and brief background are interesting and may motivate you more to study their language.

Be patient always

Acquiring new learning is not as fast as one snap, it requires a couple of months to years based on the level of proficiency you have in order to be fluent. Therefore, patience will always be the key in order for you to continue to achieve that goal.

Practice the language regularly

You must practice French language as much as you can regardless of whether you have enrolled in a French class or not. Since this will be the basis of how eager you are to learn, also in this way you can help yourself to learn the language faster.

15 Examples of Basic French Phrases:

• Bonjour = Hello, Good morning
• Au Revoir = Goodbye 
• Merci beaucoup = Thank you very much
• De rien = You’re welcome (casual)
• Je vous en prie = You’re welcome (formal)
• Comment vas-tu? – How are you? 
• Et tui? – And you?
• Comment vous appelez-vous? = What is your name?
• Je suis désolé(e) = I’m sorry
• Parlez-vous anglais? = Do you speak English?
• Je ne comprends pas = I don’t understand
• Je m’appelle = My name is
• Combien ça coûte? = How much is this?
• Quelle heure est-il? = What time is it? 
• À tout à l’heure! = See you later!

Au Revoir and Bonne Chance!

It doesn’t matter how long it will take for you to be fluent as long as you’re doing the best that you can be and really making efforts just to learn. Learning French as a beginner would be challenging to anyone, but you may look on the bright side after you learn it of course it will pay back in double and you will definitely benefit from it. Now that you know how to learn French, try mastering other languages, like learning Spanish or Japanese!

Learn French well with online French courses at AmazingTalker!