Ways to improve your French

When it comes to new language acquisition, consistency is key – passive learning (exposure to the language) has just as much of a part to play in the process as active learning (lessons, courses, and qualifications). 

Passive learning 

All you need to do here is simply be receptive and absorb the language by listening and/or reading. To start, try incorporating listening or watching/reading French into a preexisting habit or routine – for example, you could have French music, radio or podcasts on in the background while driving or carrying out day-to-day tasks, or you could watch your favorite show or movie with the French dubbing option switched on (subtitles too can help match the words and sounds).

Even simply being in the vicinity of French conversation can encourage your brain to tune into the sound and cadence of the language, allowing you to take in patterns, pronunciation, and vocabulary naturally over time.

Finding other neat solutions that involve low effort and high reward is key – if you’re confident with technology you could try switching your cell phone, TV, or social media settings to French, or at home you could label most-used items with Post-it notes in French. 

Active learning 

Engaging with the language – ie. producing your own French, whether writing and/or speaking – will work hand-in-hand to strengthen listening and reading. This is arguably where the ‘real’ work begins, by creating building blocks of your own making to add to those you’re already absorbing. 

Online platforms and apps – working at your own pace and in your own time can help gain confidence and stabilize self-belief alongside real-world interaction. Structured platforms such as Babbel (from €5.99 a month), LingQ (from €8.99 a month), and Rocket French ($99.95 one-time payment for Beginner to intermediate) focus on grammar and conversation, while apps such as Busuu (sample price, $5.83 per month for 24 months) and Duolingo (basic, limited version free with Super Duolingo’s ad-free experience, offline access, and progress tracking, priced $12.99 per month) among others offer equally solid content and are good for daily vocabulary reinforcement, often with games and gamification emphasized in order to make learning fun and competitive. There’s also the added bonus that you can do these anywhere, at any time.

Structured courses – if you prefer the idea of tuition to receive dedicated French expertise, there are many options available. 

The Alliance Française offers a wide range of French classes (from general through to intensive, as well as exam preparation and corporate tuition) across their centers in France. The Federation of Alliance Françaises in the US similarly offers classes. Both focus on academic and cultural content.

In cities and towns, French universities typically run cours de français langue étrangère (FLE), designed for non-native speakers (university students and the wider population) who want to learn French for daily life, university studies, or to meet immigration or integration requirements such as passing CEFR framework exams. 

Private language schools, too, are an option, while you may also find courses that are run for residents or newcomers in your local area – ask at your mairie (town hall). 

Immersion courses – part-study, part-real life experience is the blend offered by in situ immersion schools in France. Basics in the classroom are backed up by visits to the market or shops to try out what you have learned. The added bonus is that you can enjoy delightful locations under the watchful guidance of professionals who not only know the area, but are also on-hand to help with language conundrums in real-life scenarios. 

One-to-one – for a tailored experience designed specifically to suit your needs, a one-to-one tutor can be a great way to gain confidence with professional guidance. Online is a good place to start (try Preply or Verbling), while for in-person tuition, personal recommendations are strongly recommended.

It’s also an invaluable means of taking the first steps when it comes to talking and practicing conversation - online try italki, while in areas with larger populations there are often opportunities for informal conversation exchanges with French speakers wishing to improve their English (try Franglish, Tandem or meetup.com, or searching on Facebook).

Social practice – join a group with a shared endeavour where you’ll be naturally interacting with native French speakers (sports or crafts clubs, helping out at local events, or volunteering opportunities are all great for this), or try taking up a course on a skill or hobby you have always wanted to learn. 

People with a shared interest will always be open to communicating on a mutually engaging subject – all the more so when they see that you are making an effort to integrate using your new home language.

Insider advice

Despite a tricky start, writer Nick Inman got there in the end – he offers his thoughts

“I failed my French O-Level three times and never passed, yet I function fully in the language – most of my friends are French and professionally I interview professors, business people and dignitaries on their specialisms. Language, I have come to realize, is simply a need to share information.

Speaking French is about communicating, aiming to give and receive messages. A language ‘block’ may have more to do with attitudes to sharing yourself with another person than ability with nouns and verbs. You speak with more than your tongue. Your whole body is involved so let it work for you: expression, eye contact and gestures.

Volunteer to speak before you are spoken to. People appreciate you coming towards them and it sends a message that you expect to be understood. 

Whether you like it or not you are a stand-up comedian when you speak a foreign language. Everyone is. Be the first to laugh at yourself – I always remind myself the point is to communicate, even if that is at the expense of my vanity and pride!”