Learn French And Gain A New Perspective   by Ben Pate

in Education / Languages    (submitted 2010-12-23)

Lovers of culture across the world strive to learn French with the hopes of making the most of their trip to France. It is hard to pin down how many people try their hand at the language of love but it certainly has its benefits. France's history and its people's particular outlook on the world make this linguistic ability even more attractive.

Not too long ago, as many French people point out, French was the language of literature, law, fashion and much more. To a certain extent, it still is. However, English has become the lingua franca in much of the world. Despite this change, the French are still very proud of their language, which often seems rude to visitors. However, just learning a few expressions can go a long way in bridging this cultural gap.

For short-term tourists to France, basic expressions can turn interactions with locals from sour to friendly. Visitors may find that the French put great value on polite greetings and interactions, even among strangers. When entering a store, a quick hello, in French of course, can indicate that you have tried to do the minimum. If not, you could be treated coldly for the rest of your visit to the establishment. Even for these superficial interactions, "hello", "goodbye" and "thank you" can make all the difference.

For all learners, pronunciation poses a significant problem. French is not known as being the easiest language to pronounce and for good reason. Everyone, from beginners to advanced learners, needs to work on this constantly. However, small problems in this area do not have to stop you from continuing to speak and try out new words and expressions. Remember that French is spoken in many countries the world over. Diverse cities like Paris are teeming with non-standard accents so a little incorrect pronunciation should not stop you from being understood.

Of course, grammar is a turnoff to many people. In French, just getting your mind around the conjugations can be difficult, even just in the present simple. Breaking the conjugations up into similar groups is one common method of facilitating memorization. Learners still have to memorize irregular verbs through determined practice. However, language learning software, CDs and books offer a variety of ways to improve your success with these especially difficult verbs.

Depending on your mother tongue, the levels of formality may prove difficult to grasp. The French language expresses these levels through different conjugations, "vous" and "tu". Which one you focus on at the beginning depends on your goals. University students may find that they do not use the "vous" form as much as a businessperson, for example. Eventually, all learners will have to master all forms to really be proficient but it doesn't hurt to get familiar with what you will use the most at the beginning.

Words that trip people up, regardless of their level, are "faux amis". These words resemble words in other languages, like English. This similarity tempts people to use them as if they meant the same thing but often they do not. This is especially a problem with English speakers, since French and English share so many words. Resist this urge and get yourself a list, online or offline, that highlights some of the most common ones.

About the Author

Studying any language is difficult. However, those who make the effort to learn French will reap rewards in many areas. Travel will become easier, new literary insights will open up and learners will gain a greater understanding of European cultural, historical and political history. At the very least, you will access another part of your mind and become a more knowledgeable person. Check out learn French DVD programs and language courses today.