Bonjour mes beautés!
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In case I haven't mentioned it before on here, I am a French and English major (a struggling French major, but a major nonetheless). These are just some things that I have found to be extremely helpful when learning a second language.
1. Practice is key.
When I was just beginning French (8 years ago), I would constantly try to use my given vocabulary. For example, one of the first batch of words we learned were colors, numbers, and basic introductions. So if I saw a number (let's say 10), I would say ten, but in my head I would repeat it in French, dix. Languages are easier when you try to use them outside of the classroom.
Since our generation is so keen on technology, I thought I might as well include an app that I use and find helpful.
Duolingo is for those who have a background in French (I started after taking basic French in middle school). It's a fairly simple app that is easy to follow.
It has multiple language options, so it is not limited to just French!
Since our generation is so keen on technology, I thought I might as well include an app that I use and find helpful.
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| Duolingo |
It has multiple language options, so it is not limited to just French!
2. Talk to people.
This goes hand in hand with my last point because it is practice outside of class. If your friends are in your class with you, try speaking in French for 10-15 minutes a day with each other. Trust me, it will be super awkward in the beginning, but by the third or fourth time, you'll begin to look forward to it. If you screw up, that's okay. When I speak with Rhees, we mess up frequently, but we laugh it off and try to explain around the words we don't know. It's like a game!
If you don't feel comfortable physically speaking to someone, you can always try texting, emailing, or writing pen pals. (Always be cautious if it is someone you do not know. Never give out information and stay safe!)
If you don't feel comfortable physically speaking to someone, you can always try texting, emailing, or writing pen pals. (Always be cautious if it is someone you do not know. Never give out information and stay safe!)
3. Wordreference is your new best friend.
I use wordreference way more than a dictionary because it's quick, easily accessible (they have an app for smart phones!), up to date, and it can help with certain phrases. Be cautious of the dreaded forums though. Sometimes they can help, but they can also be horribly wrong (it's similar to Yahoo Answers).
4. If you can meet with natives, do it!
Natives are very understanding (generally) of the struggles to learn their language. I have some really good friends from France who try to help me with any questions I have. They can also give you exposure to the speed and fluidity of their language. You'll also learn secret shortcuts for if you ever study abroad! They can teach you slang and ways to combine words to speak faster (in English we sometimes say: D'ya wanna go to the store? when we need to say it quick. It's the same in French and most other languages).
5. Entertainment
Music, movies, books, video games, etc. can all help. I started off watching Madeline (similar to Dora the Explorer), and then, I gradually watched more complex movies/TV shows. In high school, my French teacher would have us read fairytales and short books in French with minimal help, and then we would watch the movie (in French of course!) in class with subtitles in French (in case they spoke to fast). I found this really helpful, personally. Books are lovely, and since I'm a nerd, it's my favorite part. Start small by reading children's books (Le petit prince, La belle et la bête, and more!) and gradually work your way towards harder books like Le comte de monte-cristo.
I like listening to music a lot, so I started out small by listening to a common French singer, Stromae. Be warned: he uses a lot of slang! Gradually, I started listening to other genres of music. Edith Piaf is fabulous.
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| Madeline the book |
I like listening to music a lot, so I started out small by listening to a common French singer, Stromae. Be warned: he uses a lot of slang! Gradually, I started listening to other genres of music. Edith Piaf is fabulous.
6. Study abroad or travel abroad!
Trust me, I understand the money struggle, but the money is 100% worth it. I'm planning on going abroad in college, and I am stoked! Study abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it's your chance to be in a country around their natives. There are a millions of options available at your fingertips: your school study abroad office, API, AIFS, EF, etc.
7. Homework and Exercises
Trust me, I know the struggle of doing homework and exercises. I hated them too, so I had moments where I wouldn't do them because I wanted to watch T.V. or go do something. It's hard to just sit down and do it, but I promise it makes a huge difference. Writing in pen also works well (when you know what you are doing!).
So there you have it! These are my tips for studying a foreign language.
Do you have an other advice? Have these worked for anyone else?
Trust me, I understand the money struggle, but the money is 100% worth it. I'm planning on going abroad in college, and I am stoked! Study abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it's your chance to be in a country around their natives. There are a millions of options available at your fingertips: your school study abroad office, API, AIFS, EF, etc.
Trust me, I know the struggle of doing homework and exercises. I hated them too, so I had moments where I wouldn't do them because I wanted to watch T.V. or go do something. It's hard to just sit down and do it, but I promise it makes a huge difference. Writing in pen also works well (when you know what you are doing!).
Do you have an other advice? Have these worked for anyone else?
