It seems common today for many British people to consider going to live abroad. And France, the Number One tourist destination, is an extremely popular country for those leaving Britain. Even in these times of continuing “financial crisis”, many U.K. citizens are still considering 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.
Others believe that they will be visited by an ability to speak French once they live amongst the French. In fact some French people also believe it and this can give rise to many difficulties for English speaking ex-patriots in France. I find it very frustrating that some French people quite clearly believe that I’m rather stupid in every aspect of life because I don’t speak perfect French! Of course, these are usually people who have never had to learn any foreign language.
However, the vast majority of French people react very positively to attempts to communicate in their language and I believe it’s essential to make an effort to acquire a working knowledge of French language. By working knowledge, I mean just that . . . something that can be used effectively. It doesn’t have to be correct, perfect, well pronounced – it just has to be understandable and therefore effective. It can be frightening to be surrounded by a foreign language, but admitting your lack of understanding while being willing to try goes a long way towards sorting out this situation.
Good intentions (and hard work) will give you every chance of learning to communicate and enjoy living in France.
Try not to be self-conscious when using French. Not necessarily simple to do, but it will make you more confident in your communication and so you’ll learn faster.
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.
For those who don’t have this self-confidence, it may be a case of forcing yourself on one occasion and then afterwards reflecting on the situation and what you learned from it. You then know whether to repeat the method next time or to slightly change it. It helps if you have an important reason for an exchange in French. When I arrived here my two children had to go to collge and I knew I (who previously on holidays in France had got the children to ask for things in shops) had to force myself for their sakes, to prepare for parents’ nights.
Since the French are only human, there will be times when the response is less than friendly. Just remind yourself that it’s their problem, not yours. You’re the one making great effort which is to your credit, so carry on to the next situation where you’ll hopefully get your just reward.
Given your interest and determination, what are the best supports to use to work on your French?
New language learning methods arrive as new technology develops and old favourites still remain. Some examples: – selecting an individual telephone tutor; following one of the freely available on-line courses (try Radio France Internationale or the BBC), or buying a well-established tape or CD or video programme.
Group and individual courses are frequently on offer in France for those wanting to learn the language.
Don’t forget to consider how you learn best when deciding on ways to make progress. Methods that suit your individual personality are likely to be more successful.
Whatever methods you use, if you are determined to progress, you will do so. Living in France will become an even more enjoyable experience.
French Life and the benefits of Life in France 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 website 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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