Learning French

[The Intrepid Rosbif]

Is it hard to learn French? Probably, but much less if you enjoy the language learning process - motivation / enjoyment are naturally key. If you're learning it because you've heard you should, then yes, it's a challenge. Although English and French have a lot of common ground, despite the so-called 'false friends'.

My French speaking skills are mainly thanks to an extraordinary teacher, my own motivation and a lot of time spent gassing to the locals, usually making an absolute fool of myself. On an early stay with a host family, I announced to a surprised gathering that I was pregnant after a hearty meal ('ahh, je suis plein') - and learnt that as in life, if you take risks, you might fall flat on your face but at least you've learnt something.

I would say, in general, you learn language from people, not computers. You listen carefully, and repeat - gradually growing in confidence. Mimmick the locals, and marry them if possible. I was once told that the best way to learn a language is, ahem, horizontally.

Essentially, for me, the only easy way to learn is to enjoy yourself in a foreign language, where you don't notice how fast you're learning.

[arnette]

[quote=The Intrepid Rosbif;44248]I would say, in general, you learn language from people, not computers. You listen carefully, and repeat - gradually growing in confidence. Mimmick the locals, and marry them if possible. I was once told that the best way to learn a language is, ahem, horizontally. QUOTE]

Easy on! Let's not put the cart before the horse! lol

[Alex S.]

[quote=arnette;44292]

Originally Posted by The Intrepid Rosbif

I was once told that the best way to learn a language is, ahem, horizontally. QUOTE]

Easy on! Let's not put the cart before the horse! lol

Yep. 100% d'accord avec toi! Taming the locals is definitely the best way forward!
(",)

[adlene]

Originally Posted by frenchtoast

Do you know French? Did you have to learn when moved here? Or, did you know it before?

Do you think it is hard to learn French?

hi
it is not hard to learn french , just practice, i ma french teacher in dubai ,i am here if you want learning french;
join : arabdji @hotmail.fr

[jezzer150]

Originally Posted by frenchtoast

Do you know French? Did you have to learn when moved here? Or, did you know it before?

Do you think it is hard to learn French?

i only learned french at school many years ago,but i find that having that basic grounding and a desire to want to try to speak and learn more french has helped me.
for example the french artisans who worked on renovating my house were an excellent place to start.i had to refer to the dictionary the night before and prepare what i wanted to say,but after 14 weeks of working with them.i began to be able to have a conversation on a simple level with them,which then helped me with other french people and situations.it's not easy,but you have to be bold.
keep at it.good look.
jezzer150

[adlene]

Originally Posted by jezzer150

i only learned french at school many years ago,but i find that having that basic grounding and a desire to want to try to speak and learn more french has helped me.
for example the french artisans who worked on renovating my house were an excellent place to start.i had to refer to the dictionary the night before and prepare what i wanted to say,but after 14 weeks of working with them.i began to be able to have a conversation on a simple level with them,which then helped me with other french people and situations.it's not easy,but you have to be bold.
keep at it.good look.
jezzer150

Bonjour
it is no hard to know french , i give french lessons ,i can help you ,please tell me want you want

[jezzer150]

Originally Posted by adlene

Bonjour
it is no hard to know french , i give french lessons ,i can help you ,please tell me want you want

well i was really replying to a posting that was all,but tell me what you offer,where you are in france and what costs are involved.
i live in the charente.
yes i would be interested to learn more french.

[EURODOG]

Originally Posted by jezzer150

well i was really replying to a posting that was all,but tell me what you offer,where you are in france and what costs are involved.
i live in the charente.
yes i would be interested to learn more french.

I've been here over 7 years and can't get my head round French, if anyone knows of a pill you can take, you know the sort of thing, one pill taken before you retire at night, wake up completely fluent..................

[adlene]

Originally Posted by EURODOG

I've been here over 7 years and can't get my head round French, if anyone knows of a pill you can take, you know the sort of thing, one pill taken before you retire at night, wake up completely fluent..................

jhi
i am french but i live in dubai now

[Bob Kent]

Try the verbalplanet website which is basically skype lessons. It worked well for me.

Bob