Although the current global financial situation is still extremely uncertain, many British people are still leaving to live abroad. France is the favourite holiday haunt of many of us and so it's perhaps natural to try living in France.
Only 21 miles across the channel from us at its narrowest point, France has always held the promise of something foreign with its language and the old Parisian reputation for artists and lovers. Yet our long entangled histories means that there's a long aspect of familiarity to this country.
And the language? Well, of course there's been a tradition of learning French in British schools. While this has produced some real lovers of the French language, many British people still almost boast of a national weakness in foreign language learning.
I've met visitors who think I should be fluent in correct French because I've been living in France for many years. How I wish that did happen by osmosis. Of course it doesn't and quite a lot of deliberate effort is required. There are French people who don't understand the process either and who may regard us as a bit dim all round because we struggle to learn French.
It's daunting to come to live in a foreign country where your knowledge of the language is very limited, but a positive attitude will work wonders. Most French citizens are genuinely pleased to encounter British who are trying to learn their language so that they can live successfully in France. They don't mind mistakes, and indeed will probably be pleased to help with them, but do respond to good intentions and efforts.
Successful living in France should be certain if you make positive efforts to gain the language.
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.
Of course there will be set-backs - after all, we're dealing with human beings here and we can all be unpredictable and moody. But in general, taking each situation as it comes up and preparing well if possible, guarantees you will make progress.
With your good intentions and willingness to work, what tools are available to help you improve your French?
There are a growing variety of methods; there are numerous tapes and CDs available with written support; there are some good free on-line courses, e.g. the BBC, Radio France Internationale; there are distance learning courses that you pay for; there are telephone teachers who may also use e-mail; there are traditional books.
It's quite usual to employ a personal teacher to come to your home to help with a subject like French - a good option if you prefer not to start in group classes which are also available in many places.
We all vary in learning styles and it's important to consider your own when choosing how to learn French. Your choice will be likely to work more effectively.
Whatever methods you use, if you are determined to progress, you will do so. Living in France will become an even more enjoyable experience. - 30241
Only 21 miles across the channel from us at its narrowest point, France has always held the promise of something foreign with its language and the old Parisian reputation for artists and lovers. Yet our long entangled histories means that there's a long aspect of familiarity to this country.
And the language? Well, of course there's been a tradition of learning French in British schools. While this has produced some real lovers of the French language, many British people still almost boast of a national weakness in foreign language learning.
I've met visitors who think I should be fluent in correct French because I've been living in France for many years. How I wish that did happen by osmosis. Of course it doesn't and quite a lot of deliberate effort is required. There are French people who don't understand the process either and who may regard us as a bit dim all round because we struggle to learn French.
It's daunting to come to live in a foreign country where your knowledge of the language is very limited, but a positive attitude will work wonders. Most French citizens are genuinely pleased to encounter British who are trying to learn their language so that they can live successfully in France. They don't mind mistakes, and indeed will probably be pleased to help with them, but do respond to good intentions and efforts.
Successful living in France should be certain if you make positive efforts to gain the language.
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.
Of course there will be set-backs - after all, we're dealing with human beings here and we can all be unpredictable and moody. But in general, taking each situation as it comes up and preparing well if possible, guarantees you will make progress.
With your good intentions and willingness to work, what tools are available to help you improve your French?
There are a growing variety of methods; there are numerous tapes and CDs available with written support; there are some good free on-line courses, e.g. the BBC, Radio France Internationale; there are distance learning courses that you pay for; there are telephone teachers who may also use e-mail; there are traditional books.
It's quite usual to employ a personal teacher to come to your home to help with a subject like French - a good option if you prefer not to start in group classes which are also available in many places.
We all vary in learning styles and it's important to consider your own when choosing how to learn French. Your choice will be likely to work more effectively.
Whatever methods you use, if you are determined to progress, you will do so. Living in France will become an even more enjoyable experience. - 30241
About the Author:
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 Living in France take a look at Amanda Lawrence's new website at www.frenchvie.com. Lots of stories and recipes 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.
