The French alphabet contains the same letters as English which makes French is one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn.
However, a little direction won’t hurt. If anything, it will expedite your learning process.
To help you out, here are practical suggestions for learning French that will help you master this lovely language in no time:
Start With the French Sounds
While the French alphabet contains the same letters as English, and more than 28% of English words are of French origin, there is one significant difference: certain letters in French are accented. This means that the letters are pronounced differently.
For example, J is pronounced “Zhee,” Q as “Koo,” R as “Air,” and so on.
When looking to learn French, you must focus on the sounds rather than the letters.
French contains 23 consonants and 16 vowel sounds. As an English speaker, you already know 20 consonants and six vowels. So you’re left with three new consonants and ten vowels to learn. You are on your way there, right?
Familiarizing yourself with the French alphabet and the sounds of each letter is critical for establishing a solid foundation in the language.
Know the Basic Pronunciation Rules
Given that French has more consonant and vowel sounds than English, getting the correct pronunciation might be difficult for beginners.
The French language is complex and always deviates from standard principles.
Here’s a quick rundown of the general laws of pronunciation to get you started on your French language learning journey:
Pronounce all the vowels: Native English speakers frequently “swallow” (or do not pronounce) certain vowels.
For example, “do you know what I mean?” is often pronounced “dyou know what I mean?”
The “do” and “you” are reduced to a single sound. This is not the case in French.
Emphasize the ends: In French, stress is usually placed on the final uttered syllable, as opposed to English, where it might fall on any syllable.
As you learn French, practice stressing the correct syllable while speaking.
Keep an eye on “liaison” words: If one word ends with a consonant and the next begins with a vowel or a silent “h,” the first word’s final consonant joins the following vowel.
For example, “deux amis” (two friends) sounds like “deuzamis,” which pronounces the end of “deux” rather than leaving it quiet.
Although this appears difficult initially, it makes speaking French easier, particularly when talking fast.
So, how can you learn French online on your own if the sounds and pronunciations are so tricky to grasp? You might be wondering, right?
The best approach is to acquire a detailed guide on letter combinations and sounds and memorize the guidelines.
Tongue twisters are a fun way to improve your pronunciation.
Of course, practicing other skills, such as speaking and listening, will significantly improve your French pronunciation. So, do it.
Listening to recordings of native French speakers will help you become accustomed to the strange sounds.
It’s also an opportunity to practice speaking by echoing their words as closely as possible to the local pronunciation.
Get Creative and Memorize Gender
Is the word “table” masculine or feminine? While this may seem strange to English speakers, knowing the gender of each noun is essential for excellent French.
To make the most of these French learning ideas, you must first determine how to incorporate them into your daily life.
Sticky notes are an easy way to recall gender, for example.
Stick the printed French word and its article to the specified item to memorize the gender of the term.
For the best outcome, use stickies of two distinct hues: male and feminine.
Write the new words in two separate columns using two different ink colors for vocabulary that cannot be affixed to with a sticky (such as concepts).
You can also use the rules listed below as a reminder.
Feminine noun endings:
- Most end with -e, such as -ise (surprise), -ine (mandarine), -alle (balle), -elle (poubelle), -euse (danseuse), -esse (maîtresse), -ette (fourchette), -ille (fille), -ière (théière), -ance (romance), and -ence (urgence).
- -ude, -ure, -ade (attitude, peinture, promenade)
- -tion, -sion – Son (natation, pension, maison)
- -ée, -té (idea, liberty).
Masculine noun endings:
A few end with -e are masculine, such as
- -tre (théâtre), -cle (article), -age (fromage). -ège (siège), -isme (capitalisme), -and (marchand).
- -ou (Bijou)
- -oir (Comptoir)
- -ment (Gouvernement)
- -ail, -eil (fil, ail, accueil)
- -eau (couteau).
- -eur (professeur).
- -Consonants in general.
You’ll undoubtedly encounter some exceptions—there are always exceptions in language learning—but don’t worry.
Making this mistake isn’t a big issue when starting because you’ll almost certainly be understood.
If you continue to practice in your daily life, these errors will gradually fade.
Be Cautious of Loan Words
Avoiding clichéd words and expressions may be one of the most counterintuitive advice for learning French.
Oh là là, rendez-vous, coup de grâce, and calling the waiter garçon are few examples, but there are many more.
These loanwords and phrases seem quite passe to French ears, and they may not be used in the same way in French as in English.
For example, a rendezvous could refer to a romantic date, a doctor’s appointment, or a business meeting. To address a waiter or waitress, say s’il vous plaît or excusez-moi.
Always favor language learned in a French-speaking setting or your French courses over terminology carried over from English.
Parting Shot
These are the tips you can use to speed up your French language learning.
To speed up the pace even further, engage with French as much as possible.
The goal is to reach the point where you can think, joke, and even dream in French.
While language immersion is typically connected with relocating overseas, there are ways to immerse yourself in French, even without going to a French-speaking country.
You can set the default language of your phone, tablet, and computer to French, download movies, series, audiobooks, and podcasts in French, and even search for new recipes in French.
Integrating French into your daily routines and activities allows you to experience the language rather than merely learn words and phrases.
These French immersion strategies effectively turn passive learning into active involvement.
And this is what you need.