Mon, 28 May 2012
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Ah, the French language. Learning French is no easy feat, read our articles full of tips and pointers on how to learn French, French language courses, French lessons, and how to conquer the French vocabulary.
If you are new to the country, click here to read our practical French guide to help you get around for the first couple of months.
I enjoyed this article and found it very comprehensive as far as ways to go about learning French. However, there is one thing missing and that's the fact that one must make every effort to live in a French speaking world. Having daily interaction, on a more personal basis, with French nationals, is crucial to overcoming timidness and blockage.
For example, joining a gym can be an introduction to French friends. After some weeks of regular participation at my gym, people began to speak with me. I found that they made quite a bit of effort as many of them loved the US and had visited the States on several occaisions. They truly understood the language gap first hand and were happy to have the occaision to practice their few words of English with an American.
I've since been invited to sit and chat with several people over a cold vittel after a grueling stretch class. Now the instructors actually incorporate some English into their class when they see that I'm not doing the right thing. That was a shock.
It's opened up my world and dimished my shyness.
It wasn't easy to get started. I, at first, felt like "the ugly duckling" in a pond of beautiful swans. Now I've advanced to just a little duckling with many of the swans helping me.
So, I'd just like to add that having a few adventures, on a more personal level, that emerges you into the French language, is a very important part of learning their language. It's not always "textbook." Frankly, they have their own lingo....just like us. It's been a joy to be learning this aspect of French.
I might add that I'm recently married to French man that doesn't speak English. I understand half of what he says but I always get the sense because we have a personal relationship. Our conversations are one on one. That's what got me to a level of reasonable communication. He is delighted that I'm branching out.
I enjoyed this article and found it very comprehensive as far as ways to go about learning French. However, there is one thing missing and that's the fact that one must make every effort to live in a French speaking world. Having daily interaction, on a more personal basis, with French nationals, is crucial to overcoming timidness and blockage.
For example, joining a gym can be an introduction to French friends. After some weeks of regular participation at my gym, people began to speak with me. I found that they made quite a bit of effort as many of them loved the US and had visited the States on several occaisions. They truly understood the language gap first hand and were happy to have the occaision to practice their few words of English with an American.
I've since been invited to sit and chat with several people over a cold vittel after a grueling stretch class. Now the instructors actually incorporate some English into their class when they see that I'm not doing the right thing. That was a shock.
It's opened up my world and dimished my shyness.
It wasn't easy to get started. I, at first, felt like "the ugly duckling" in a pond of beautiful swans. Now I've advanced to just a little duckling with many of the swans helping me.
So, I'd just like to add that having a few adventures, on a more personal level, that emerges you into the French language, is a very important part of learning their language. It's not always "textbook." Frankly, they have their own lingo....just like us. It's been a joy to be learning this aspect of French.
I might add that I'm recently married to French man that doesn't speak English. I understand half of what he says but I always get the sense because we have a personal relationship. Our conversations are one on one. That's what got me to a level of reasonable communication. He is delighted that I'm branching out.
This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes information on business hierarchy, negotiations, and etiquette.
A listing of organizations in the Paris area that cater primarily to Americans living in France. Updated April 2011.
Our handy guide to the British community in Paris, from cricket clubs to Scottish country dancing lessons to where to find a jar of Marmite.
Here's a short introduction to our Banking section for those living in France, from how to open a bank account to Islamic banking and investments.
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