Study Techniques for Learning French

It is unfortunately the case that most people have poor learning techniques that result in slower progress and a poorer understanding of French than would otherwise be the case. Learning a foreign language requires such a lengthy time commitment that even small improvements in technique will pay big dividends in terms of time saved and faster progress.

Planning your learning

The best way to learn French is to follow a good structured course and combine this with additional materials and experiences. The structured course will make sure that you learn the language in an ordered way, building on what has gone before. Such a course might involve attending classes, making use of a computer learning package or simply private study using a distance-learning course.

The additional materials - particularly the written and spoken word - will add variety and enjoyment to your learning, helping you to make use of all of your learning skills. Other language-learning experiences, such as attending a French group or simply getting together with a friend to talk in French, are also invaluable in accelerating learning and sustaining motivation.

Try set aside regular periods that you are going to devote to your private study - and to ensure that you will be free from interruptions and distractions. Your rate of progress will obviously depend upon the amount of time you are able to devote to your studies. However, do remember the adage about "little and often" being the best way to study.

Flexing your "mental muscles"

A big "plus" for the "little and often" principle is that you can use those odd moments while waiting or travelling to do some "reinforcing" of the things you have already covered in your studies. For example, useful words and phrases that you have written down on a piece of card - French on one side and English on the other. But do not try and simply remember items on a list - try instead to visualize situations in which you are using the new vocabulary. This kind of "active learning" is much more effective.

Educational psychologists have long known that the most effective learning makes use of all of the senses. So instead of relying on just reading or listening - both "passive" skills - vary what you do. Read and listen and, when circumstances permit, write the words down and repeat them out loud.

"Watch this space"

Much research has been done of learning a foreign language
and from time to time we will be adding to the advice that we
offer to visitors to this site.

Top of page >