Comments on: Best Way to Learn French Fast

By: Enrique

Enrique — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 01:19:49 +0000

Hi, Lenka,

I can imagine. Resources were more limited in the past, but now, thanks to technology, we can study from the comfort of our homes.

I’m like you. I’m a grammar nerd. I guess that’s why I still prefer books at times, but I also use apps and videos to learn and/or reinforce what I learned.

As you mentioned, the best way is to use a combination of all the resources available at hand. It’s not impossible, but it takes time and hard work. It doesn’t happen overnight either.

Glad to hear you’re taking up French. Feel free to check my other articles for info and tips on the language and culture.

Thanks for commenting.

By: Lenka Sophie

Lenka Sophie — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 17:01:06 +0000

Hi Enrique,
I think now it’s the best time to learn any language with all these possibilities we have. YouTube and online tutors is something that didn’t exist 20 years ago, that time people could learn only from books and maybe TV programs, if they had satellite tv.
I learned English only from books but I’m a grammar nerd 🙂 Then of course I learned a lot from the contact with British people that was when I could speak almost perfectly. One has to know the basics first, you can’t start speaking without being able to create simple sentences. For that, apps like DuoLingo are great.
I think if you combine books, apps, YouTube and tutor, you progress very quickly. It needs dedication and perseverance. Learning a language does take time but it is very good for the brain because it creates new neural pathways and prevents aging.
I’m planning to start with French again; I know the basics and need to extend my vocabulary. Your tips are very helpful, thanks for that.
Lenka

By: Enrique

Enrique — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 01:15:52 +0000

In reply to JJ.

Hi, JJ,

Hang in there! Don't give up. Learning a language takes time.

I highly recommend you hire a tutor. You can find one that doesn't charge too much. You can also engage in tandems. I recommend trying out Conversation Exchange for this. Practicing with native speakers of your target language helps a lot.

Let me know if you need any more tips. Thanks for commenting.

By: Enrique

Enrique — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 01:11:05 +0000

In reply to Rachel.

Hi, Rachel,

Yes, you're right. We can use these tips to learn any language.

As you pointed out, immersion is very effective, but unfortunately, it's not always possible. The good thing is we have many resources at our disposal.

Thanks for commenting.

By: JJ

JJ — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 23:56:54 +0000

I studied French in high school and loved it so much that my big dream was to go to France one day and speak it in the street. Well I still haven't reached there but this article is giving me some ideas. From these tips i see where I could get some French books and read. I could also use youtube and internet assistance to practice even for a short time each week. I used to be fairly fluent and read magazines and books easily. I still understand the language but need to practice the oral exchanges. Thanks for the encouragement

By: Rachel

Rachel — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 23:56:46 +0000

You've outlined a great way to not only start learning French, but any other new language as well. I've always been told the best way to learn a new language is full immersion but of course that is not always feasible, especially given today's circumstances. You've given us several other methods and ways to learn which is fantastic. Combining these with discipline and effort and I think anyone could learn any language they wanted to in a year or two.

By: Enrique

Enrique — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 14:54:14 +0000

In reply to Christine.

Hi, Christine,

I couldn’t have said it better. I totally agree with you. We all learn differently.

I definitely believe that learning with an experienced teacher is one of the best ways to learn a language. Apps, books, and other resources can complement our learning but will hardly replace private lessons.

Thank you for commenting and sharing your input.

By: Christine

Christine — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 20:21:42 +0000

Hi there,

I think that the most effective way to learn French would be by taking private classes. Then you will have personal attention and the teacher will get to know you and know what your strengths and weaknesses are and work with them. Apps are also great, but I think that they would be especially useful if you already have an intermediate or advanced French level and you want to improve, but that is just my personal opinion.
I agree with you that reading and studying books is also a good way to learn a language. You do not need internet for books, and sometimes the internet fails us … Besides, you can take notes in books, highlight and underline important things, so you can always refer back to them.
In the end, everyone is different, and we have different ways to learn a language. Some people are more visual, some are auditive, and others need a teacher with them. So, much depends on each individual’s learning habits.