Comments on: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Learning French https://thefrenchstreet.com/common-mistakes-learning-french/ Learn About All Things French! Wed, 23 Sep 2020 00:51:24 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.8 By: Enrique https://thefrenchstreet.com/common-mistakes-learning-french/#comment-204 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 00:51:24 +0000 https://thefrenchstreet.com/?p=900#comment-204 In reply to Christine.

Hi, Christine,

Yes, the famous French pas. It’s hard for us non-native speakers to remember we have to use two words for negation. And yes, genders are confusing. Learning common endings help, but there are always exceptions.

I’m with you regarding translation. It’s tempting to do it all the time, but it’s counterproductive since we may depend too much on it. And yes, Google Translate is not 100% reliable. There are many funny anecdotes about it online.

Immersion is definitely the best way to learn the language. Ideally, you should move to France or another French-speaking country, but it’s not always possible. However, there is always a solution. We can find French speakers in our cities or use tools like language exchange sites.

Thanks for commenting.

]]> By: Enrique https://thefrenchstreet.com/common-mistakes-learning-french/#comment-201 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 00:43:14 +0000 https://thefrenchstreet.com/?p=900#comment-201 In reply to Ezra Mtambeka.

Hi, Ezra,

I totally agree with you. Learning a language is not just about learning grammar and vocabulary, but learning about the culture behind it as well.

In answer to your question, I highly recommend practicing with a tutor and talking to natives as much as you can. There’s no better way to improve your pronunciation than by speaking.

Thanks for commenting.

]]> By: Christine https://thefrenchstreet.com/common-mistakes-learning-french/#comment-196 Sat, 19 Sep 2020 16:18:10 +0000 https://thefrenchstreet.com/?p=900#comment-196 I noticed some of these mistakes with French students here in Los Cabos. They made the mistakes that you mentioned, for example they ommitted the “pas” in negations and it is understandable that the genders are confusing, especially if some words that are female in Spanish are male in French and vice versa …
Translation should be absolutely avoided, because it often comes up with wrong results. Avoid Google translations, they are often incorrect or too literal and not practical in everyday language.
I think that the best way to learn a language is by immersing yourself in it during classes and forget about translating it from your own language.

]]> By: Ezra Mtambeka https://thefrenchstreet.com/common-mistakes-learning-french/#comment-200 Sat, 19 Sep 2020 10:41:15 +0000 https://thefrenchstreet.com/?p=900#comment-200 I highly favor learning languages rich in culture and history. French has been on my list. Now that I came across your article, I can say I can well prepare myself. I found the pronouncing of numbers very interesting. In my opinion one should master pronouns. In almost every sentence, there’s almost a pronoun involved. What are your tips for one to master pronunciation? Great article. ai loved it. 

]]> By: Enrique https://thefrenchstreet.com/common-mistakes-learning-french/#comment-189 Fri, 18 Sep 2020 21:12:53 +0000 https://thefrenchstreet.com/?p=900#comment-189 In reply to Anastazja.

Hi, Anastazja,

Oh, yeah, French from Quebec is somewhat different from France French. The grammar is the same, but their vocabulary and pronunciation differ a little.

Thanks for commenting.

]]> By: Anastazja https://thefrenchstreet.com/common-mistakes-learning-french/#comment-188 Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:14:15 +0000 https://thefrenchstreet.com/?p=900#comment-188 Your article is very practical for someone who wants to learn French.  I studied French in school so this kind of thing was drilled into me.  I lived in Quebec for many years.  French was spoken but very different than what I learned in school. The simple things about which you wrote are the things that native speakers hear.  Thanks for these great tips.

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