Languages are for communicating. French too. Improve your French-speaking skills by interacting every day: discover 5 free options!
Intensive French courses are not the only way to improve your French. Here are 5 tips to avoid losing your French.
1. Write, write and write some more!
In the first part of our article, we suggest writing your memory aids down in French. But that’s probably not enough, as you should write everything down in French: your shopping lists, daily text messages to Mum… You should even try writing down things that maybe you don’t need to write down! Write short texts about anything: the weekend, your day, holiday memories, the movie you saw last night … You can even invite a friend or someone you know who is French to start a correspondence in French with you! And if you’re casting around for inspiration, just choose an article from the newspaper and translate it into French; it may not be a professional translation, but the idea is for you to try and find new ways to say things in French.
2. Visit French-speaking countries
Choose holiday destinations where French tends to be spoken as a rule. You’re lucky, as there are loads of options: France, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, Haiti, Monaco, Senegal, etc. There’s something for everyone, whatever your taste and budget. But stay with the program! Once you’re there, don’t hold back. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to speak with a native! They will no doubt be pleasantly surprised to see that someone is actually taking the trouble to speak their language… And will most likely offer their help!
3. Stay in touch with French speakers
If you can, stay in touch with any of the aforementioned native French speakers. You’ll probably also have the opportunity, throughout your career, training or when you’re on vacation, to meet French speakers. Try to stay in contact with them as well, either by e-mail or Skype, so you can practice your French now and then.
4. Socialise online
Today, much of our social life takes place online. And the Internet is a mainly French-speaking world. So make the most of it! Use platforms or social networks such as Couchsurfing and seize the opportunity to show off your city and give advice in French. Or you can sign up for an French-speaking forum on a topic that interests you and participate in the discussions that arise.
5. Make online contact with native French speakers
The benefits of Internet are endless: for example, there are language exchange sites that allow you to get in contact with native speakers in those languages you are looking for. You can even check out My Language Exchange and start an exchange with an French-speaker right away! Another option is to visit websites like PenPal World where you can get a pen pal and exchange written correspondence by e-mail.
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