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What is The Best Way To Learn French?

The Best Way To Learn French

1. Get Warmed Up With Free Tools!

The best way to start immersing yourself into the french language is to start with a free audio lesson. Many audiobook companies offer free trials of their audiobook services.  Audible is a great example of an audiobooks service that has french language courses amongst the listings available under their free trial. Simply search for "French course" or "French lessons". These introductory audio lessons will help get you used to the pronunciation of common words and phrases as well as giving you a primer on the general rhythm of the language. Duolingo is another one of the best tools you can use to learn french and it is also free. Take advantage of free resources before you start looking into a more comprehensive program.

2. Develop Foundational Skills For Learning A New Language

Learning a new language requires a specific skill set that is different from traditional learning. Because it takes a lot of time, effort and money to become proficient in another language it is essential that you have the proper foundation and know the secrets of grammar memorization techniques. The purpose of this step is to help you become a more successful foreign language learner which in the end can help you save time and money. We have selected two courses that can provide that foundation we recommend:


1. How To Learn and Memorize the Vocabulary of Any Language

2. Guerilla Language Learning



3. Select a Comprehensive French Program

 Whether you choose an online program or an in class program this will be the most important step in your french language learning journey. We have taken and recommend the Rocket French program as an online option because it is a comprehensive, award winning program that combines three language learning techniques. Learn more about Rocket French and be sure to visit our comprehensive review of the program. If you prefer in class lessons to online learning be sure to visit ottawafrenchlessons.com



4. Practice Speaking French With a Native Speaker

 The best way to practice and retain your training is to practice...practice...practice - if this is not a practical or affordable option for you try an online tutor or someone nearby that will practice speaking French with you. Just type a search for French tutor and your city and you might have just what you need at an affordable and economical price. Your can also search for non-local french tutors who can work with you over Skype here.

Related: Language expert Chris Lonsdale gives his best tips on how to become fluent in any language within 6 months. Click here for a summary: The best way to learn french

Learn To Speak Basic Conversational French in 7 Days

Are you planning to visit a french speaking country and want to learn basic conversational french fast? With Audible French you can learn basic French In Seven Days with a proven online audio course. 

Who is this course for: This is a conversational course suited to beginners and tourists. The course does not go in depth in terms of grammar.

What You'll Learn: Practical conversational french is taught through an online audio course jam packed with useful phrases, suggested learning techniques, basic grammar, essential words and motivational tips to boost your confidence. In 7 days you'll be able to pick up enough French to travel, improve your grades, or carry on a casual conversation with a French-speaking person.


Click here to learn more about the Audible French Program

How to Learn and Memorize the Vocabulary of Any Language

Anthony Metivier is the founder and editor of the Magnetic Memory Series and creator of the Magnetic Memory Method which teaches you how to learn foreign language vocabulary and memorize it in a completely new way using Memory Palaces.

His course: How to Learn and Memorize the Vocabulary of Any Language - Using the Magnetic Memory Method is now available at Udemy.com for $97.00

This course will help you to improve your ability to learn and memorize foreign language vocabulary by over 100%, using simple memory techniques.

The course is comprised of Over 35 lectures and 4.5 hours of content!

By the end of the course you will have the ability to recall foreign language vocabulary words that you have memorized with ease.

Your fluency will improve and and you will be able to read foreign language newspapers and engage in conversations more confidently than before due to a large increase in new vocabulary

Instructor Anthony Metivier holds a BA and MA in English Literature (York), an MA in Media & Communications (European Graduate School) and a PhD in Humanities (York). He is also a hard-to-hire story consultant and the author of Disaster Genre Secrets for Screenwriters.

How Does DuoLingo Work?

Duolingo is a completely free and effective method of language training.



How does it work?: 

Duolingo students practice their new language by translating webpages and documents that have been uploaded to the service. Once the document has been completely translated, the person who requested the translation pays for the service which eliminates the need for advertising and helps keep the language training free for students.

Does it work? 

"An eight week study was independently conducted to assess the effectiveness of Duolingo as a language learning tool. The participants took one university placement Spanish language test at the beginning of the study and one at the end. The improvement of language abilities was measured as the difference between the initial and the final language test results."

The study estimated that a person with no knowledge of Spanish would need an average of 34 Duolingo Study hours of to cover the material of one semester of College Spanish.

Visit www.duolingo.com today for more info and to sign up for free.

Duolingo apps are currently available for iPhone, iPad and Android.

Conversa Language Services

Conversa uses a four component, communicative approach to language training. The "Communicative Approach" focuses on mastering the spoken language and introduces grammar structures in a subtle yet systematic way. This combination helps students speak a new language in the shortest time possible. t is a method that seeks the "fast track" to language success!

French courses are designed to help participants qualify for federal government exams at levels A, B, C and E.

Customized courses are offered in the following areas:

Business
(intermediate or advanced levels) - for participants whose linguistic requirements include, for example, sales presentations, report writing, interviewing, conversations in formal or diplomatic environments, etc.

Government 
(intermediate or advanced levels) - commerce and trade, diplomacy, negotiations, politics, administration, environment

Technical/Industry
(intermediate or advanced levels) - telecommunications, engineering, agriculture, etc.

Intercultural
for the person interested in communicating in a foreign language both linguistically and culturally

Instruction Options

Small Group Classes: Class size is small (4 to 6 participants)
Semi-private class: 2 to 3 students
One-on-one class:

Pricing (Spring 2013)

Evening courses are 2-hour weekly classes for 8 weeks (16 hours) for $250 (HST exempt). Max 6 students.

Weekend courses are 4-hour weekly classes for 8 weeks (32 hours)for $250 (HST exempt). Max 8 students. From 8:00 to 12:00 or from 1:00 to 5:00 pm

Private

From $40 / hour; minimum 1.5 hours per class; standard class is 2.0 hours.

Conversa.ca

French Classes: Carleton Summer Institute of Language and Culture (SILC)

The Summer Institute of Language and Culture is a unique, intensive language instruction and program. Language courses are taught by experienced, professional instructors and the SILC envisions providing students with a truly valuable, enriching experience.

Courses take place over a six-week period in May-June or July-August. 

Summer Institute of Language and Culture is offering the following courses through Department of French:

FINS 3405 French for Special or Professional Purposes I (0.5 cr)

This course is designed for students who are ‘advanced beginners’ in the sense that they may have taken some basic French courses in the past, but have not been using French for a number of years. Basic conversation skills will be covered as well as vocabulary and written skills, focusing on the themes related to a professional, working context. Some cultural activities will also be included, making use of our location in Ottawa.

FINS 3406 French for Special or Professional Purposes II (0.5 cr)

This course is designed for intermediate students, who have taken French through high school, whether this was recently or many years ago. This course will cover oral conversation skills as well as written skills, focusing on the professional context. Some cultural activities will also be included, making use of our location in Ottawa.

FINS 3407 French for Special or Professional Purposes III (0.5 cr)

This is an advanced French course. This course aims to help students reach a level of fluency in French so that they may use it in their professional lives. It will also cover written skills, focusing on the types of communications that are used in professional contexts. A special emphasis will be given to work situations that might arise in the public service. Some cultural activities will also be included, making use of our location in Ottawa.

FREN 1002 French I: Low Intermediate French (1.o cr)

Taught in French for students who have had exposure to French but who have difficulty using it in day-to-day communication. Emphasis on oral expression and comprehension; development of reading and writing skills. Oral practice, oral presentations, interviews, cultural activities, grammar exercises. Attendance and participation are compulsory. Limited enrollment. No auditors.

Prerequisite: Self-assessment questionnaire.

FREN 1100 Français I: First-Year University French (1.0 cr)

Taught in French. Emphasis on speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Oral presentations, discussions, interviews, reading of novels and magazine articles, listening activities, grammar exercises, compositions. Attendance and participation are compulsory. Limited enrolment. No auditors.

Prerequisite: FREN 1002 or self-assessment questionnaire.

FREN 2100 Français II: Second-Year University French (1.0 cr)

Taught in French. For non-francophone students. Advanced speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Advanced level reading from various sources, including literary texts. Grammar exercises, essays, oral presentations. Attendance and participation are compulsory. Limited enrollment. No auditors.

Prerequisite: FREN 1100 or FREN 1110 or permission of the Department.

More Info: Summer Institute of Language and Culture