It seems common today for many British people to consider going to live abroad. And France, the Number One tourist destination, is an extremely popular country for those leaving Britain. Even in these times of continuing "financial crisis", many U.K. citizens are still considering living in France.
It may be because France is our closest foreign country and so we believe we know it quite well. It's a popular British holiday destination and certainly it's easy to be charmed by the various beautiful regions, the great food and wine and that "joie de vivre".
What about the French language? It's true that many of us learned it at school ("la plume de ma tante" etc), and that modern teaching offers an emphasis on real communication. That doesn't stop many British people from being shy and unconfident to the extent that they refuse to try using the language when in France.
Others believe that they will be visited by an ability to speak French once they live amongst the French. In fact some French people also believe it and this can give rise to many difficulties for English speaking ex-patriots in France. I find it very frustrating that some French people quite clearly believe that I'm rather stupid in every aspect of life because I don't speak perfect French! Of course, these are usually people who have never had to learn any foreign language.
However, the vast majority of French people react very positively to attempts to communicate in their language and I believe it's essential to make an effort to acquire a working knowledge of French language. By working knowledge, I mean just that . . . something that can be used effectively. It doesn't have to be correct, perfect, well pronounced - it just has to be understandable and therefore effective. It can be frightening to be surrounded by a foreign language, but admitting your lack of understanding while being willing to try goes a long way towards sorting out this situation.
Good intentions (and hard work) will give you every chance of learning to communicate and enjoy living in France.
Try not to be self-conscious when using French. Not necessarily simple to do, but it will make you more confident in your communication and so you'll learn faster.
Of course, some of us are naturally theatrical and can communicate with gestures and facial expressions when words fail. Rewards will probably be the French providing the necessary words and much can be gained from such exchanges.
For those who don't have this self-confidence, it may be a case of forcing yourself on one occasion and then afterwards reflecting on the situation and what you learned from it. You then know whether to repeat the method next time or to slightly change it. It helps if you have an important reason for an exchange in French. When I arrived here my two children had to go to collge and I knew I (who previously on holidays in France had got the children to ask for things in shops) had to force myself for their sakes, to prepare for parents' nights.
Sometimes the reactions you get will not be what you'd hoped for, but we all (including the French) have our off days and you shouldn't let it upset you. Look forward rather than backward and just be more determined for the next time.
With your good intentions and willingness to work, what tools are available to help you improve your French?
There are a growing variety of methods; there are numerous tapes and CDs available with written support; there are some good free on-line courses, e.g. the BBC, Radio France Internationale; there are distance learning courses that you pay for; there are telephone teachers who may also use e-mail; there are traditional books.
Group and individual courses are frequently on offer in France for those wanting to learn the language.
We all vary in learning styles and it's important to consider your own when choosing how to learn French. Your choice will be likely to work more effectively.
It really is down to your own willpower and persistence to benefit in full from the ways you choose to learn French. Having a working knowledge of the language is a great base for living in France.
Author Resource:-
French Life and the benefits of Life in France have been featured in magazine articles the world over. To find out more of Living in France take a look at Amanda Lawrence's new website at www.frenchvie.com. Lots of stories and recipes from the Quercy. It takes you right there - you'll never want to leave. Don't forget to register for her free newsletter. Author of White Stone Black Wine.
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