Learning a Foreign LAnguage

Question

I have noticed that many of the European schools require that the applicant have knowledge of atleast two languages. I, unfortunately, only speak English as I took four years of Latin in high school and never took another language. I've caught the language bug and would love to start learning French, but don't know what is the best way to self teach myself French. I'd love to avoid dropping ~$500 on Rosetta Stone if everyone seems to think there's a better way. I've acquired a copy of TellMeMore V10 and started the first lesson and was completely lost when everything was in French. Please help!

shanghaizzle · Answer

Personally I've found that the most effective way to learn another language is by combining book learning (for vocabulary and grammar) with conversational practice. Rosetta Stone is OK but I've found the book learning process to be much quicker.

Language exchange programs via the internet where you would pair up with a native French speaker who's trying to learn English can be a good option...

FatRiverPuff · Answer

Have you tried reading simple texts in French and looking up words you don't understand in the dictionary?

When I'd first moved to France at the age of 7, I couldn't understand a word (duh...) and my dad literally shoved the language into my head by making me read random books and look up words I don't understand from an old, crappy dictionary. Watching French TV helped too. Conversation didn't help so much because I was shy and went to an international school with kids who spoke gibberish. I soon became fluent and my teachers were super impressed and wrote to my parents saying I'm not mentally challenged (I'm not kidding). Learning a new language at such a young age is obviously much easier but I do believe that this method is highly effective.

I'm using the same method (my dad won't help me this time, talk about ditching...) 20 years later with Spanish and it's working - probably because French and Spanish share many similarities. Your background in Latin should be super helpful though, no?

FatRiverPuff · Answer

PS - I'd recommend getting a Bescherelle for verbs. Conjugation in French is ridiculous. https://www.bescherelle.com/

ra011y · Answer

Here is an excellent site to learn new languages!

https://fsi-language-courses.org/Content.php

MariaHamilton · Answer

Hello, I would also like to add that it is very important to have constant speaking practice. When I was learning French, I went to a spiking club, where I talked about various topics. Now there are many great resources that help you learn the language for free. If you wish, you can always try Skype calls, where you can help someone with English, and you can be helped with French

. Writing skills you can upgrade with different services, that includes grammar and short talk language. I also advise you to practice writing essay on a different topic related to this resource. This will provide an opportunity to practice spelling and writing styles. Good luck you in learning

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Learning a Foreign LAnguage

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