France is the world leader in tourism and lots of people would agree that it is a most attractive country. But vacations can be very different from actually residing somewhere. However, although money is still a difficult area for many of us, it doesn't seem to have stopped people leaving the U.K. to experience 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.
It's daunting to come to live in a foreign country where your knowledge of the language is very limited, but a positive attitude will work wonders. Most French citizens are genuinely pleased to encounter British who are trying to learn their language so that they can live successfully in France. They don't mind mistakes, and indeed will probably be pleased to help with them, but do respond to good intentions and efforts.
Successful living in France should be certain if you make positive efforts to gain the language.
It's difficult to let go of inhibitions and to try really using French, but it is an important factor in improving your skills. So think about this when planning your language work.
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.
Since the French are only human, there will be times when the response is less than friendly. Just remind yourself that it's their problem, not yours. You're the one making great effort which is to your credit, so carry on to the next situation where you'll hopefully get your just reward.
Apart from your attitude and effort, how else can you make progress in French language?
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.
It's quite usual to employ a personal teacher to come to your home to help with a subject like French - a good option if you prefer not to start in group classes which are also available in many places.
Don't forget to consider how you learn best when deciding on ways to make progress. Methods that suit your individual personality are likely to be more successful.
In the end however, it's your interest and impetus that will ensure you learn and thus make the very most of living in France. - 32380
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.
It's daunting to come to live in a foreign country where your knowledge of the language is very limited, but a positive attitude will work wonders. Most French citizens are genuinely pleased to encounter British who are trying to learn their language so that they can live successfully in France. They don't mind mistakes, and indeed will probably be pleased to help with them, but do respond to good intentions and efforts.
Successful living in France should be certain if you make positive efforts to gain the language.
It's difficult to let go of inhibitions and to try really using French, but it is an important factor in improving your skills. So think about this when planning your language work.
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.
Since the French are only human, there will be times when the response is less than friendly. Just remind yourself that it's their problem, not yours. You're the one making great effort which is to your credit, so carry on to the next situation where you'll hopefully get your just reward.
Apart from your attitude and effort, how else can you make progress in French language?
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.
It's quite usual to employ a personal teacher to come to your home to help with a subject like French - a good option if you prefer not to start in group classes which are also available in many places.
Don't forget to consider how you learn best when deciding on ways to make progress. Methods that suit your individual personality are likely to be more successful.
In the end however, it's your interest and impetus that will ensure you learn and thus make the very most of living in France. - 32380
About the Author:
French Life and the benefits of Life in France have been featured in magazine articles the world over. To get a first hand account 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.
