Learning a language is hard. What do you do when you aren’t sure about a clear path forward? Private lessons can be expensive and books can be ineffective and boring so here’s my Lingoda review. How can a language learner boost their foreign language skills? Here’s why you should consider learning French with Lingoda and get started today.
How to use context when speaking French
When you’re in France and need to converse with French people, all your classroom learning gets very real. Here’s how to use context when speaking French.
Do you translate from French to English in your head?
A question people ask me quite often about speaking French is, “Do you translate from French to English in your head before speaking?” My honest answer at this point is no and here’s why. There’s no time to translate when you’re speaking a foreign language in real time.
Why getting complimented on your French means you’re not fluent
A real marker of progress is when native French speakers stop complimenting you on your French. That’s when you know you’ve majorly improved. Here’s why compliments mean you aren’t fluent.
All About France #19 (link up)
Today I have a special post for you! A link up, to be more specific. Phoebe of Lou Messugo has given me the reins for the August All About France link up and I’m hosting for her while she’s on vacation.
Is French hard to learn? You’ll want to run and hide!
Even if you consider yourself fluent in French or pretty close to it, certain situations will still send shivers down your spine (or maybe it’s just me). Situations like what, you ask? Here’s when the French language makes you want to run and hide.
Frustrations of living in another language
Learning another language to the point of being self-sufficient in a country where that language is spoken can be one of the most rewarding — yet frustrating — challenges of life abroad. Here are some frustrations of living in another language.
Quick French lesson: Words you can shorten to sound cool
Next time you’re having a conversation with someone in French and one of these words below comes up, use the shortened form. Here are French words you can shorten.
5 Tips to make your French more natural
As a foreigner learning French, I’ve picked a few of these little things along the way and am sharing these language learning tips to make your French more natural. With my tips, you’ll be able to impress even a native speaker with your fluid, natural speech.
Need a French/English language speaking partner? Let’s help each other out
When learning a new language, it can be difficult to find language partners with whom to practice — especially if you don’t live in a country where that language is spoken. So if you need a language speaking partner in English/French, read on.
Why comprehension needs to be your focus when learning a foreign language
I had a really, really hard time understanding spoken, spontaneous French outside the classroom. For anyone learning French, I’m here to tell you to forget all the grammar and writing exercises and listen up to what I have to say below. Comprehension needs to be your focus if you plan on spending any time in a French-speaking country.
When living in France starts messing with your English
If you’re anything like me, after living in a country where English isn’t the native language, you’ll start to a notice a phenomenon that I like to call “WTF is going on!?” You’ll notice yourself searching for words that were once at the tip of your tongue, second-guessing your spelling and experiencing somewhat frequent brain farts.
5 Reasons why having a foreign accent in French is a good thing
After living in France for over four years now, I’ve learned that your accent is only an obstacle if you allow it to become one. Most of the time having an accent in French is a good thing! Language learning isn’t easy so if you’re learning French, don’t sweat your accent. It’s not a big deal.
How to get native speakers to correct your mistakes in French
Learning a language can be frustrating, so how do you get native speakers to correct your mistakes? I’m sharing my thoughts.
How to say the French “u” (VIDEO)
Hello! I have a new video for you today to help with your French language learning journey. Learn French and listen for my tips on how to say the French u sound.
From the archives: Some oldies but goodies
Hi guys! One thing I learned from my reader survey is that almost 50 percent of respondents have only been…
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French pronunciation: C-word subtleties you’ll want to get right (AUDIO)
Let’s talk pronunciation today. Here’s a quick French pronunciation lesson for words that begin with the letter “c”. The vowel sounds make all the difference!
French lessons with Tom while walking the dog… no your dog isn’t a pervert!
What did I learn the other day? How not to say your dog is a pervert (after telling someone their dog was, thankfully, not a pervert). Not exactly what I was trying to say. So yeahhh, not my finest moment.
50+ Basic French words and phrases for travel to France (with pronunciation)
A relaxing, stress-free trip can get stressful when you’re not able to communicate, so to help you out, I’ve put together some of the most useful French travel phrases for your trip to France, with audio so you can hear how the words sound. Practice makes perfect so learn these French phrases and speak with confidence.
Putain meaning in English: Is this French curse word THAT bad?
What does putain mean in French? We’ll talk about if cursing in French is OK in professional settings and in French culture. When speaking French, putain is a word you need to know even if you don’t curse. Here’s what putain means in French and why it’s a big deal. Do you curse in French or your native language?