Starting a new language can be daunting because you must figure out where to begin! So, what is the most effective approach for a novice to learn French? I’ll go over the typical pains beginner face when learning French.
Does it have to be so hard to learn French?
It takes a lifetime to master our mother tongue. Thankfully, we can always pick up new knowledge, correct mistakes, and improve communication abilities. Other factors to take into account, though, include:
- It could be something you’re doing: you need more motivation or time, you don’t prioritize, you can’t find enough time, or you don’t try hard enough to find suitable materials.
- Your timing may need improvement: learning a foreign language becomes more difficult as you age. Children have a sponge-like mind, and their procedural memory is significantly more active until adolescence – tasks connected to unconscious skills, such as dancing, riding a bike, or understanding nuanced linguistic norms, are much easier for them. Conversely, adults are less adept at implicit learning, making it more difficult for them.
- You must set the right expectations: learning a second language is difficult. What piques your interest? What do you prefer: speaking, reading, listening, or writing? It takes time to accomplish all of them at a time. What about the levels of expertise?
- You may have chosen the most challenging language: you may have yet to realize it, but different languages fall into different difficulty categories based on how much time and effort they require to learn.
The pains of learning a new language
Here is a list of common issues that language students face during their studies:
- I need to learn how to study a language!
- I’m humiliated because I can’t communicate!
- I’m annoyed because I’m wasting both time and money!
- I’m worried because I make errors!
- I fear that it’s too late to start!
- I’m sorry I don’t have time!
- I’m disappointed since I can’t travel or live in___!
- I’m afraid I’ll forget it once I stop studying!
As you can see, we’ve highlighted all of the negative emotions associated with learning a new language. If you’ve ever found yourself saying or thinking one of the above statements, know that it’s completely normal and natural because you’re embarking on a new challenge and journey.
#1 I don’t know how to study a language
This is the most challenging aspect of learning French for novices: “I don’t know how to do that!” We all study languages in school but rarely use the most effective method. Many people need help understanding how to study languages efficiently. Yes, what is the most effective way to learn the French language?
Some individuals think you can pick up a language while you’re asleep. The focus should be on learning French, not how to study. That is the difference between treating a disease and curing it.
You desire to get rid of it. You want to learn that language. If you wish to comprehend how language acquisition operates, you must accept the idea of intelligible input and spaced repetition.
#2 I’m embarrassed because I can’t speak
There is a skill imbalance in French for beginners who already understand a little. Speaking French as a beginner can be embarrassing because you may understand but feel unable to express yourself.
That is relatively common, and it is usually not your fault but the result of your study style. You’re also far too modest! You most likely know more than you think. If you don’t trust us, try speaking to yourself in French in front of a mirror!
You only have one life! So you should try to practice whenever you have the chance.
#3 I’m frustrated because I’m wasting time and money
Learning a language takes time and money, like any other skill. Indeed, it takes more effort to master French for beginners than for intermediate speakers. It should consume only a little bit of time or money. You will progress much faster if you choose the best app to learn French.
If you need help finding time to study, consider the dead time in your schedule, such as commuting time. With the right tools, you can learn French in the car.
#4 I’m nervous because I make mistakes
French can be intimidating for beginners who do not want to leave their comfort zone! Yes, we are all nervous because we constantly make mistakes. So, bear with it. That is how we learn.
In other words, making mistakes is a sign that you are learning. Making mistakes is entirely normal, and if you set realistic expectations, you will not be disappointed.
Diversifying your study material can be beneficial. For example, just for fun, you could learn French idioms, French sayings, French proverbs, French quotes, or even French swear words.
#5 I fear that it’s too late to start!
It might be too late to sound native when learning French as an adult beginner. On the other hand, starting and learning a language at a sufficient level is always possible. If you’re older, it could take a little longer, but you can still do it.
In a short amount of time, you can communicate correctly and effectively at a high level. There is always time for beginners to start learning French.
#6 I regret that I don’t have time
You may come to regret not having enough time. However, even beginners with a hectic schedule can learn French. If you stick to a study schedule, you’ll know where you’re supposed to be and how well you’re doing, and you won’t be frustrated. Use this language learning schedule maker to determine which plan is best for you.
#7 I feel discouraged because I can’t travel/live in _____
The inability to live in or visit nations where the language they are studying is spoken causes disappointment in many people. Novices don’t need to enhance their French; they just need to be on the spot and communicate with the locals.
After all, learning the basics of French for travel, including how to get around, is only necessary if you visit France.
#8 I fear that I’ll forget it after I quit studying
Your proficiency will probably decline if you don’t use a language for a while, but you won’t ever entirely lose it. The good news is that it takes more effort to forget anything you learned and used for a long time. In other words, beginners find it easy to forget French than expert speakers.
Because of this, learning French is merely the first stage in creating a strong memory for novices. After all, even if you forget everything, you’d still appreciate the experience, right?
What’s your pain?
Did you find your learning French for beginners problem on this list? Naturally, you cannot – and should not – simply declare that you were not born to do this and give up. It may be more difficult for you, but it is not impossible.
And there are some things you can try to make things go smoothly. You must do as follows: Instead of learning haphazardly, devise a strategy, such as beginning with the 1000 most common French words.
It also helps to find entertaining study material, such as idioms or hand gestures. Try to write every day: it’s no secret that handwriting is one of the most effective ways to memorize. Don’t take the fun out of learning: if you spend all day reading grammar and listening to boring, school-like conversations, it’s no surprise you’re bored.
Have you ever considered watching a film or the news in French without subtitles? Or how about listening to music in a foreign language? There are also many French for beginners courses available on the Internet. You can easily find free French studies if you want something free.
Another approach is hunting for good French beginner books or podcasts. You have many options for learning French, so we strongly advise you to keep going!