Life In France – Why Not Take The Plunge?
November 14th, 2009 by Hazel Wig, under Vacations. No Comments
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”.
And the language? Well, of course there’s been a tradition of learning French in British schools. While this has produced some real lovers of the French language, many British people still almost boast of a national weakness in foreign language learning.
I’ve met visitors who think I should be fluent in correct French because I’ve been living in France for many years. How I wish that did happen by osmosis. Of course it doesn’t and quite a lot of deliberate effort is required. There are French people who don’t understand the process either and who may regard us as a bit dim all round because we struggle to learn French.
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.
For some people this isn’t an issue and they will try, try and try again to make themselves understood by gestures, words and other means. They will probably get a French lesson in return as the other person tells them the French words for what they want.
If you’re not quite so outgoing, it can be helpful to decide to make yourself work hard towards one special scenario. An example might be a visit to the dentist with a worrying problem. Preparing for the visit can be done using books, friends and the Internet to find vocabulary and expressions. Write it all down and learn it if necessary. Start by telling the dentist that your French is rather basic but you’re working at improving it. While the dentist is likely to help with your French, this won’t help you speak whilst there are instruments in your mouth!
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?
Telephones, Internet, e-mail and video conferencing are just some of the newer methods for learning French. Tapes, C.D.s and books are still very popular. There are a variety of combinations of methods and prices (and some are free), so take time to investigate possibilities and, if possible, ask other users’ opinions.
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.
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.
French Life and the joys of living 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 real life stories and anecdotes 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.
