| Life In France Can Be Good |
| Written by Hazel Wig |
| Sunday, 15 November 2009 09:32 |
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Although the current global financial situation is still extremely uncertain, many British people are still leaving to live abroad. France is the favourite holiday haunt of many of us and so it's perhaps natural to try living in France.
Although the current global financial situation is still extremely uncertain, many British people are still leaving to live abroad. France is the favourite holiday haunt of many of us and so it's perhaps natural to try 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. 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 vital to make plans to learn to communicate in French. This isn't about learning verb conjugations or lists of prepositions; it's about understanding and using everyday vocabulary and phrases. The more you learn of these and some of the "etiquette" of France (such as greetings as you enter a shop, etc), the more confident you'll become about learning and using others. Confidence is important and enables you to take some risks and to improve constantly. It will certainly get a good reception from the French who applaud attempts to learn their language. Good intentions (and hard work) will give you every chance of learning to communicate and enjoy living in France. 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. Not all of us are naturally so self-confident and it might be necessary to really push yourself in just one situation. See how it goes and what you might do next time. Pick a situation which is vital to you personally, for instance a visit to the vet to discuss your dog's health. Think about how you'll describe the dog's condition and even write a little script. This allows you to look up any vocabulary you don't know. Include questions you need to ask. It's often best to start by explaining you're learning French and to ask for the vet to be patient with you and to speak slowly. 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. Given your interest and determination, what are the best supports to use to work on your French? 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. Do think about the methods with which you feel most comfortable and satisfying. You'll then have a better chance of quick progress. 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. About the Author: French Life and the joys of living 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. |