Living In France

November 6, 2009 | Leave a Comment

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.

Only 21 miles across the channel from us at its narrowest point, France has always held the promise of something foreign with its language and the old Parisian reputation for artists and lovers. Yet our long entangled histories means that there’s a long aspect of familiarity to this country.

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 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.

And it’s this attitude that is important in making a success of living in France.

Try not to be self-conscious when using French. Not necessarily simple to do, but it will make you more confident in your communication and so you’ll learn faster.

French people will be happy to help English speakers who make efforts (via gestures, sketches and other creative methods) and will usually aid them to improve their vocabulary with appropriate words and phrases.

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?

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.

Whatever methods you use, if you are determined to progress, you will do so. Living in France will become an even more enjoyable experience.

French Life and the joys of French Life have been featured in magazine articles the world over. To get a first hand account of French Life take a look at Amanda Lawrence’s new blog 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.

categories: French life,life in France,French living,French recipes,French food,French,France,Holidays,Travel,Food

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