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.
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.
Some British people think that when you're living in France you automatically acquire the language. Must be something in the water! Many older French people never studied English at school and so don't understand our difficulties in learning a second language. They may regard us as rather unintelligent if we can't communicate effectively and think that we really are not very bright about every other part of life.
However, the vast majority of French people react very positively to attempts to communicate in their language and I believe it's essential to make an effort to acquire a working knowledge of French language. By working knowledge, I mean just that . . . something that can be used effectively. It doesn't have to be correct, perfect, well pronounced - it just has to be understandable and therefore effective. It can be frightening to be surrounded by a foreign language, but admitting your lack of understanding while being willing to try goes a long way towards sorting out this situation.
And it's this attitude that is important in making a success of living in France.
Before starting to acquire or improve your working knowledge of French, you first need to lose something - your fear of looking foolish. Easier said than done sometimes!
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.
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.
Of course there will be set-backs - after all, we're dealing with human beings here and we can all be unpredictable and moody. But in general, taking each situation as it comes up and preparing well if possible, guarantees you will make progress.
With your good intentions and willingness to work, what tools are available to help you improve your French?
New language learning methods arrive as new technology develops and old favourites still remain. Some examples: - selecting an individual telephone tutor; following one of the freely available on-line courses (try Radio France Internationale or the BBC), or buying a well-established tape or CD or video programme.
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.
We all vary in learning styles and it's important to consider your own when choosing how to learn French. Your choice will be likely to work more effectively.
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.
Author Resource:
French Life and the benefits of Life in France 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 .
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