Learning a new language requires a lot of dedication and time. An immersion program can feel like a great way to test your knowledge and practice your skills in real-life situations.
Here are 5 tips to help you communicate better during your stay in France.
1 – Learn basic phrases
You’ll have a much richer experience if you know some basic French phrases before you board the plane. Learn a handful of useful sentences from a phrasebook. They give you some practical phrases, including the correct pronunciation. They are also often based on the English pronunciation or on the pronunciation of your mother tongue if the book is written in that language. Having these key phrases in your back pocket will help you navigate daily situations confidently.
Choosing to learn some phrases to introduce yourself, ask basic questions and be able to answer simple questions will greatly help you communicate more easily during your holidays in France.
2 – Take part in an exchange language speaking event
If possible, when preparing your trip to France, find a language exchange that will take place in the city you are visiting. Choose a French-English conversation exchange, as this will allow you to meet native French speakers. In addition to practising with your coach, these exchanges are ideal for listening practice with native speakers and improving your French accent. Often, you will meet locals who can also provide you with recommendations of things to do and see during your free time as well in the city.
3 – Use any opportunity to speak French during your holidays
It is essential to take advantage of every opportunities to speak French during your holidays in France! Instead of buying your bread at the supermarket, why not pick up an authentic baguette from the boulangerie and use the opportunity to order in French? Moments like these are perfect for practising the phrases you learned before your trip or with your language coach.
4 – Don’t be shy!
Being shy can hold you back, preventing you from reaching your potential and learning new skills while in holiday in France. Sometimes you will meet French people who want to help and switch to English. You can simply explain that you want to improve your French and ask them to speak to you in French. However, by speaking with confidence, slowly and clearly, you can often avoid this common misunderstanding.
5 – Show your determination to speak French
Never give up even when it seems hard to communicate in French. If you are worried about locals switching to English, you can use the following sentence: “Je voudrais communiquer en français s’il vous plaît pour m’améliorer. Je vous remercie de me parler en français mais lentement.” (I would like to communicate in French please in order to improve. Thank you for speaking to me in French but slowly). Clarifying your goals can often reduce the misunderstandings, and most locals will appreciate your efforts.
Many day trips to the surrounding villages and towns of Montpellier, such as Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert or Carcassonne, offer the perfect opportunity to practise French. The locals are often friendly and open to conversation with French learners.
6 – Make French friends
If you come to France and you are camping or renting a flat, you will certainly have French neighbours. Do not hesitate to start a conversation or engage in small talk. You can begin with a simple “Bonjour” and go on to mention the weather. French people tend to care about the weather, especially if they are on holiday. “Bonjour, quel temps magnifique!” “Quel beau soleil!” or “Dommage, il n’y a pas de soleil aujourd’hui” can be enough to start a conversation. Most often, French people will reply and ask where you come from, and that can lead to an interesting exchange.
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