Resources for learners of French
photo: india kangaroo
So, you are learning French but struggling to find inspiration? Number one on your to-do list should be a trip somewhere in the French-speaking world. There is no substitute for being immersed in a language you want to learn. By studying in immersion, you have to use your language skills all day every day in a wide variety of situations.
Alas, an extended stay in a French-speaking country may not be possible. Or perhaps you have already come back from a trip and feel your French slipping away now you have returned to your comfort zone, watching endless “How I Met Your Mother” re-runs or aimlessly surfing the web as those long afternoons discussing black and white movies, cigarette nonchalantly drooping from the corner of your mouth, fade into sweet memories. (We don’t condone smoking, BTW)
Be productive! There are loads of free resources for learners of French available online, including:
(the titles are links)
About.com’s French section (all levels)
It’s ugly but it’s effective. Plenty of features on all aspects of the French language and French culture. There are plenty of audio samples of people speaking French, which is very useful in a language where pronunciation is one of the trickier challenges.
Phonétique (all levels)
Improve your French pronunciation with this useful website.
Le pont du FLE (beginner)
Lots of free audio resources and interactive tests to help you improve your French.
BBC Languages French (beginner/intermediate)
There’s plenty on this site to help you practise your French basics, including programmes to watch, interactive exercises and information about Francophone culture.
Verb2verbe (intermediate)
Conjugate verbs in French and English. Hours of fun if you are into verb conjugation, otherwise just a helpful learning tool.
Tex’s French Grammar (intermediate/advanced)
Loads of grammar tools and tips for learners of French. Click on the link in the top left corner of the page (Tex’s French Grammar) to get started. Includes exercises and audio files to get you going.
RFI – Radio France International (advanced)
Loads of documents and audio aimed at learners of French. A great, free resource.