5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Learning French

So, you want to learn French? Très bien! French is a beautiful and romantic language that will make you sound smart and sophisticated. But, let's be honest, learning French can be a pain in the derrière, especially for native English speakers. With all the silent letters and funny accents, it can feel like you're trying to tame a wild beast. Luckily, we're here to help! We've put together a list of 5 common mistakes to avoid when learning French.

Mistake #1: Pronouncing every letter in a word

Let's start with the most obvious mistake: pronouncing every single letter in a word. This is a common mistake for English speakers because we're used to pronouncing every letter in a word. But in French, there are a lot of silent letters. And we're not talking about just one or two letters. No, no, no. We're talking about whole chunks of letters that are just there for decoration. For example, take the word comment (how). You might be tempted to pronounce every letter, but in reality, only the C, O, and M are pronounced. The E, N and T are only there to make the word look pretty.

To avoid this mistake, you need to train your ears to hear the nuances of the French language. This means listening to French music, watching French movies, and eavesdropping on French people (in a non-creepy way, of course). You'll start to notice the patterns in the language and get a feel for which letters are pronounced and which ones are not.

Mistake #2: Focusing too much on grammar

Grammar is important, but focusing too much on it can make you sound like a robot. French people don't speak with perfect grammar all the time, so neither should you. Don't get us wrong, you should definitely learn the basic rules of French grammar, but don't obsess over them. You don't want to be that person who speaks with perfect grammar but can't hold a conversation.

Instead, focus on learning common phrases and expressions that native speakers use. This will help you sound more natural and conversational. And don't be afraid to make mistakes! French people appreciate it when you try to speak their language, even if you mess up a little bit.

Mistake #3: Ignoring the culture

Learning a language isn't just about memorizing words and phrases. It's also about understanding the culture and the people who speak the language. French culture is rich and diverse, and there's a lot to learn. If you ignore the culture, you'll miss out on a lot of the nuances of the language.

To immerse yourself in French culture, try watching French movies and TV shows, reading French books and magazines, and listening to French music. You can also try cooking French food, drinking French wine, and visiting France (if you can). By learning about the culture, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the language and the people who speak it.

Mistake #4: Not practicing enough

Learning a language takes practice. Lots and lots of practice. You can't expect to become fluent in French by just reading a grammar book once a week. You need to practice speaking, listening, and writing in French regularly. But let's be honest, practicing can be boring. It's like going to the gym. You know you need to do it, but you'd rather binge-watch Netflix instead.

To make practicing more fun, try incorporating it into your daily routine. For example, you could listen to French podcasts on your commute to work, practice your writing by keeping a journal in French, or play French word games with your friends. And don't forget to practice with native speakers! They'll be able to help you improve your pronunciation and give you feedback on your speaking and writing.

Mistake #5: Giving up too easily

Learning a language is hard, and it's easy to get discouraged along the way. But giving up too easily is a mistake that will prevent you from achieving your goals. You don't want to be that person who says “I took French in high school, but I don't remember any of it”.

To avoid giving up too easily, try setting achievable goals for yourself. This could be anything from learning a certain number of vocabulary words each week to having a conversation in French with a native speaker. By setting achievable goals, you'll be able to track your progress and feel a sense of accomplishment along the way.

And remember, learning a language is a journey, not a destination. It's okay to make mistakes, it's okay to feel frustrated, and it's okay to take a break once in a while. Just don't give up. With a lot of practice, and some patience, you'll be able to parler français like a pro in no time!

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning French can be a challenge, but it's also a lot of fun. By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to becoming a French language master. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, immerse yourself in the culture, practice regularly, and don't give up. With a little effort and a lot of practice, you'll be able to impress your friends with your French skills in no time!

→ Looking to improve your French skills? Enroll in our French course today and start speaking like a native!