How to Listen to French to Be Fluent

Most foreign language learners have the desire to become fluent speakers, and some of the benefits for those who achieve fluency include increased job opportunities. French is considered a global language, is commonly offered as a foreign language in U.S. schools and is one of the working languages of many international organizations. While you can learn grammar and composition strictly from a textbook or in a classroom, you must hear French spoken correctly to gain fluency and prefect pronunciation. Although the 2000 U.S. Census reported that 1.6 million Americans speak French in the home, finding opportunities to listen to spoken French can still be challenging for French language learners.

Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain French language instruction materials that include a listening component. This can be in the format of software, DVDs, CDs, or digital downloads. Most foreign language instruction publishers are aware that learners need to hear the language spoken by a fluent French speaker in order to learn to speak it fluently themselves. Materials are produced to optimize the benefits of what you hear and include useful spoken language that you can replicate.

    • 2

      Join a French language club that meets regularly to practice speaking French. A key component to language fluency is practice. Most universities or communities offer foreign language clubs that are often free to join and consist of members who are equally motivated to practice French. Befriend or seek out fluent French speakers you meet at language clubs or other places for further practice.

    • 3

      Immerse yourself in the French language by either enrolling in a language immersion program or taking a vacation to a French-speaking country. Immersion programs are often available in your community, particularly if you live in a larger city or near a university. Vacations offer an opportunity for short-term language immersion for those individuals who cannot participate in a longer immersion program. Consider full language and cultural immersion by enrolling in a study abroad program, working abroad, doing an internship abroad or living with a host family abroad.

    • 4

      Watch movies and online content in French. The Internet has made listening to French content more accessible than ever before. You can find movies to watch in French or watch the news in French. Major satellite TV providers offer international channels, including a French programming option, and you can stream a selection of films in French from online providers. If you do not want to spend money you can see if your local library will order French language media for you to borrow. Beginners will benefit from watching French media with English subtitles. No matter what your viewing interests, chances are you can watch it in French.

    • 5

      Listen to French music. There are plenty of artists that sing in French. Listening to music that has French lyrics is an easy way to regularly hear spoken French, while keeping up on popular culture. For example, XM radio offers French music and news channels, and you can download French music from the iTunes store or purchase songs for your MP3 player. Free ways to hear French music include listening to French radio online.

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