5 Tips for Practicing French Outside the Classroom: Advice for Expats in a Relationship with a French Person-Learn French in France !

Learning French can be a challenge for expats living in France, especially if they are in a relationship with a French person.

While taking French classes is an important step to improve language skills, it is also essential to practice the language outside the classroom.

In this article, we provide 5 tips for practicing French on a daily basis and applying what you have learned in class to your everyday life.

• Set Aside Time to Speak Only French with Your Partner

We understand that this can be a challenging task, especially if you're not yet confident in your French skills. However, setting aside dedicated time to speak only French with your partner is one of the most effective ways to improve your language skills and show your commitment to integrating into French culture. Not only will this help you practice your speaking and listening skills, but it will also demonstrate to your partner the effort you're putting into learning their language and adapting to their culture.

It's important to be patient with yourself and not get discouraged if you make mistakes or struggle to find the right words.

Remember, practice makes progress, and your partner will likely appreciate your efforts to communicate with them in their native language.

You can start with just a few minutes each day and gradually increase the amount of time as you become more comfortable.

Some conversation topics you can try include discussing your day, sharing your thoughts on a movie or book you both enjoyed, or talking about current events in France. You can also ask your partner to correct any mistakes you make and provide feedback on your pronunciation and grammar. This will help you learn from your mistakes and improve your language skills more quickly.

• Listen to French Podcasts and Watch French Videos

Podcasts are an excellent way to practice listening skills and learn new words and expressions in French. There are many French podcasts available on various topics such as culture, news, food, etc. You can listen to them during your daily commute, while exercising, or cooking. (read more in our blog)

Watching French videos is another fun way to practice the language. You can watch movies, TV shows, or YouTube videos in French (but be aware of the poor quality of the subtitles😱). This will help improve your listening skills, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

• Read in French

Reading is an excellent way to improve your vocabulary and reading comprehension skills in French. You can read books, magazines, newspapers, or online articles in French. Start with simple texts and progress to more complex ones as your French level improves. Even better if you can use an audiobook and listening the text in same time. That is a so usefull exercise. Soon, I will write a post only for that.

• Use French Learning Apps

There are many French learning apps available that you can use to practice the language outside the classroom. These apps offer grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and listening exercises. You can use them during your free time, such as on public transportation or while waiting for an appointment. (have a look on our article about Duolingo)

• Imagine yourself in French

I know this can be challenging, especially if you're not used to speaking French on a regular basis. But trust me, it's a very helpful exercise that will show your partner the effort you're putting into your integration in France. Try to think about how you would do your daily activities if you had to manage them in French. For example, if you're planning to go to the gym, imagine how you would handle the registration process in French. This will help you practice your French in your mind and be better prepared for real-life situations.

In conclusion :

Practicing French outside the classroom is essential to improve language skills and integrate into daily life in France. By following these tips, you can apply what you have learned in class to your everyday life and progress more quickly in your French learning journey. Remember, regular practice is key to success!

Creating French-only zones or times at home is a great way to immerse yourself in the language and improve your skills in a comfortable and familiar environment. You can start by designating specific areas of your home, such as the kitchen or living room, as French-only zones, or by setting aside specific times of the day or week to speak only French with your partner.

This will help you create a consistent routine and make French a natural part of your daily life.

Let me know in comment how you feel with those tips!