Avoiding the trap of 'How can I Speak French Like a Native'
- Up your French
- Jun 12, 2024
- 8 min read
Learning a new language is an exciting adventure, especially when you've moved to a new country like France. However, setting realistic goals is essential if you want to succeed and not get discouraged.
In this article, we're going to explore one of the common mistake expats make when setting their French learning goals.
Wanting to ‘Speak French Like a Native’ is A Myth
First of all, it's important to recognise that the expression ‘speaking like a native’ is in itself problematic. The idea of speaking like a native is often seductive, but it actually means nothing! Here's why:
Regional differences
French varies considerably from region to region. In France, for example, the accent, pronunciation and vocabulary used in the north (as in Lille) can be very different from those used in the south (as in Marseille). Trying to speak like a native speaker without specifying the region can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
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Want to find out more about variations in French? Check out our article here.
Cultural differences
Language is closely linked to culture. Idiomatic expressions, historical references and social norms vary according to cultural context. For example, the French tend to use expressions like ‘ça roule’ or ‘ça marche’ to say that everything is fine, but these expressions may not make sense to someone from another culture. Having French as your mother tongue doesn't necessarily mean that you know the impact of cultural elements in the French spoken in France.
For example, if you talk about 21 June, most French speakers in the northern hemisphere will think ‘first day of summer’, but in France many people will think ‘fête de la musique’.
The choice of words or a turn of phrase can be influenced by cultural references. Comedians or films often create textbook examples: Colluche, Gad Elmaleh, Florence Foresti for my generation (the forties), Raymond Devos, Bourvil for my parents...
Generational differences
The way language is used changes over time. Younger generations use different words and expressions from their parents and grandparents. For example, young French people often use the word ‘ouf’ to say that something is incredible, but this word was not used in this way a few years ago. Aiming to speak like a native of the new generation can seem disrespectful and unnatural to others.
The Importance of Social Context
In addition to regional, cultural and generational differences, social context can also have a significant impact on the way French is spoken.
Sustained language vs. colloquial language:
French, like many languages, has levels of language that vary according to social context. Sustained language is used in formal situations, such as professional speeches or writings, while colloquial language is used in informal situations, such as conversations between friends. For example, to indicate that you haven't heard something, you can use the expressions (from more to less formal):
plait-il ? > pardon ? > comment ? > quoi ? > hein ?
Using these expressions in the wrong context can give an impression of arrogance or lack of education.
Jargon :
Every profession or field of activity has its own jargon, and French is no exception. For example, in a former life, I worked in a supermarket and terms like ‘tête de gondole’ and ‘DLC’ were part of my daily life but were of no use to anyone else around me. It can be useful to learn the jargon of your own profession, or of your day-to-day life (for example, it's useful to know that CGV stands for conditions of sale or that RH stands for human resources manager), but aiming to master the jargon of all professions is pointless.
Suburban slang and language:
Slang and the language of the suburbs (including ‘verlan’) are forms of French that are often used by young people and certain social groups. These forms of French can be difficult to understand, even for some native speakers. It can be interesting to learn a few slang or verlan words, but wanting to know and use all these forms of French is not a priority and may even be frowned upon in certain situations.
Excessive or inappropriate use can give the impression that you're being disrespectful, rude or relying on stereotypes.
For example, using swear words or foul language in a professional situation or with people you've just met can be frowned upon and damage your reputation. Similarly, using stereotypical expressions or terms to describe social or ethnic groups can be offensive and show a lack of cultural sensitivity.
Be aware that the better you speak, the less the other person will consider a cultural misunderstandings.
Wanting to speak French like a native speaker can be counter-productive to learning the language.
We can become so preoccupied with accent or grammar that we forget to concentrate on real communication and understanding the other person.
1. Fear of Failure
The goal of speaking like a native creates enormous pressure. You may be afraid of making mistakes and failing to reach this level. This fear can inhibit your speaking in French until we have reached a level of fluency equivalent to that of a native speaker, which can limit exposure to the language and opportunities to practise. And slow down your learning.
Don't constantly compare yourself to others, especially native speakers, as this can be demotivating and counter-productive.
Don't get discouraged because another learner is making faster progress or because you don't speak like a native speaker.
Concentrate on your own progress and celebrate your individual achievements. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and every little victory counts.
Make a note of every new skill you acquire, every new expression you learn, and reread it regularly to see how far you've come.
Talk to your French teacher regularly about your progress and your challenges. He or she will be able to help you assess your skills realistically and motivate you to keep going.
2. Irrealistic expectations
One of the most common mistakes is to set unrealistic goals, such as ‘fluency’ in a few months. This goal is often too ambitious and can lead to frustration.
OK, maybe you know someone who has done it. But everyone has their own background, experiences, ability to learn, knowledge of other languages...
So yes, it happens, but it's far from the general rule!
Achieving a fluent speaker's level requires years of immersion and practice. Setting this goal from the outset is discouraging.
Small steps forward are ignored, as attention is focused on the gap between you and the native speaker.
Set yourself concrete, practical goals, such as talking to the cashier at the supermarket, going to the market on your own or asking for an appointment at the hairdresser's over the phone.
3. It's too vague an objective.
Saying ‘I want to speak like a French person’ doesn't give your learning a clear direction.
Make a list of weekly tasks such as ‘learn 10 new verbs’, ‘listen to a French podcast’ or ‘read a newspaper article’. This will give you clear, achievable milestones.
Ask your French teacher to help you define these sub-objectives. A teacher can give you personalised advice and targeted exercises to help you make effective progress.
So how do you set your own goals for learning French, rather than just wanting to speak like a native?
don't race! I know you're thinking, the sooner I'm fluent, the sooner I'll fit in. But in reality, learning takes time and you need to be really regular. To put it in simple terms, it's better to work on your French a little every day, and really do it, than to spend all Sunday on it and not touch it again until the following Sunday.
So set yourself objectives you can stick to.
Adopt the SMART method:
Specific: what do you want to be able to do in French?
for example: I want to buy a pair of shoes
Measurable, what are the success criteria?
I've got the pair I like in the colour I've chosen and the size that suits me.
Attainable, this objective is aligned with your level
I'm at intermediate level, so yes, I can shop in French
(don't set yourself the goal of watching a play by Molière if you're a beginner!)
Realistic, i.e. it's possible to do
I really need this pair of shoes / I want seasonal shoes and I have the budget to buy them.
(don't presume to produce a film if you don't work in the film industry)
And limited in time, give yourself a dead-line.
I want to have shoes that fit before next Saturday.
you don't know what your level is, take our assessment test here
For example, instead of ‘speak fluently’, set yourself goals such as ‘have a conversation about the weather with two colleagues at the coffee machine before the holidays’ or ‘order a meal in a restaurant on Saturday’.
These goals are more specific and achievable.
Write the objective you want to achieve in French in your google agenda, or any app you are using, along with your dead-line and the steps you plan to take to achieve it.
Then break these goals down into personal activities to make progress. For example, plan to revise your weather vocabulary on Sunday, read your notes about this topic on Monday, watch the weather forecast in French every day for a week...
Fix your Own Realistic and concrete objectives
Teachers use a european skills scale to assess your level and define the course programme. So, instead of aiming to speak like a native speaker, here are some examples of more realistic and concrete goals you can set yourself:
Niveau Débutant (A1) :
- Se présenter et poser des questions simples pour faire connaissance
Introduce yourself and ask simple questions to get to know each other.
- demander une information au centre commercial
ask for information in the shopping centre
- commander un plat au restaurant
order a meal in a restaurant
- expliquer comment aller d’un point A à un point B
explain how to get from A to B
Niveau élémentaire (A2) :
- avoir une courte discussion avec un ami en français
have a short discussion with a friend in French
- organiser un week-end de vacances (réservation et information)
organise a weekend holiday (booking and information)
- expliquer une recette de cuisine
explain a recipe
- prendre rendez-vous chez le médecin.
make a doctor's appointment.
Niveau Intermédiaire (B1) :
- Discuter de l’actualité / des informations avec mon conjoint
Discuss current news with my partner
- Gérer un problème avec un commerçant
solve a problem with a retailer
- Raconter l’histoire d’un film et donner mon opinion
Telling the story of a film and giving my opinion
- Rédiger mon CV et Ecrire une lettre de motivation pour un emploi en français
Write my CV and cover letter for a job in French.
Niveau Avancé (B2) :
- regarder un film sans sous-titre
watch a film without subtitles
- animer une réunion au travail
lead a meeting at work
- écrire le résumé d’un livre
write a summary of a book
- participer à un débat.
take part in a debate.
Do you feel stuck at your level and can't get to the next level?
Take advantage of our intensive summer ‘level change’ courses
In conclusion,
Rather than trying to speak like a native speaker, concentrate on effective communication, open-mindedness and gradual learning.
Every step counts and every mistake is an opportunity to learn. Put aside the myth of the native speaker and plan your own language journey with realism, kindness and enthusiasm.
Learning French is a challenge, but by avoiding common mistakes and setting yourself specific goals, you can make effective and enjoyable progress. Remember that every little step counts and the important thing is to persevere.
Be patient,
celebrate each step forward
and don't forget that the aim is to communicate and enjoy the French language and culture. 🌟🚀
