Planning a visit to the most romantic city in the world? Home of the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs Elysees? Rumor has it that local Parisians aren’t very much into speaking a language other than their own. But hey, if you’re not a French speaker, have no fear. You can easily boost your Paris experience by learning some basic French before you go. Check out these three straightforward ways to do it. Bon voyage!
Duolingo, Anyone?
You’ve probably heard of Duolingo, one of the most popular free language learning apps in the world, supporting 42 different languages, French among them. Designed for beginners, Duolingo offers gamified lessons that actually make language learning fun! The app covers essential phrases, greetings, and practical vocabulary, and even features daily challenges to keep learners engaged. A few minutes each day should work wonders for your French level, preparing you to navigate the streets of Paris with confidence.
FrenchPod101 Podcasts
Tune into FrenchPod101’s podcasts, a great resource for auditory learners. Offering lessons for all levels, the podcasts cover a spectrum of topics, from basic phrases to cultural insights. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or relaxing at home, these podcasts provide a convenient way to immerse yourself in the French language. Take advantage of their practical dialogues and culture-related information, ensuring you’re equipped with the conversational tools you need to interact effortlessly during your Parisian adventure.
Language Exchange Meetups
If you’re more into human interaction and face-to-face learning, language exchange meetups can be a wonderful option for you. Whether online or in your local community, it’s an ideal way of practicing French with native speakers. Look up gatherings near you or sign up for an online language exchange platform like Tandem and Preply to engage in real conversations, get immediate feedback, and learn colloquial expressions. You might even end up making some Parisian friends to hang out with while you visit.