French language lessons do not need to be expensive or time consuming. In today's virtual world it is possible to learn French for free on certain high quality websites where you can decide what you want to learn and for how long. The best way to learn French is to incorporate as many pillars of language learning as possible which include: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Certain websites offer videos with subtitles in both languages or a complete transcript of the video as well as an array of exercises suitable for students of every level. This article explains how to effectively study French online without paying and also gives tips on how to learn French.
Online French Classes
French language learning can take various forms and for those who lack the financial resources to afford expensive french learning courses or simply do not have enough time, the internet provides the perfect solution.
One of the best websites available for learning french online is TV5Monde which hosts a variety of valuable resources for French students. TV5Monde is an international television network aimed at francophones which not only produces high quality news reports and shows but also makes a genuine effort to help those who are learning French. This website stands out because the French that you hear on the videos is exactly the same French that you will encounter in real life in terms of vocabulary as well as the tempo of speech. Here are some other advantages:
- Apart from learning French you are also learning about the world around you through various interesting, investigative reports.
- The exercises on the site make provision for students on different levels including: beginners, intermediate and advanced.
- A transcript of each video is available allowing students to not only hear French but also see how the words are spelled.
- Double clicking on an unknown word reveals its dictionary meaning in one of 20 languages selected by the user.
- French tutors can also make use of the site as there are useful resources for them as well.
- TCF (Test the Connaisance du Français) allows french students to reliably assess their knowledge of the French language in accordance with Ciep (Centre international d'études pédagogiques).
- There is an application for iPhones available called 7 jours sur la planète which offers an updated vocabulary each week in different sections of the news such as health, politics and education. The application also has many exercises so that you can learn wherever you are, especially useful for those long queues in a supermarket.
How To Learn French
There is no right or wrong way to learn French; each individual is different and therefore each person's approach to learning French will be different as well. While some people may be more comfortable to speak French others will find writing in French easier. However, the best way to learn French is to incorporate all four pillars of the language which means a person should be able to read, write, listen and speak in French. Online French tests provide helpful insight with regards to a person's competence in French and thereby helps the person to focus on difficult areas. Learn how to speak French by following these tips:
- Practice makes perfect, therefore do at least one French exercise each day. FLE is a good resource with many different questions as well as answers.
- Try to listen to French as much as possible, your brain is learning even though you do not understand everything yet. Listening to French radio helps you listen more carefully as there are no images available.
- Watch French films with subtitles and then watch it again without subtitles to see how much you understand.
- Get out of your comfort zone by speaking French as much as possible, being brave is one of the qualities needed to learn a new language.
- Read at least one article in French every day. France24 provides high quality content in both French and English.
Even though official French language courses may prove to be very useful, learning French online for free is possible and can be very effective. Living in the twenty first century means that there is an abundance of information available at our fingertips. Therefore, instead of feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of information, take advantage of it and learn to study French online. French language lessons can be more fun than you could have imagined if you are willing to explore the educational resources available on the internet.
Nadine Visagie - I am a freelance journalist and full-time French student who currently live in the South of France with my fiancé. I graduated ...
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