1. Focus on Core French Vocabulary
To build your French vocabulary quickly and strategically, it’s important to focus on the most frequently used French words.
There are several resources that can help you to know words:
Check out this list of the 2,000 most common French words.
The book “501 French Verbs” is also a great resource to have kickin’ around.
It’s a good idea to have some common French phrases in your arsenal to make conversing feel less stressful. On top of that, you’ll automatically sound more fluent: a win-win scenario. Check out these 25 essential phrases for beginners along with these 10 simple sentences to get started with basic conversation.
2. Listen to Authentic French Content as Often as Possible
Half the battle of making yourself understood in a foreign language is mastering the accent! It doesn’t matter how perfect your grammar is if you can’t pronounce words correctly.
Listening to authentic French content is a great way to expose yourself to the rhythm, cadences and intonations of native French speakers, even if you don’t understand everything that’s being said right away. While traditional study materials will certainly be useful for your language studies, you need early and frequent exposure to authentic French speech if you really want to learn quickly. Not only will this provide essential comprehension practice, it’ll also help you form good habits when it comes to pronunciation and accent.
3. Listen/Read for “the Gist”
As you read and listen to French content throughout your six months, it’s likely that you’ll initially pick up the general meaning of whole phrases rather than each individual word, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay: embrace it! After all, we do it all the time in our native languages.
4. Use Mnemonic Devices
As much effort as you put into creating an immersive French environment and devouring authentic French content, at some point in your French studies rote memorization will be necessary. Whether you’re drilling that core French vocabulary or just trying to master those pesky irregular verbs, you’ve just got to remember ’em.
5. Incorporate French “Tics” into Your Speech
When you’re watching French movies or TV or chatting with French language partners, don’t just pay attention to the words and grammar. Take note of the verbal tics and filler words native French speakers sprinkle throughout their sentences.
You’ll notice that instead of saying “umm…” French speakers tend to say “euh…” Perhaps you’ll also notice how often French speakers say ben, oui (yes, of course) and ben, non (of course not).
6. Commit to Consistency
Think of learning a language like a workout regimen. Consistency is key. A 20-minute jog every day is better than a three-hour cardio session every two weeks.
The same goes for learning French in six months. You have to pace yourself and break things up into manageable chunks so you don’t burn yourself out. You also have to keep up that regular practice so you don’t lose what you studied the day before. Carve out a set amount of time each day to study French grammar, learn new words and dive into some listening practice. You can alternate which one you’re focusing on to keep your learning varied and your motivation up.
