Start Learning French
By Laura K. Lawless, About.com Guide to French Language
Here is everything you need to start learning French: basic information about French, beginning lessons, sound files, study tips, online tests, practice ideas, Q & A forum, and so much more.
What Is French?
Learn about the French language: where it came from, where it's spoken and by how many people, why you should learn it, and how it compares to other languages.
French Vocabulary
Ready to learn French? Start with some basic, everyday vocabulary.
- Introductions
- Politeness
- Weather
- French-English cognates (vrais amis)
- French terms in English
- More French vocabulary
French Pronunciation and Listening
When people say that French is a beautiful language, they're talking about the way it sounds. If you want to be understood and have others understand you, you need to work on pronunciation and listening.
French Spelling
French spelling can be kind of tricky as many letters have two or more different pronunciation and/or may be silent, so the sooner you get started, the better.
French Grammar
Grammar is the structure of a language - the verbs that tell you what to do, the nouns that do it, and all the other parts of speech. These lessons on basic French grammar will help you build sentences and express yourself in French.
- Introduction to parts of speech
- Ladies and gentlemen: Gender
- Do you know how to ask questions?
- Just say no - French negation
French Learning Advice
There is no single perfect way to learn French, but some ways are better than others. Your personal circumstances, too, can make a difference in deciding how and where you should learn French.
- What is the best way to learn French?
- Study tips
- Travel French
- Tips for adults learning French
- French for kids
French Practice
It doesn't matter how much you study if you never practice what you've learned. Visit the forum or find a pen pal for reading and writing practice, join the Alliance française or take a trip to France to practice listening and speaking, or just play a game or two for fun.
French Tools
Books, tapes, CDs, software, the internet... all of these can be helpful in learning French. Check out these links for recommendations and reviews of the best French learning tools.
- Learn French checklist
- Essential tools for beginners
- French audio tools
- Beginning French readers
- French dictionaries
French Assessment
Whether you studied French long ago or have been learning for a while, you can use these links to find out what you know and what you still need to work on, as well as how your study habits rate.
