275 million people speak French. And if you’re here, you’re looking to join their ranks.
Luckily, in today’s society, learning French is much easier than it used to be, thanks to the Internet and the ability to connect instantly with French speakers and French media.
In this article, we’ll talk about some of the very best websites for learning French, so that you’ll be ready to start a conversation on anything in no time.
Read on for some excellent French learning websites.
1. French Newspapers
Want to know what’s going on with the world while expanding your language skills? Look no further than French newspapers. While you can get French news delivered to your inbox in English, that defeats the entire purpose of learning French. Instead, learn about what’s going on in the world in the language you’re trying to learn.
The three biggest French newspapers are Le Monde, Le Figaro, and Liberation, all of whom target the same audience as the largest newspapers in the United States and the UK.
Peruse them each day to see what’s going on and improve your skills. In addition to reading the articles in French, you’ll get a flavor for French culture and current events in France.
You’ll also learn new words as you go, as it is more than likely a newspaper will throw in some words you previously were unaware of.
2. Netflix
Are you a fan of Netflix? Who isn’t these days? But did you know you can use it as a powerful language tool?
Netflix itself has tons of French language films and television shows that you can watch with or without the subtitles. If you’re brave enough to turn off the subtitles, you might be able to deduce what’s going on and learn a few words. It’s almost like a trial by fire, where you’ll simply learn on the spot.
Watching films and TV shows in French is a great way to improve your aural skills and understand what’s being said to you, even if it’s in a rapid-fire way.
You can access the French version of Netflix by changing your browser through a VPN to make it think you’re actually in France. This way, French content, and media will be the first you’ll see.
Or, you can toggle with the settings and watch some of your favorite TV shows with French subtitles or French dubbing. If you watch a show or episode you’ve already seen many times, this can help you figure out new words, especially if you’re an intermediate.
Write down words you’ve not heard before and looked them up in your dictionary or online.
3. YouTube
YouTube can be problematic, but it can also be a fantastic resource for learning another language. Beginners are especially encouraged to watch children’s TV shows, as they are often presented slowly and enunciated well. They also use simple words and simple concepts, which helps you, the learner, pick them up as you go.
There are tons of French cartoons and television shows aimed at children that are perfect for you to watch. You can see a list of some of the recommended ones here, or you can always simply search for French cartoons in the search bar. You’ll be spoiled for choice.
To make things even easier, pull up the French subtitles as the show is playing, especially as you’re just beginning your journey into learning French. This way, you can see what is being said as it is being said, giving you a better idea at both pronunciation and spelling.
4. Talk in French
Talk in French is an expansive resource in itself to help you learn French. This website provides you with a myriad of resources for you or your child to learn more about the language and how to both speak it and use it.
While you’ll learn a lot about French from using it practically, as in watching French television or YouTube, nothing beats a website dedicated exclusively to helping you learn French.
Talk in French provides more than just vocabulary and language skills. Additionally, the site provides you with guides to regional French accents, vocab for very specific things (like different sports) and how to make friends in France.
This is a perfect resource for individuals who want to learn French, and for those who are taking the plunge and moving to France.
5. Canal Plus
Canal Plus is a private television station in France. You may have heard of it due to the fact that they also sometimes collaborate with English speaking media, and sometimes their logo appears abroad.
Primarily, though, Canal operates in its native French. And like most channels, it has a variety of clips and television shows on offer online that you can view whenever you feel like it. From daily news shows to children’s shows to comedy, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the French language.
Using French Learning Websites
Learning a new language is about much more than sitting in a classroom while a teacher goes over vocabulary. Instead, it is about learning to explore a new culture and finding out about yourself on the way. As you open the door to another world, you’ll learn to critique yours as well.
French learning websites are also just a small sliver of what it takes to learn a language, as the main part is getting out there and practicing.
Who knows, one day you might just have a career in translating in the future. If that appeals to you, check out some of the benefits of translation in the financial industry!
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