Live & Learn French
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You'll find all the resources you need to learn French right here. Featured below are some of the best recommended resources for learning the language of love... including guidelines when it comes to which audio lessons, software, dictionaries, exercise books are the ones for you. Add to that scores of internet freebies which will help you on your way to learning one of the world's most spoken tongues. If there is something you would like to know but can’t seem to find it through us, please let us know - we will be happy to do some research and do our best to dig it up, and improve the site for you. The comment box is at the bottom of this page. Language SynopsisNative speakers are estimated at 65-109 million and with people speaking French as a second or other language, the estimates are from 115 million to 500 million.
There are many more details and background information about the language within this free online encyclopedia and this excellent online source of language information. Below you see a world map showing the locations around the globe where French is spoken... the circles or bubbles indicating islands too small to see.
French Audio LessonsAudio lessons really can help you develop your conversational and understanding ability. We've found that the best audio lessons for learning French are the following: Pimsleur Audio LessonsBy far the best when it comes to aiding memory/recall and pronunciation of the language. From Beginner levels to Advanced you will find something that suits your pocket aswell. You'll find the lessons enjoyable, and easy to manage, as you only need to spend 30 minutes per day on them. In no time you'll have lots of useful phrases forged into your mind. For a more detailed description of the Pimsleur Method and why it's so effective, please visit our Audio Lessons page. Where to buy: We've found that Pimselur Language is both an official distributor of the lessons, and very reasonably priced. Click on the banner below to visit their site.
Michel Thomas Audio Lessons
One of the most fun, interactive and effective ways of learning French is by using the Michel Thomas audio lessons. An expert in language teaching, Michel Thomas devised a method whereby he is responsible for your learning - that means no homework, memorising words or the like. Simply listen to and follow his intructions during the lessons, and trust us - you'll be conversational in the language of romance in no time. For a more detailed discussion on the Michel Thomas method, please visit our Audio Lessons page.
Where to buy: Amazon is the cheapest place to buy the Michel Thomas courses. Click on the links below to go striaght to the product.
Michel Thomas Speak Fr For Beginners: 10-CDs Michel Thomas Advanced Fr: 5 CD's
Internet freebies:The next best thing to Cassete tapes or CD, if you have an ipod, is Frenchpod.com! Scores of free audio lessons online and downloadable onto your mp3 player for easy listening when you're on the go. Extra services and materials are provided for a fee, but you can check them out for free aswell, with a free trial. In addition and echoing its style, is Frenchpod101... same thing, same value as it's free!
On About.com you'll find some free French lessons with audio clips and tests for pronunciation. Here is a site with many free audio lessons... use the NEXT button to move through the lessons.
French Language Learning SoftwareLanguage software is great because it combines the different aspects of learning: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The following language learning software recommendations have helped many people learn the language quickly.
Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone is a truly comprehensive language learning software course. Levels 1 to 3 provide beginner to advanced instruction. Rosetta Stone use the "Dynamic Immersion" method whereby you learn vocabulary through image association - the same way you learned to speak your mother tongue as a child. For a more detailed description of the Rosetta Stone method, please visit our Software page.
Where to buy: You can try a free demo of the software through the official website. All the Rosetta Stone French courses are availble to buy either as a boxed product, or an an online sunscription basis. Click on the banner below for more information.
Internet freebies:BYKI is an excellent piece of free interactive software for beginners to the language. You can downlaod the software free off the site. English-French DictionariesA good dictionary is an essential tool for any language learner. Listed below are the best English-French dictionaries around. Oxford-Hachette French-Dictionary 501 Fr Verbs: with CD-ROM
Internet freebies: Translate into French using the following free online dictionary: French Exercise BooksTo learn the language well, you'll no doubt need to learn how the language is structured - how its grammar works. Below are some of the best exercise book available for this language. Hugo Language Course: Fr In Three Months (with Cassette)
Ultimate Fr Advanced Short Stories in Fr: New Penguin Parallel Text:
Internet freebies:
French Language FlashcardsFlashcards are an excellent way to build vocabulary. By associating words with images your brain is much less likely to forget. Below are some of the best flashcard sets available. Fr Interactive Flashcard Book (Flash Card Books) Fr Vocabulary Flash Cards: 1000 Cards (Quick Study)
Internet Freebies: Free Flashcards are provided on a download on this site. Video & Media
Learning Live OnlineInternet freebies: Live Mocha: This online language exchange site allows you to develope your speaking skills by conversing with native speakers who want to practise their English. You can also practise reading and writing the language by writing and receiving e-mails.
Language Immersion
Surrounding yourself with French words and sounds and music will be the very best way to learn, trust us. We are looking into courses abroad at the moment, and will soon be able to recommend one or two. Until then, feel free to do your best to immerse yourself where you live, using the following suggestions… for example, use a dictionary to print words like “table”, "door", "window", "kettle", "bed", "chair", "mirror" etc and stick them onto those items around the house. Over time these words will automatically become part of your vocabulary, without even trying to memorize them! You could also in time join some verbs, like eat, open/close, wash, boil, sleep, sit, look, etc so as to associate them with the objects. Try it!
Internet freebies: Immerse yourself right away by... ~Listening to the radio a little each day and tune in your ears! ~Keeping up with the news each day! ~Keeping up with media! ~Using French Google instead of Google in English is a useful way for advanced learners to practise searching and navigating in the language. ~Learning the lyrics to your favorite songs! For example here is a song called 'A Chaque Pas' sung by Jonatan Cerrada. Listen as he sings and notice the proper pronunciation. Sing along if you like, after listening to it for a couple times, here you have the lyrics:
Il y a des blessures
Qu'on devra oublier
Tellement de ratures
Qu'il faudra effacer
Souffler très fort pour que s'envole de nos coeurs la rancune Et puis faire tomber les barrières une à une... A chaque pas que l'on fera A chaque geste qu'on offrira Ce sera le début d'un autre demain Dans chaque mot que l'on dira Dans ce futur qu'on construira C'est l'Amour que dessineront nos mains Il y a des injures Qu'il faudra pardonner Des cris contre des murs Qui les feront tomber Déposons les armes à nos pieds, délaissons nos armures Pour que nos conflits ne soient plus que murmures A chaque pas que l'on fera A chaque geste qu'on offrira Ce sera le début d'un autre demain Dans chaque mot que l'on dira Dans ce futur qu'on construira C'est l'Amour que dessineront nos mains La bataille sera longue Mais tu sais elle en vaut la peine L'enfant en nous trouvera le chemin Il y a des fêlures Qui resteront brisées Des coups un peu durs A jamais marqués A chaque pas que l'on fera A chaque geste qu'on offrira Se que al final lograras encontrar La paz y la felicitad En tu camino hallaras Todo lo que deseas alcanzar C'est l'amour que dessineront nos mains.
Culture CornerExpressions and phrases: Berlitz Phrase Book Free words and phrases useful for every day conversation are listed free on this site. Cultural Quirks: Learn about some of the funnier/uglier aspects of the culture on this site. National Dishes and recipes: Some easy recipes are provided on this site. Learn how to make soups, main courses and desserts that would pride any Paris restaurant! Traditional Music: Traditional music and lyrics are provided for free on this site. The site also provides information on different famous singers and modern music from the romance capital of Europe.
History: A summary of French history The history of France is as fascinating as it is diverse. Learn all the details with the excellent historical summary on wikipedia. The Discovery of France: A Historical Geography, from the Revolution to the First World War Help Others Live & LearnHave you had experience in learning the language of love? If so we'd love to hear about how you learned the language. What resources did you find useful? Did you use audio lessons? Which did you find best? Which dictionary was the most user friendly? What software helped you? What tips could you give? Please e-mail us your tips using the form below. Your shared language learning experiences will save other language learners' time, energy, and money. In fact, that is the the mission of Live & Learn Languages!
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: Acclaimed by language professionals the world over, the Oxford-Hachette Dictionary has long been the market leader. Using the statistical evidence provided by vast electronic databanks of language currently being written and spoken, the Oxford editors have made it the most
comprehensive, reliable, and up-to-date dictionary of French and English available today.
: This fantastic Barron's book is a must have for anybody learning French. The most popular verbs are listed alphabetically with all their conjugations. 502 French verbs will serve as an excellent reference tool for getting your head round one of the more difficult aspects of this romance language - verbs.
: If you like grammar this is the exercise book for you. The Hugo series gets you straight into the grammar of the language with easy to understand explanations, exercises and an accompanying cassette with audio material.
: Developed by Living Language, this book offers a highly effective combination of advanced conversational French with grammar and culture. Perfect for advanced learners.
An excellent collection of short stories in French with the corresponding English text. Use this to improve your comprehension of the language structure. Also a fabulous way of learning new vocabulary.
: A great value 720 page flashcard book with exercises.
: Divided by category this flashcard set is value for money. Ideal for buidling your vocabulary quickly and effectively.
is an handy little book to have with you for your travels. Contains lots of useful words and phrases.
: This highy recommended book explains how the modern nation came to be and how poorly understood that nation still is today. Above all, it shows how much of France—past and present—remains to be discovered.
