I Did This Every Day To Learn French

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their journey of self-studying French, highlighting the significant progress made in just one year compared to over a decade in formal education. They emphasize the importance of having a strong personal reason for learning a language, such as the joy of the language itself and the desire for personal accomplishment. The speaker discusses various methods used, including online courses, YouTube videos, and language exchange platforms, and provides practical tips for daily practice. The narrative showcases a blend of challenges and triumphs, ultimately inspiring others to embrace language learning.

Takeaways

• 😀 A strong personal reason for learning a language is essential for commitment and motivation.
• 📚 Setting a routine with daily practice can significantly enhance language learning progress.
• 📺 Utilizing YouTube for language learning offers a fun way to engage with the language and improve comprehension.
• 💬 Practicing speaking with a conversation tutor can lead to substantial improvements in fluency and confidence.
• 🎭 Attending events, like bilingual shows, can provide real-life practice and boost listening skills.
• 📅 Engaging with various resources, such as podcasts, flashcards, and books, keeps the learning experience dynamic and interesting.
• 🔄 Passive listening is beneficial, but active engagement with the language yields better results.
• 🎉 Immersive experiences, like French language camps, can enhance both language skills and social interactions.
• 📝 Using language-learning apps and extensions can facilitate easier access to bilingual content.
• 📖 Exploring different types of media, including music, newsletters, and audiobooks, helps develop a broader vocabulary and understanding.

Q & A

What was the speaker's main motivation for restarting French studies?

The speaker's main motivations were their love for the French language and the personal accomplishment of becoming bilingual.

At what level did the speaker start their French learning journey?

The speaker started at an A2 level, having a grasp of the basics but struggling with listening, reading, and sentence structure.

What initial resource did the speaker use to begin learning French?

The speaker initially downloaded the app Jingo, which they found helpful for its fun approach and repetitive learning style.

What was the speaker's experience with face-to-face courses?

The speaker found face-to-face courses at the local Alliance Française helpful for establishing a routine, but they noticed inconsistencies in teaching quality and a textbook-focused approach.

How did the speaker incorporate YouTube into their learning?

The speaker began watching easy French YouTube videos with dual English and French subtitles to challenge themselves while improving comprehension.

What was a significant turning point in the speaker's learning journey?

A significant turning point was attending a bilingual comedy show by Paul Taylor, where the speaker was pleasantly surprised by their ability to understand much of the content.

What tool did the speaker use for personalized conversation practice?

The speaker signed up for iTalki to find a conversation tutor, which greatly improved their speaking skills.

What strategy did the speaker use to find time for language practice?

The speaker immersed themselves in French daily by talking to themselves, listening to French content while doing other activities, and engaging in at least one focused exercise each day.

What are some examples of the activities the speaker did to practice French?

The speaker varied their activities, including watching French YouTube videos, conversing with chatbots, journaling in French, and using flashcards.

What is one of the recommended tools for enhancing comprehension while watching French media?

The speaker suggested using the Chrome extension Language Reactor, which allows users to see dual subtitles for any YouTube video or Netflix show.