🇫🇷 How to learn French by yourself? Resources, methods and study plans

Summary

In this video, Zoe shares her detailed guide on how to self-learn French from A1 to B1, with plans for an upcoming B2 to C2 video. She offers a variety of resources, including apps, books, and websites, and emphasizes the importance of a structured study routine. Drawing from her personal experience, Zoe highlights how to balance pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar while learning. She also provides helpful study plans and useful tips for beginners and more intensive learners, encouraging consistency and gradual improvement in language learning.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on consistency and routine when learning French. Starting small and gradually building your study time works best for long-term success.
• 😀 Busuu is recommended for beginners who want a dynamic and interactive learning experience with native speakers and bite-sized lessons.
• 😀 Assimil is a great self-study book for French, offering short lessons and audio, with different language versions available.
• 😀 Pronunciation is crucial from the beginning. Zoe recommends focusing on difficult sounds using resources like *Les 500 Exercises de phonétique* and YouTube channels such as *FrenchPod101*.
• 😀 Learning grammar and verb conjugation should be a daily practice. Zoe suggests integrating small verb conjugation exercises into your routine.
• 😀 Utilize free websites such as *Podcastfrancaisfacile* and *TV5 Monde Apprendre le français* to get extra practice with listening and grammar exercises.
• 😀 Incorporating French into your daily life, through music playlists or tools like *Readlang* to translate words while browsing, boosts learning.
• 😀 YouTube channels like *Français avec Pierre* and *Easy French* are useful for beginner to intermediate learners, providing slow French and basic vocabulary.
• 😀 Shadowing exercises, where you repeat what you hear, are a great way to improve listening and speaking skills. Zoe used audiobooks and podcasts for this method.
• 😀 For higher-level learners (B1 and beyond), focus on watching French media like movies and vlogs, with subtitles to reinforce your understanding of colloquial expressions.
• 😀 Zoe provides detailed study plans for different learners, including a 30-minute daily plan for beginners and a more intensive 2-hour plan for faster learners.

Q & A

What is the main goal of this video?

The main goal of the video is to share useful resources for learning French from A1 to B1, organized by different learning skills, with advice on how to use them effectively and create a study plan.

What will be covered in the next video?

The next video will cover resources for learning French from B2 to C2, and it will be in French.

Why is it recommended to start from A1 even if you're already at a higher level?

It is recommended to start from A1 because the video will provide essential resources from the beginning, which can be helpful even for learners who are already at an A2 or B1 level.

What is Zoe's background in learning French?

Zoe obtained the DALF C1 level after learning French for one year in 2016 and continued her master's studies in sociology in France. She is currently pursuing a PhD between France and Germany, with French as her academic and professional language.

What type of learning method does Zoe prefer?

Zoe prefers structured learning methods, where the learning process is organized and planned.

What is the best approach for beginners learning French?

For beginners, the best approach is to take your time to discover the language and find a preferred resource or method, such as a book, website, or app, without rushing into an ambitious study plan.

What app does Zoe recommend for beginners learning French?

Zoe recommends the app Busuu, as it offers short lessons with native speakers and helps learners gradually build their knowledge with small, achievable lessons.

What book does Zoe recommend for French beginners?

Zoe recommends the Assimil book 'Français : Débutants et faux débutants, niveau B2 (with ease),' which includes short lessons with audio and exercises, making it great for self-learners.

What is Zoe's advice on pronunciation exercises?

Zoe suggests doing intensive pronunciation exercises for a month, targeting difficult sounds based on your native language, and recommends resources like the book 'Les 500 Exercises de phonétique' and online videos for practicing French pronunciation.

What are some good resources for learning French grammar?

For learning grammar, Zoe recommends websites like 'francaisfacile' for exercises and explanations, as well as books like 'Grammaire progressive du français' and 'Conjugaison progressive du français' for conjugation practice.