I’m currently in the east of France with Tom, Dagny and my in-laws, so please enjoy Catherine of Taste of France’s post on accents below in my absence and show her some love in the comments
Getting over your fear of speaking in a foreign language (and why you just have to do it)
Here’s why you need to get over your fear of speaking in a foreign language. It’s holding you back.
How to pronounce French wines so you sound like an expert (AUDIO)
If you’re visiting France or dining out at a fancy restaurant and want to get the name of the wine right, this post is for you So you can impress your friends, we’re cluing you in on how to pronounce French wines, with audio. There’s no need to embarrass yourself by botching the French wine pronunciation.
Is French hard to learn? You’ll want to run and hide!
Even if you consider yourself fluent in French or pretty close to it, certain situations will still send shivers down your spine (or maybe it’s just me). Situations like what, you ask? Here’s when the French language makes you want to run and hide.
Frustrations of living in another language
Learning another language to the point of being self-sufficient in a country where that language is spoken can be one of the most rewarding — yet frustrating — challenges of life abroad. Here are some frustrations of living in another language.
Quick French lesson: Words you can shorten to sound cool
Next time you’re having a conversation with someone in French and one of these words below comes up, use the shortened form. Here are French words you can shorten.
What does province mean? No, it’s not the same as Provence!
French words can sometimes sound the same but be sure to know the difference with Provence vs. province. They’re very different!
5 Tips to make your French more natural
As a foreigner learning French, I’ve picked a few of these little things along the way and am sharing these language learning tips to make your French more natural. With my tips, you’ll be able to impress even a native speaker with your fluid, natural speech.
Need a French/English language speaking partner? Let’s help each other out
When learning a new language, it can be difficult to find language partners with whom to practice — especially if you don’t live in a country where that language is spoken. So if you need a language speaking partner in English/French, read on.
Why comprehension needs to be your focus when learning a foreign language
I had a really, really hard time understanding spoken, spontaneous French outside the classroom. For anyone learning French, I’m here to tell you to forget all the grammar and writing exercises and listen up to what I have to say below. Comprehension needs to be your focus if you plan on spending any time in a French-speaking country.
When living in France starts messing with your English
If you’re anything like me, after living in a country where English isn’t the native language, you’ll start to a notice a phenomenon that I like to call “WTF is going on!?” You’ll notice yourself searching for words that were once at the tip of your tongue, second-guessing your spelling and experiencing somewhat frequent brain farts.
5 Reasons why having a foreign accent in French is a good thing
After living in France for over four years now, I’ve learned that your accent is only an obstacle if you allow it to become one. Most of the time having an accent in French is a good thing! Language learning isn’t easy so if you’re learning French, don’t sweat your accent. It’s not a big deal.
How to get native speakers to correct your mistakes in French
Learning a language can be frustrating, so how do you get native speakers to correct your mistakes? I’m sharing my thoughts.
How to say the French “u” (VIDEO)
Hello! I have a new video for you today to help with your French language learning journey. Learn French and listen for my tips on how to say the French u sound.
French pronunciation: C-word subtleties you’ll want to get right (AUDIO)
Let’s talk pronunciation today. Here’s a quick French pronunciation lesson for words that begin with the letter “c”. The vowel sounds make all the difference!
French lessons with Tom while walking the dog… no your dog isn’t a pervert!
What did I learn the other day? How not to say your dog is a pervert (after telling someone their dog was, thankfully, not a pervert). Not exactly what I was trying to say. So yeahhh, not my finest moment.
Basic French language travel phrases for a trip to France (AUDIO)
A relaxing, stress-free trip can get stressful when you’re not able to communicate, so to help you out, I’ve put together some of the most useful French travel phrases for your trip to France, with audio so you can hear how the words sound. Practice makes perfect so learn these French phrases and speak with confidence.
Putain meaning in English: Is this French curse word that bad?
What does putain mean in French? We’ll talk about if cursing in French is OK in professional settings and in French culture. When speaking French, putain is a word you need to know even if you don’t curse. Here’s what putain means in French and why it’s a big deal. Do you curse in French or your native language?
How to say the French R sound (VIDEO)
For those of us learning French, the “R” sound is the stuff nightmares are made of. It’s a sound that’s…
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Most difficult French words for Americans to say (VIDEO)
As an adult learning a new language, you’ll make all kinds of pronunciation mistakes and some are really funny. My French friend is joining me for this fun video on the most difficult French words for Americans to say. Have a watch and see what the hardest French words are to say for foreigners.
