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When I arrived in France 10 years ago, the energetic elderly Frenchwoman who lives down the road made obscure comments about pillows being a good place to learn French. By the time I eventually understood her meaning (that taking a French lover was the best way to learn the language), I was almost ready to agree.
 
Most of my friends believe I should be fluent by now. But, while my French is good, I can’t say that it flows readily and easily.

Jump Right In

For most of us moving abroad, however, taking a French lover is not a realistic option; we move with our spouses, with our partners, our family, and our friends, most of whom speak the same language we do. Still, the best advice is: Jump right in to the fast-flowing river of French.

If you’re a beginner, buy a good phrase book and become familiar with common phrases. At least a couple of sessions of a beginner pre-recorded course are also a good idea. If you speak some French, try to extend it before leaving home.

You can even take lessons by phone, arranging for a native French teacher to call you for about 25 minutes at a time, so the two of you can speak at your level and about your interests. The phone call can be followed up with e-mail homework and comments. You have to concentrate to understand without visual clues, but I’ve found this approach useful. 

Conversation is critical. You may be able to find French-speakers living near you who would welcome the chance to earn a little money in return for French conversation sessions with you. Post a note on the bulletin board of your local grocery story or in your local paper to flush them out. Conversation with native French speakers is best. It is rare to meet a non-native speaker with a perfect accent or grammar.

Go On… Just Say It

Understand, though, that none of this preparation will make you fluent. In fact, once in France, you’ll feel intimidated and unsure. Perhaps so intimidated that you’ll be afraid to speak. That’s the biggest danger.

For, ultimately, the key is to USE the language. If you live in an English-speaking household, you’re further handicapped. Speaking with the check-out clerk at the supermarket is a far cry from total immersion. 

Another tip is to read aloud. It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand what you’re reading—the fact that correct French is issuing from your mouth seems to stimulate your faculties. Your mouth and voice become used to getting around those strange words, and your brain seems to record what a correct French phrase sounds like and might even allow you to come up with a useful expression when you need it. This may not make sense to you, and it doesn’t have to. I promise you: 10 to 15 minutes of this every day will pay off.

Here’s something else that will help: Listen to French radio. This allows your ears become accustomed to the sounds of the language.