This is holding you back in French
These habits are more common than you think
You can read this article in English or in French!
I normally create all of my content in French, including my podcast and my classes, but occasionally I write an article in English about language learning strategies and mindset. That way, even complete beginners in French can get started.
Read this article in French below
This is holding you back in French
In my years of teaching French, I’ve noticed some interesting patterns.
Some people seem to make rapid progress
Some remain stuck at the same level
Many people give up entirely
Learning a foreign language is something many adults attempt. It’s not easy, and it usually takes longer than expected!
Even after achieving initial goals, French learners realize how far they still have to go.
This is perfectly normal.
Learning any new skill as an adult is difficult…
For example, many people wish they could play a musical instrument, like the guitar
Most people who pick up the guitar as an adult don’t maintain sufficient motivation to learn it. The expensive guitar they bought will stare at them for years to come, reminding them of their failure.
Some people will somehow manage to maintain the discipline and motivation to learn it, enjoy it, and do something with it!
Finally, of the people that are motivated and disciplined enough to learn the guitar, most will probably make huge mistakes in their practice routines, get frustrated, and not progress as fast as they wish they could.
None of this is groundbreaking. Learning something complex as an adult is challenging!
But I still see many learners sabotage their progress by approaching language learning incorrectly.
Here's what's holding you back in French.
Not speaking French (when you can)
It might sound stupid to say, but to learn French you kind of need to… speak it!
Yet, I see too many people not speaking it when they can, reverting to the comfort of speaking English.
If your French isn’t fluent, know that it will never get any better if you don’t go out there and speak it, knowing full well you’ll make lots of mistakes along the way
Here are some examples
Why would you write an email to a francophone in English when you could write it in French?
I also see too many people switching back to English when it’s easier or when they’re tired.
In Montreal, I’ve even seen bilingual couples where the anglophone lets the Québécois speak French, but replies in English!
I understand these dynamics are complex, but true improvement comes from embracing full immersion.
Replying in your native language is a luxury most non-English speakers don't have in English-speaking countries.
Not being curious
The next problem I see is when people generally lack the necessary curiosity that would lead them through the process of wonder and discovery that is language learning.
This lack of curiosity can manifest itself in various ways.
Culture
Some learners focus solely on language without exploring the culture. But language is inseparable from culture.
Watch movies and TV shows, read novels, non-fiction, and newspapers, visit museums, explore history, attend theater performances, and watch documentaries. Immerse yourself in culture to truly learn the language.
Vocabulary
Lack of curiosity in vocabulary is tolerating the fact that there are still many words and expressions you don’t understand!
Don’t hear a new expression without looking it up.
Don’t simply think: “Oh, I don’t know what that means,” and then move on.
When encountering a new word for the second or third time, urgently look it up. Writing it down is optional, but learning its meaning is essential.
Grammar
A lack of grammatical curiosity can also mean not understanding why certain constructions are incorrect.
You don’t need grammar lessons to learn your native language, but you probably need some grammar to learn a new language as an adult.
It’s no more than 10% of the learning, but it’s still part of it.
Not reading
If you’re not reading books in French, well, I don’t know what to say…
You’re missing out on the most important way to improve your language skills and vocabulary!
French learners don’t read in French for one of two reasons
They don’t read much in general. Not even in their native language.
They read in their native language but find it too difficult to read in French.
It’s much harder to fix #1.
If you used to be a reader but have gotten distracted by screens, you can build back the habit by reading 15-30 minutes a day.
Listening to the audiobook at the same time often helps with concentration! It does for me.
If you’re just not a reader in general, then I refer back to Daniel Pennac’s “Rights of the Reader,” from his book Comme un roman.
The first right is the right not to read. No guilt trip needed. Just double down on your other language-learning activities.
If you like reading but find it too difficult to read in French, start small, with 10-15 minutes a day. Find something you really want to read and look up a maximum of 4-5 words per page.
At first, it will seem like you’re not making much progress. But reading accumulates over time, and your vocabulary will only increase.
Not being obsessed (for some time)
It’s probably possible to learn French by being very consistent and doing a little bit every day over a long period of time.
But it’s much easier to make encouraging progress if you dedicate at least six months, at some point in your life, to taking massive action.
That usually means doing at least two hours a day of French.
This time can be split into various categories:
Reading
Taking classes, like the classes I offer
Listening to podcasts slightly above your level
Going through all kinds of learning materials
Reading more
Being obsessed about culture
Etc.
It’s certainly possible to go “all-in” for a year or two if learning French is really important to you.
And of course, the time you can put in will depend on you. There’s no right or wrong way to go about it.
Not taking a break
At some point, you have to really dive into French learning. But you’ll also need a break.
I’ve found that the learning process is only enhanced after taking a much-needed break.
You want to be passionate when the passion is there.
When it feels too much like work, maybe you need to step back.
You’ll know when the time is right.
When you do take a break, say to yourself that you’re not giving up. You're just taking some time off to focus on other projects, but plan on coming back to it.
That’s one reason why I designed my program French With Frederic with regular breaks. We usually have a 7-week learning streak followed by a 1-2 week break. This formula works well to maintain motivation and focus, without overwhelm.
Très bon conseil. Cela résonne avec mon expérience. Je ressens souvent de la honte pour mon français parlé. Mais si je me souviens des autres qui ont parlé leur langue avec moi, je dois admettre que je l'ai trouvé charmant, admirable, preuve de leur ambition. Nous devons surmonter notre peur de l'imperfection. Merci, Frédéric, pour ta sagesse.