Learning French

In spite of what many Britons still believe, not everybody in France speaks English!!! Especially outside major cities and in more rural France. In any case, you are well advised to learn the language as you will generally get better and quicker service if you do. And in a crisis, it could actually be essential.

Even if you intend to stay in Paris or any other major tourist resort in France, your French experience will be incomplete and limited unless you have some knowledge of the language. The more extensive your linguistic knowledge is, the more you’ll learn about French culture and the closer you'll get to the French way of life.

Your best bet, before you even go, is to join a class in the UK which is appropriate for your initial knowledge of the language. Any Further Education college or Adult and Community Education centre usually runs a range of French day/evening classes, ranging from total beginners to advanced conversation. Alternatively, to give you a head start, you might want to enroll on an intensive short language course in one of the many centres in France itself, where in some cases you’ll also be immersed in family life.

If for any reason you cannot attend a course though, we would recommend the self-study materials below.

	The French Experience 1: Course Book Produced by the BBC, this multimedia package (coursebook + cassettes or CDs) is clearly presented and user friendly. It is also supported by complementary interactive on-line activities and TV programmes broadcast at regular intervals (check the Learning Zone schedules on BBC 2). Remember to buy the CDs or cassettes to accompany it.
	French Experience 2 (accompanied by 4 cassettes) Like book 1, an excellent all-round multimedia package. This level will take you up to conversational French and comes with 4 cassettes.
	BBC French Grammar Once you progress beyond absolute beginner level, it pays to invest in a good French grammar guide - best to learn good habits early on!
	The Oxford Concise French Dictionary ...and of course you'll need a dicionary. We would recommend the Oxford dictionary series in general because they offer a broad vocabulary plus good clear advice on usage to help you on your way.