Where can I learn how to speak French?

Get tips on resources to use to learn how to speak French

Find out about the best ways to learn how to speak French for business or pleasure. Get tips on resources to use to learn how to speak French.

Learn how to speak French and become acquainted with the language of romance and great literature. French will also prove a useful business language and an invaluable tool for travel. French is the official or co-official language in 26 countries and is spoken in 53, making it one of the world’s most popular languages.
The National Virtual Translation Center notes that French is a Category 1 language -- meaning it is closely related to English and so requires less time for English speakers to learn than many other languages.
Fortunately, learning French — or, indeed, any language — is easier than ever thanks to the variety of resources available. Keep reading to find out where you can learn how to speak French.

Online Resources

A number of reputable Web sites offer online language tools — often free of charge. Grammar guides, grammar quizzes, complete dictionaries, vocabulary lists, pronunciation tools and downloadable lessons are readily available at nonprofit and for-profit sites. Those with French comprehension higher than beginner level may benefit from French articles, blogs and newspapers posted on the Web. Tennessee Bob’s Famous French Links is a fine place to begin navigating the plethora of French language and culture Web sites. “Tennessee Bob” is Robert Peckham, a professor of French at the University of Tennessee.
Free Language is also a useful site that connects to a wide variety of learning tools, including videos and downloadable podcasts. Some commercial sites also offer free lessons, though some are trials that expire and then require payment for additional instruction.

Public Libraries and Bookstores

Most public libraries and bookstores maintain a selection of French-language dictionaries, vocabulary books, grammar lessons and CDs. These can be used free or relatively cheaply and are a good option for learners who are self-motivated or who require flexible schedules.

Tutoring Services

One-on-one tutoring, or group tutoring sessions or classes offer personal interaction that keeps students motivated and helps improve pronunciation and conversational skills in ways that purely written methods may not.
Consider posting an advertisement for a tutor on a local university’s French-department bulletin board or on Internet networking sites, such as craigslist.org. A less expensive option may be local community recreation and education classes that offer language courses. In addition, the Alliance Francaise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching French language and culture throughout the world, has chapters across the United States.

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