Learning French? Take the Leap.
This blog originally appeared on StreetFrench.org.
By Jeff Koterba
As a French learner who is obsessed with becoming fluent in the shortest amount of time possible, I often think about the best strategies to reach my goals. I’ve taken classes and have worked with amazing teachers and tutors and have also thrown myself into the world of online learning. And without a doubt, there are some wonderful resources out there (In addition to Street French, I’m a huge fan of French Today).
Yes, immersion can work wonders. Even in small doses. Whenever I have a chance to spend a few days in Paris I notice that my French always improves, if even by a little. But not everyone has the ability to spend time in a French-speaking country.
Of course, the ideal situation would be for me to have been raised hearing and speaking only French. But I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and last I checked there’s currently no phone app for time travel. Otherwise, I’d instantly download the app, and return to childhood, and then beg my parents to move to a French-speaking country.
Short of a magical app, however, I might argue that learning from a native French speaker who isn’t also fluent in English, might not be the quickest option to help achieve your French goals.
But doesn’t that go against all logic? Shouldn’t learning French in French be the goal?
Here’s the thing. In the same way that native English speakers pronounce words and put together sentences in their native language without even thinking about it, native French speakers do the same thing.
In French, there are plenty of sounds that simply don’t exist in English—sounds that are second nature. Sounds which the native French speaker may not even be fully aware of doing. This is, in no way, criticism of native French speakers who don’t also speak English. After all, the same could be said for a native English speaker—how often have you ever fully analyzed every sound and word you have been saying since childhood? Sounds that are made from muscle memory, and come as natural as breathing or walking?
Here’s a regional example. Omaha is just two hours north of Kansas City, Missouri. It was only a few years ago, after studying French, that I began to pay closer attention, in general, to language including how English is spoken. And around my neck of the woods, when people say they’re going to Kansas City, I started to realize that they were actually saying: “I’m goin’ ta Kan-City.” The truth is, even I was saying it that way (now, I’m extra careful not to!)
The point is, I’d been saying that practically my whole life and wasn’t even aware of it.
Not to mention, English is a great way to explain complex ideas, plus it’s a quick way to give context.
As French learners, this is where Charlie from Street French comes in to save the day—and also resources like French Today. Even though Charlie grew up in California he’s dedicated his career to studying, practicing, and teaching French for several years now—not to mention he lived a good many years in Paris. Not only does he understand how French is actually spoken, but he’s also able to help you get you to where you want to be faster, exactly because he’s a native English speaker who is also really good at French.
Indeed—that combination is one of his superpowers.
As a native English speaker, he’s able to pick up on nuances of the French language and easily explain those nuances in English. And therefore, move his French students to the front of the line of fluency.
When I was in school and studying painting, I held the false belief that before I began making abstract paintings, I had to first master realistic paintings. But my art instructor challenged me and said that I could jump ahead, directly into abstract painting. Right away. Yes, it was important to have a good foundation in the basics, but what was wrong with shortcutting directly into abstract art?
I would argue that the same theory applies to learning French.
As I’d said earlier, I’m obsessed with becoming fluent in the shortest amount of time possible. So if using English can provide a shortcut to more quickly understand grammar, pronunciation, and other difficult French concepts, what’s wrong with that?
After all, if the next time you speak to someone in French will the other person first want to know if you learned from a native-French speaker before they answer?
My guess? “Pas du tout.”