The English person’s most easily accessible part of “abroad”, France is a truly beautiful country with very varied landscapes and cultures. It’s sometimes referred to as being like the England of the’50’s, but this isn’t the whole story. It’s now a very modern country with its huge telecommunications industry and wide internet usage.

British educational policies change a lot on language learning, but there are still many who get at least a taster of French at school and it’s a popular university subject. On the whole, however, we have a poor reputation for our language skills in a world where English is widely used as the means of communication.

I’ve met visitors who think I should be fluent in correct French because I’ve been living in France for many years. How I wish that did happen by osmosis. Of course it doesn’t and quite a lot of deliberate effort is required. There are French people who don’t understand the process either and who may regard us as a bit dim all round because we struggle to learn French.

It’s vital to make plans to learn to communicate in French. This isn’t about learning verb conjugations or lists of prepositions; it’s about understanding and using everyday vocabulary and phrases. The more you learn of these and some of the “etiquette” of France (such as greetings as you enter a shop, etc), the more confident you’ll become about learning and using others. Confidence is important and enables you to take some risks and to improve constantly. It will certainly get a good reception from the French who applaud attempts to learn their language.

Good intentions (and hard work) will give you every chance of learning to communicate and enjoy living in France.

Try not to be self-conscious when using French. Not necessarily simple to do, but it will make you more confident in your communication and so you’ll learn faster.

French people will be happy to help English speakers who make efforts (via gestures, sketches and other creative methods) and will usually aid them to improve their vocabulary with appropriate words and phrases.

Not all of us are naturally so self-confident and it might be necessary to really push yourself in just one situation. See how it goes and what you might do next time. Pick a situation which is vital to you personally, for instance a visit to the vet to discuss your dog’s health. Think about how you’ll describe the dog’s condition and even write a little script. This allows you to look up any vocabulary you don’t know. Include questions you need to ask. It’s often best to start by explaining you’re learning French and to ask for the vet to be patient with you and to speak slowly.

Since the French are only human, there will be times when the response is less than friendly. Just remind yourself that it’s their problem, not yours. You’re the one making great effort which is to your credit, so carry on to the next situation where you’ll hopefully get your just reward.

Apart from your attitude and effort, how else can you make progress in French language?

New language learning methods arrive as new technology develops and old favourites still remain. Some examples: – selecting an individual telephone tutor; following one of the freely available on-line courses (try Radio France Internationale or the BBC), or buying a well-established tape or CD or video programme.

You may also find local French courses, and there’s also the option of paying a local teacher to come to your home to help one or more family members.

We all vary in learning styles and it’s important to consider your own when choosing how to learn French. Your choice will be likely to work more effectively.

It really is down to your own willpower and persistence to benefit in full from the ways you choose to learn French. Having a working knowledge of the language is a great base for living in France.

French Life and the benefits of Life in France have been featured in magazine articles the world over. To find out more of French Life take a look at Amanda Lawrence’s new website at www.frenchvie.com. Lots of stories and recipes from the Quercy. It takes you right there – you’ll never want to leave. Don’t forget to register for her free newsletter. Author of White Stone Black Wine.