How to Keep Up Your French Language Skills

Every year at this time, I think about my life and what I can do to make it a little more enriching. Inevitably, keeping up on my French language skills comes to mind. So, I thought I would share some tips in the hopes of inspiring you.

Read French Books and Magazines

The internet has made everything so accessible – especially French books and magazines. I vividly remember the old days and many weekend jaunts to Europa, which was one of only a handful of bookstores in Chicago that carried French publications. Now, virtually everything is available online. If you’re a bit intimidated at the thought of delving into a novel, why not try a magazine? They provide snips of information and lots of photos, so you can easily dip into written French without making a big time commitment.

PS – I always pick up a few items at the airport boutique before returning home from my travels abroad.

Host a French Conversation Group

The first Wednesday of every month, I host a French conversation group at my home. There are about 12 of us in the group, but any given month only 4-6 people are able to attend. This number of guests is perfect for keeping the conversation interesting while also giving everyone an opportunity to speak. My only rule – guests must speak ONLY french from the time they arrive until the time they leave. It’s so much fun and well worth the effort.

Follow French Instagram Accounts

I follow many French Instagram accounts, but those I enjoy most feature influencers who frequently speak French in their stories. One of my favorite accounts is @french_perspective. Mical shares her daily activities in the most natural and well-spoken way. The tone, voice, and cadence of her speech is ideal for native and non-native speakers alike. She also posts everyday phrases and idiomatic expressions along with pronunciation guides in her Instagram grid. Moreover, she is a delightful and kind person who I think you would enjoy.

There are a handful of others, including @emiliehigle, @lisagermaneau, and @daphnemoreau.

Watch the Daily News on France2.com

Every morning, I log onto France2 and watch the news on my I-Pad while getting ready for work. Both, Journal 13 or Journal 20 are streamed on the website for free. Hearing colloquial expressions and the cadence of native speakers is tremendously helpful. Plus, France2 keeps me up-to-date on local news and the French perspective on international events.

Join the Alliance Française

I’ve been a member of the Alliance Française de Chicago for years, and I absolutely love it. Not only do I meet francophiles in my local community, but I also remain inspired by the numerous cultural and language programs provided by this great organization. There are more than 100 AF chapters in the United States – you can find your local chapter here. If there’s not an active organization near you, consider joining the Chicago chapter to enjoy the many online offerings.

Write Your Instagram Posts in French

This past summer one of my followers asked why I didn’t write my posts in French. Seeing my French name, the reader thought French was my native language. I responded in French, noting that I am American and most of my followers are too. That said, the reader had a good point. My Instagram and blog are all about promoting and preserving the French culture. So, from then on, I’ve been posting in both English and French. This little daily exercise has proven to be a great way to practicing my writing skills and ensuring verb forms, tenses, etc. are properly executed. And, if a post isn’t perfect, there’s always a helpful reader who nicely corrects my error, which is very helpful too!

Speak French Whenever You Can

If you’re a francophile, it’s very likely you have French-speaking friends. Do your best to overcome your fear and speak French at every opportunity. This is truly the best way to improve your language skills. While it might be difficult at first, I promise it will become easier over time. If you don’t know the word to you need to express yourself, find a work around in French. I’ll never forget the time I walked into La Samaritan in search of an alarm clock – having no idea how to say “alarm clock.” I asked the sales person to help me find a watch for the little table next to my bed. Ah, un réveil, she exclaimed as she ushered me toward them. I will never forget her or that word.

How are you learning or keeping up on your French? Please comment below.