FRENCH STUDY GUIDE 2022
it’s now easier than ever to study from home. The following courses are exclusively online. It’s worth noting, however, that since the Covid-19 pandemic, many residential language schools have also begun to offer online courses for remote learning, so remember to check with them as well.
Concorde
+44 (0)1622 749167
www.concordefrench.com Concorde began publishing in 1990 and since that time has steadily expanded its range of resources for keen French learners. The company’s aim is simple: to publish quality products to help customers enjoy using their French and improve it at the same time. Concorde’s ever-growing portfolio of magazines, books and audio recordings are wonderful learning tools.
Tandem
www.tandem.net Tandem is a free language app and a brilliant platform for sharing language tips while brushing up on your own skills. It boasts a safely moderated community of ten million people, who all help each other learn via video chats and instant messaging. The app matches members based on common interests, fluently spoken languages and the languages they’re keen to learn. There’s also a chance to set up paid lessons with certified tutors if that’s what you prefer.
French Today
www.frenchtoday.com French Today supplies unique audiobooks to help teach spoken French, centred on useful real-world vocabulary and conversations. The Level I beginner’s audiobook features just under eight hours of material, covering fundamental grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and practice exercises – essentially, the building blocks of the French language. The company also offers private French immersion programmes in France at a teacher’s home.
Kwiziq
www.kwiziq.com
This nifty AI language coach learns what you know, what you don’t know, and recognises any mistakes you may make before helping you practise exactly what you need to in order to improve. Kwiziq helps you move beyond language basics with enjoyable ‘kwizzes’ based on your evolving needs. Prices start at a very reasonable £6.29 a month, making it accessible to students of all budgets.
Coffee Break French
coffeebreaklanguages.com/ coffeebreakfrench
Making the most of your coffee break, this online platform teaches you French in short bursts, so you can fit your studying into your busy life. Delivered in video and audio format, lessons typically last between 15 and 20 minutes and
At Fast Track French, Françoise and her team are just an internet connection away
are constructed around the observations of Anna as she navigates the French language through conversations with her teacher, Mark. This fly-on-the- wall role-play method is really effective. Episodes cover a whole gamut of topics, from regional food to local traditions – so you’re learning much more than just vocabulary. Prices start at £108 for 40 lessons.
Duolingo
Duolingo.com
Language-learning platform Duolingo seems to be on the tip of everyone’s tongues at the moment – whatever language they’re speaking. Whether you opt to use the website or download the free app to your smartphone, this is a savvy way to cram five minutes of studying into your day. In this era of frenzied mobile gaming, Duolingo’s success would seem to be largely down to its presentation – lessons masquerading as games, with a nifty points system and progression through different levels. It’s not the quickest way to learn French, but it’s a fun and convenient slow-burner.
Study via your phone with Duolingo – it will even remind you to do your homework!
Fast Track French
fasttrackfrench.com There’s nothing better than conversing with someone native to really brush up on those speaking and listening skills, but what if you don’t know anybody French? Fear not, that’s exactly what the dedicated team at Fast
Track French are for. No matter whether you’re stuck at square one or ready to make the jump from intermediate to fluent, Françoise and her fellow tutors are only ever an internet connection away. As well as group classes via video call, private sessions can be arranged if you’re an existing student. There’s also a new interactive course for beginners, a podcast, a blog and a test to help you gauge your current ability level.
Michel Thomas
www.michelthomas.com The Michel Thomas method of learning languages has been kicking around for decades, and that must be evidemce of its effectiveness. But what makes it different from other approaches to learning? For a start, it has a phenomenal backstory. The eponymous founder was a Polish-Jewish refugee who fled to France from Austria during the Second World War. In his years of imprisonment he mastered numerous tongues, enabling him to adopt several identities and ultimately infiltrate underground Nazi groups. Once the war was over, the heroic polyglot turned to education, helping others tap into the “great hidden depths of the brain”. Used by millions, the Michel Thomas method is geared towards beginners and teaches language through gentle repetition, stripping away all those stressful extras, like homework. FT
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