How to FINALLY Learn French in 2023 🎉

Bonjour !

Bonne annĂ©e !! J’espĂšre que vous allez bien !

If you’re serious about finally learning French in 2023, you need to think about it like “creating a new identity”. 

You need to create a new version of yourself that uses the language regularly and actually see yourself as a French speaker. French really has to become a part of who you are and something you just do daily.

Language learning isn’t about flashcards, textbooks, etc. it’s really about communication!

That’s what language was created for - to communicate !! 

So in 2023 make sure you’re not “studying” French but rather“using” French in your everyday life. This will reinforce this new identity you’re creating and tell your subconscious that you are a French speaker.

Some ways to use French in your daily life:

  • Change the language on your phone to French. You can always look up words you don’t know on www.wordreference.com or change it back if you have to do something important like reserve a hotel etc.

  • Watch the news in French. Short 3-5 min news videos could be good. They speak clearly and not too fast. Just start slow and try not to overwhelm yourself. It’s ok if you don’t understand everything!! Just try to understand the global sense of what they’re saying.

  • Social Media. Whatever interests you in your native language, try watching/reading in French on Instagram (or tiktok, twitter, Facebook, etc). I tell my private students to make an instagram account just for French, then spend 10-20 min on there when you have time throughout the day. Sports, news, comedians, tutorials, cooking, etc there is so much content and there are usually subtitles!

The trick is to NOT worry about understanding every single thing. Just try to understand what’s going on more or less.

You’re using the language now! That’s amazing !! It’s ok that it’s not perfect. You have to struggle with something in order to get good at it.

And if you’re looking for more authentic content, be sure to check out this amazing video / blog I did with Camille from French Today (subtitles in both French / English). We talk about the evolution of the French language and deciding how you want to express yourself in French.

If you have any questions, please send me a DM on Instagram ! I’d love to help you

À bientît !

-Charlie

Charles Whitesides