Three myths about learning French
We will talk about the three most common misconceptions regarding the French language. Let's figure it out together.
MYTH FIRST
"Recommend an ideal textbook with a phonetic course, with detailed grammar, with the most modern vocabulary needed for “such and such” exam. I’ll learn everything from it myself.”
Such requests often come from those who urgently need to learn a language. ⠀ If only everything was like in a fairy tale. Sorry, but I didn't find any such textbook.
The Popova–Kazakova textbook is praised for its phonetics course and its demanding grammar. With Grammaire, Vocabulaire and Communication Progressive, their strengths are also clear. Comprehensive courses such as Tendances, Taxi, Edito and similar series are harder to assess. Unfortunately, textbooks are not perfect: they have gaps that need to be filled as you go, during lessons.
MYTH SECOND
"I don't know yet why I need language. I like it and maybe it will come in handy." This is from Direct.
I probably shouldn't be frank about this. But love won't get you far! Only a strong internal motive, only hardcore! Something has to push you forward. I would never have memorized Popova and Kazakova’s two textbooks from cover to cover if it weren’t for at least the desire to receive a scholarship, and at the maximum the fear of getting kicked out of the university. Maybe you are a different person and like to “softly” learn languages, for the soul. Then, I will assume that you are not limited in time and there is no deadline.
THIRD MYTH
‘Masha got the exam result she needed, so I’m bound to manage too — I’m studying, after all!’ Or the other extreme: ‘I’ll never pass — I’m not Masha… She’s been learning for 10 years, lived in France and is a teacher herself!’
I will say this - everyone definitely has a chance! Especially those who are looking for it. Yes, you have your own circumstances and background. But if the score in the immigration system soared and French became the only possible chance for a future move. Don't compare yourself to others, calculate what level of French you need and set a goal.
Read other useful articles:
Procrastination: how to get rid of it
Canadian French: why is it so unusual?
Popova, Kazakova and Kovalchuk’s French textbook: a teacher’s view