French

French is a Romance language that developed from Old French. It is spoken as a first language in France, as well as parts of Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and a number of other countries. As of 2015, approximately 274 million people speak French as a first or second language.

There are several ways to learn French, including studying it in school, taking a class, or using online resources. If you want to study French in school, there are a number of programs and schools to choose from. Some people choose to take a class in order to learn French in a more structured setting. Online resources can be a great way to learn French at your own pace.

No matter which method you use to learn French, it is important to Practice, practice, practice! Speaking and writing French on a regular basis will help you to become more fluent. There are also a number of resources available to help you learn more about French culture and history.

French is one of the more approachable languages for English speakers thanks to a huge shared vocabulary, but pronunciation and listening take real work early. Front-load the sounds — nasal vowels, the French R, and the fact that many written letters are silent — using lots of audio so you build correct pronunciation from the start rather than fossilizing an English accent.

Balance the four skills and practice daily; short, consistent sessions beat occasional cramming for language. Build a core vocabulary and the essential grammar (gender, verb conjugation, common tenses), but spend most of your time in comprehensible input — listening and reading material just above your level. Speak from day one, even badly, and immerse yourself in French media and, ideally, conversation with native speakers.