How long does it take to learn French?

“I want to learn French . . . “ We get all enthusiastic about learning a new language, forgetting to think that it is not a gift we unwrap in the post and we a suddenly able to speak French! Let’s take a quick look at one of the most popular questions regarding getting started with French learning:

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1) The “official” time it takes to learn French

The Foreign Service Institute states that French is a category 1 language, meaning that it takes about 600 hours to learn for English-speaking people.  Textbooks in schools devise their courses to last that time over 5 - 7 years to suit the curriculum.  But as adults, we are able to vary the amount of time we dedicate to our learning and most certainly interact with French speakers to enhance our speaking skills. 

 2) But how much vocabulary and grammar do I really need to start having enjoyable conversations? 

It’s easy to think you should learn all the grammar before you speak.   Maybe, for some.  Get speaking and applying your knowledge immediately. In tandem.  You want instant recall and to speak naturally.

So, with a simple framework you can start communicating with what you know and build upon that.  You don’t have to know everything to get into a conversation where your learning is exponential! I say: GET LEARNING - GET SPEAKING - INTEGRATE BOTH So, “enough” time is enough for what you want.  Let’s look at that . . .

3) Why do you want to learn French?

• For your holidays.
• To make friends & connect with French people.
• To integrate into a French family.
• For your job.
• For fun!

Each of these requires different levels of mastery and therefore different methods of learning and time needed.

 4) How much time do you have to dedicate?

The more time you have each week to dedicate to learning and speaking practice, the quicker you will build confidence and enjoy your spontaneous conversations.  I learnt Spanish in 5 hours a week - 2 in lessons and 1 doing exercises, then 2 hours a week practising in conversations. In 18 months I passed my A level Spanish.  Grade A. How? Speed it up and get organised. Stick at it.  The more time you have the better, but it needs to be smart time.  Avoid random chat sessions with no learning aim.  Divide your time carefully into learning, practising grammar and having structured speaking time with feedback.

 5) Do you know how you want to learn?

On your own / In a group / Both. With a teacher or a coach or you organise yourself. From a textbook / Online learning / Structured vs unstructured. In Immersion / online / in person / in the country. PREPARE THE PEOPLE IMMEDIATELY AROUND YOU I used the Myers-Briggs 16 personality test to work out my style. My gut reaction said to get disciplined, that was easy, but I didn’t realise that people like me also need random creativity possibilities built into my learning experience.  Others need discipline and a community to guide and focus them . . . I looked at this carefully and interpreted the test for language learners and put it in my accelerator course.

  6) Do you want to learn alone?

A balance is good - sometimes it’s good to learn on your own, and at others you need conversations in English about the grammar. And then, you also really need to have both guided and spontaneous conversations.  That’s the scary part!  You can fill your head with knowledge, but it won’t just pop out when you need it until you have the habit of using it in real life in a realistic way!  To do that, you need a regular and committed community: And here’s ours!

     https://www.simplyfrenchonline.com/conversation-cafe

So, what's your reason to learn French?