Finding opportunities to learn and practice conversation is another aspect of language learning once you're in a country where the predominant language is not one you speak fluently. In France there are associations that sponsor language meet-ups in many places to exchange French and English language (many people want to improve their English-language skills since it has become a kind of common language of tourism). And of course there is meetup.com and other things to discover via social media. After a certain age you don't "pick up" a language just be being surrounded by it--it really does take ongoing effort. Along with learning the language, grasping the conventions of politeness that infuse everyday experience in France will help a person adapt and flourish in the culture.
Thank you so much for this, and I couldn’t agree more about the ongoing effort. If you really want to learn, you have to actively seek out and plunge into the language and give yourself permission to make mistakes every day while still pushing forward. And yes, once I attended a « Franglish » event in Lyon where we exchanged help in French and English —7 mins of speaking French followed by 7 mins of English, then change partners—so great! Merci bien pour ce commentaire très pertinent !
Finding opportunities to learn and practice conversation is another aspect of language learning once you're in a country where the predominant language is not one you speak fluently. In France there are associations that sponsor language meet-ups in many places to exchange French and English language (many people want to improve their English-language skills since it has become a kind of common language of tourism). And of course there is meetup.com and other things to discover via social media. After a certain age you don't "pick up" a language just be being surrounded by it--it really does take ongoing effort. Along with learning the language, grasping the conventions of politeness that infuse everyday experience in France will help a person adapt and flourish in the culture.
Thank you so much for this, and I couldn’t agree more about the ongoing effort. If you really want to learn, you have to actively seek out and plunge into the language and give yourself permission to make mistakes every day while still pushing forward. And yes, once I attended a « Franglish » event in Lyon where we exchanged help in French and English —7 mins of speaking French followed by 7 mins of English, then change partners—so great! Merci bien pour ce commentaire très pertinent !
It is really astonishing how fast you get accepted by the French once you showed your will to integrate their culture by trying to speak French.
Yes that has been my experience — the effort is big but worth it. Ça vaut la peine ☺️