Anyone here speak french?

[Arkitech]

I'm really interested in learning french with the end goal of being able to read french literature and being able to speak it a little bit as well. However I have no background in studying foreign languages, so I'm wondering if that might make it more difficult for me to pick up a new language.

Is it difficult to learn french?

 

[compuwiz1]

Originally posted by: Arkitech
I'm really interested in learning french with the end goal of being able to read french literature and being able to speak it a little bit as well. However I have no background on studying foreign languages, so I'm wondering if they might make it more difficult for me to pick up a new language.

Is it difficult to learn french?

A favor to yourself would be to NOT ask this question here. There is lots of self help info on the web.

Rosetta Stone, which is expensive, might be gotten for way under it's retail value, if you buy it second hand.

 

[leftyman]

Sí Señor.

 

[herbiehancock]

I'd think it'd be no more difficult than trying to learn Spanish or Italian.....since all three are very associated with each other in their development and grammatical rules and such.

As far as the ease of learning.......you'll never know until you try. Some people pick up foreign languages quite easily, others struggle but learn, some struggle and give up as being futile.

 

[Flammable]

good luck....you'll need it

 

[MmmSkyscraper]

It'll be easier than German or Japanese

 

[angminas]

My local library makes Rosetta Stone available for download and use at your home computer via Flash. You just sign in at the library website. Maybe your library has something similar.

French is definitely one of the easiest languages for Americans to learn. In order not to sound like a twerp when you speak it, you'll need to learn to pronounce things the French way. Gotta open your mind a little. As to how hard it will be for you, there's no way to know. It will definitely take some serious and sustained effort if you want to get into literature. Some of the best learning tricks are flash cards, watching moves and news in French with English subtitles and vice versa, reading children's books in French, and practicing conversation or e-mail with someone else who wants to learn English.

If you find French doesn't interest you as much as you thought it would, do consider trying another language. It will broaden your mind, improve your grammar, open up opportunities, and give you confidence. Consider which cultures interest you, because those are the cultures you'll have to study and immerse yourself into in order to get really good at a language.

 

[Arkitech]

some good suggestions here, I'll defintely have to stop by the library and see what kind of material they have available.

 

[xanis]

Originally posted by: angminas
My local library makes Rosetta Stone available for download and use at your home computer via Flash. You just sign in at the library website. Maybe your library has something similar.

French is definitely one of the easiest languages for Americans to learn. In order not to sound like a twerp when you speak it, you'll need to learn to pronounce things the French way. Gotta open your mind a little. As to how hard it will be for you, there's no way to know. It will definitely take some serious and sustained effort if you want to get into literature. Some of the best learning tricks are flash cards, watching moves and news in French with English subtitles and vice versa, reading children's books in French, and practicing conversation or e-mail with someone else who wants to learn English.

If you find French doesn't interest you as much as you thought it would, do consider trying another language. It will broaden your mind, improve your grammar, open up opportunities, and give you confidence. Consider which cultures interest you, because those are the cultures you'll have to study and immerse yourself into in order to get really good at a language.

We have a winner! :thumbsup:

 

[sandorski]

Audio taped lessons would be a good idea. Like mentioned earlier it really is helpful to know what it sounds like even if all you want to do is read.

 

[jadinolf]

Is it difficult to learn french?

It can't be too difficult. I've seen little kids speaking it.

 

[0roo0roo]

relatively easy compared to english...or japanese...or chinese
languages that use the alphabet ftw! the rules are pretty straight foward as well, but i only did french in hs so i'm not fluent or anything.

 

[destrekor]

I took French for 3 years in highschool, and didn't necessarily put much effort, and I passed all my courses.

now, in college, I will be working to take 6 courses of Russian (6 courses requires between my Bachelor of Arts and my degree, International Studies/Security and Intelligence). that will be a lot of work. Going to aim to take the one-on-one courses.

 

[Patt]

If you do try to learn it, make sure you get into a conversational group that meets regularly to practice. You can study all you want, but unless you're actually using it you'll never feel comfortable.

 

[Roguestar]

French is easy. And a nice language, too.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: jadinolf
Is it difficult to learn french?

It can't be too difficult. I've seen little kids speaking it.

lol little kids are much better equipped to learn new languages.