How to Learn French for Travel

If you're headed for Paris with a French vocabulary limited to "oui" and "non," that's definitely a start. However, any visit to France will be much enhanced if you're able to say such phrases as "excuse me" and "thank you" in French, inquire how much something costs, and ask for simple directions and understand a brief reply. Most French people will appreciate the fact that you're giving the language a try, and you will have the fun engaging in some conversation, however basic, and recognizing words on signs and menus.

Instructions

1

Look in the back of such travel guides as Frommer's, Fodors or the Lonely Planet series for a list of commonly used phrases. This is a great starting point, because rather than French instruction books that start with a variety of phrases not necessarily useful for travel, travel guides are geared to the practicalities important to the tourist. Highlight the phrases that you particularly want to learn. You can also find lists of commonly used phrases for travel to French-speaking countries from pocket-sized travel books.

2

Learn to recognize some of the following basic words in addition to the phrases you have picked out: names of colors, words indicating size (big and little, for a start) and directional words (right and left). Be able to recognize some words in French that are helpful when you are out and about (open, closed, sale, price, ticket). It's also helpful to know the five W's (who, what, where, when and why). Also take some time to recognize numbers in French and teach yourself to count from 1 to 10. Take the time to find out the names of particular items in your area of interest, whether that be art, sports, music or other fields.

3

Check out a cookbook featuring French recipes and read through the recipe titles in both English and French. Type up, in a tiny font and in a narrow column, a list of all the foods and dishes that sound appealing---both in French and English. Print the list and have it laminated. Spend some time studying your list before you go. There's no particular need to be able to pronounce the names of foods; you'll be able to just point to items on the menu if you know what they are. Or if need be, you can point to an item on your list and show it to the waiter. However, it's great fun to be able to pick out dishes on a menu and know exactly what you'll be served.

4

Get a feel for the sound of the words and phrases by listening to audio materials. CDs and DVDs giving French instruction are available at the library, or you may want to purchase one. You might consider playing a CD with commonly used French phrases in your car on the way to and from work. Another way to hear French spoken is to visit one of the many online sites with audio capability (see Resources). It's also fun to check out CDs of children's songs and learn to sing along, learning vocabulary along the way

5

Consider enrolling in a French class at a local college, perhaps as part of a continuing education program. Look for one that is particularly suited for travelers. In such courses, you will pick up such cultural tips. For example, there are two words for the pronoun "you" - "tu" is the familiar form and should not be used when speaking with someone you have just met; you will mostly likely use "vous." This is the kind of information you will probably only pick up from formal instruction. If you think one-on-one instruction might be your best bet for learning pronunciation, you might consider hiring a tutor for a few sessions. College or high school students with a few years of French under their belts would be able to give you all the help you need in the way of pronouncing simple French phrases.