I’m about to finish high school, how can I remember and maintain the French I've learned?

Question

I study at a public French high school/middle school. I've been studying French at quite a high level for six years, and getting good grades. I really enjoy languages, and I love France!
When I’m watching a French movie, hearing a song in French etc., I understand most of it. However, I speak pretty dreadfully, due to the fact that, for an unknown motive, my French professors detested me and did not allow me to take much part participating during the lessons. Anyway, I took a few beginners’ books in French and started reading them.
I’d appreciate any practical advice on improving and preserving my French.

Answer 1

You could live in France for a year. That would force you to keep up your French as well as be an exciting time for you. If that can't work out, then join some French voice chat rooms and talk to French people there.

Answer 2

There are many options for maintaining languages. The Rosetta Stone computer software is a good idea, as is any other French computer software. Watch a favorite DVD in French by changing the language. Record people speaking in French, then try to imitate them. In college, try taking a French course meant for people who speak French. Then, as I have said before, tape your lessons and memorize how to speak the words. Buy French songs and try to sing along with the music. If you have not studied the language in a while, then having a tutor may be a good idea. Private one-on-one classes are nice because there aren't any kids that will distract the teacher. I hope these tips will help you with your language.

Answer 3

I studied German for years, and when I finally moved to Germany what I learned in school was useless. Your best bet is to set up soem sort of language exchage/share with someone in France or Corsica. Place an ad in Craigslist or some local Paris publication a lot of people do this in Europe, you can use Skype or Yahoo messenger to talk for free!

If you ever get a chance to go to france or somewhere in Canada where they speak french - do it. No teacher, class, book or CD can replace the real thing. Good luck and follow your heart!

Answer 4

The best way to keep the skill is to practice it routinely. Find french movies, talk with a friend from class, and look for a french speaking radio that streams their program on the net. You might try looking for something from France, but don't forget Quebec. It might not be a dialect you're familiar with, but you still might recognize it.

Answer 5

You should buy a french cd that is conversational and speak to people in french. I have to do the same thing for Spanish and it is a good start to try to speak the language.

Answer 6

There are sooooo many different language learning programs to learn from scratch or maintain your language skills. BUT, I don't think there are any better ways to maintain or develop CONVERSATIONAL french skills than a method by Pimlseur.

They make language programs that are unique because they don't involve reading and writing to learn a langauge. They are purely based on learning a language like you did when you were a small child....by listening. This way you develop good speaking skills. Give it a try. They have pretty cheap introductory lessons.

http://www.pimsleurapproach.com/learn-french.asp

Answer 7

I did the same thing (started French). I'm doing pretty good. Just have a few friends of yours that know French have some conversations with you occasionally. That should help.

Answer 8

Talking to other people in French is the best. You obviously need practice at conversation. Do you have friends from the class who you can ask to speak French with you?

Answer 9

Try speaking/talking in French. Your audience might be limited but on the other hand they might be willing to participate by listening. At least an idea. Good luck.

Answer 10

Use it or lose it. in case you could no longer discover a thank you to generally spend time in French-conversing places (France, Quebec, former French colonies), you could would desire to strengthen some long-distance French correspondence (penpals, information superhighway chat rooms). on the least, get get entry to to three French movies (library, paintings living house, NetFlix) or pass French radio from the cyber web. examine French novels. enroll in French magazines. maximum of those do no longer grant lots feed back, yet a minimum of you will stay in touch with the language.