The Beginning of My French Journey

I started with Alliance Française in Chandigarh and lessons were a fun introduction, and I felt a surge of excitement with each new concept I learned.

Early Struggles

Pronunciation Pitfalls: One of my first major hurdles was pronunciation. French is notorious for its tricky sounds and silent letters. I vividly remember an early attempt to order "un croissant" at a French café in India, only to be met with confused stares because my pronunciation was way off.

Grammar Gripes: Grammar was another mountain to climb. French verbs, especially in the passé composé, seemed impossible to master. And the gendered nouns—why is the sun masculine ("le soleil") but the moon feminine ("la lune")?

Vocabulary Vexations: Building a substantial vocabulary felt overwhelming. I’d learn a word one day and forget it the next. Keeping track of all those new words seemed like an endless task.

Overcoming Obstacles

Consistency is Key: I realized that consistency was crucial. I dedicated at least 30 minutes daily to studying French, using apps, flashcards, and reading simple French texts.

Practice Makes Perfect: Speaking practice was essential. I found language exchange partners through platforms like Tandem and HelloTalk, where I could practice with native speakers and help them with English.

Resource Round-Up: I immersed myself in the language through French movies, music, and books. Watching French films like "Amélie" with subtitles helped me get used to the rhythm and sounds of the language.

Opportunities and Growth

Scholarship and Teacher Training:

In 2018, my dedication to learning French paid off in an unexpected and exciting way. I received a scholarship for my first teacher training and international training in France. This experience was transformative, providing me with new teaching methodologies and a deeper understanding of French culture.

Cultural Program in 2019: Inspired by my training in France, I organized a cultural program in 2019 to share the beauty of French culture with my community. This event was a huge success, bringing together people of all ages to celebrate French art, cuisine, and traditions.

Tips for Fellow Learners

Stay Motivated: Set small, achievable goals and celebrate your victories. Whether it's successfully ordering in French at a restaurant or watching a French movie without subtitles, these moments are worth celebrating.

Immerse Yourself: Surround yourself with French. Change your phone’s language setting, follow French social media accounts, and attend local French cultural events.

Be Patient: Fluency doesn’t come overnight. Embrace mistakes as part of the learning process and stay patient.

Use Technology: Utilize apps and websites. Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise are great for beginners. But I tell you, Lingopie is my favorite because you can learn French completely on your own with award-winning TV shows and films.. 

Join Communities: Find support in French learning communities, both online and offline. Language meetups and Facebook groups can provide valuable practice and encouragement.