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Before we moved to France, I didn't speak other than 'bonjour', 'au revoir' etc. I bought the Michel Thomas CD's and a massive French/English dictionary which became the Bible around here. I'm now pretty fluent after 5 years and still find I'm learning all the time. I've used lots of different aids, but the one I come back to is the Michel Thomas course, and the 'language builder' add-on.
As others have said, pick up a paper, watch telly (France 24 in the UK often has French language segments, I'm told) or watch DVD's with French subtitles on to get an idea of how to say things.
Don't get hung up on femanine/masculine, as even the French know what you're talking about without using the correct gender!
Try and listen carefully to 'tune in', as Val says. Remember a few key phrases like:
"Pouvez vous parler plus lentement, s'il vous plait?" - Can you talk more slowly please?
"Pouvez vous m'aider, s'il vous plait?" - Can you help me please?
"Je viens d'Angleterre, je parle juste un petit peu de la lange française, désolée!" - I come from England, I speak just a little French, sorry!
As long as you try, you'll be amazed at the difference you'll receive in reception by the French. Don't worry that they speak back to you in English, it means they've understood you. Try talking back to them in French as a measure of how well you're understood and take it as a compliment, not an insult.
Bonne chance!
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Floydmail
Floydsite
Stu.
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Topic: I need to learn some French quick, help.
