Living in France?  Learn French!

If you’re one of the thousands of British citizens who are considering a move to France despite the fact you’ll no longer get free healthcare if you’re an early retiree, you’ll find plenty of fellow countrymen already happily living there.

Making a new life in France is not as difficult as many would-be expatriates think in fact - still, there are some basic cultural considerations to take into account when living in France and one of the biggest is the language barrier!  Living in France?  Then learn French…

While many French citizens speak English and a host of other languages too, French is first and foremost their official language and one they feel passionate about. 

The French are very proud of their language and they expect visitors and those who want to relocate to their country to respect it and learn it. 

Although it’s quite possible to find English-speaking French citizens in many of the well populated towns and cities, you’re going to find this is not always the case and what’s more, as soon as you step away from urban areas and into the French interior you will find many French citizens speak nothing but their mother tongue.

Considering this fact and the fact that the majority of Brits who end up buying French property and relocating choose the countryside over the city, it makes sense to learn how to speak the French language fluently or at least well enough to get by before moving!

The simple reality is that unless you’re going to move into a resort area, you’re going to need to speak at least a little bit of French….accept this fact, deal with this issue and you will get the most out of your relocation when it happens.

When learning French before a relocation, remember the French very likely won’t expect you to speak their language perfectly.  Starting off conversations with the French in their language will often result in a slow transition to English to make communication easier.  This is especially the case if you make an attempt to communicate in French first.  While they might not particularly enjoy you butchering their language, many French citizens will appreciate an earnest attempt!

To learn the language enough to get by prior to making the move, chances are you’re going to want to toss out the little tourist translation books.  Look for actual classes or consider lessons on tape.  The differences between French and English are many and they are quite distinct.  Hearing the proper pronunciation can help you tremendously.  Pay very close attention to the courtesy words and titles.  Understanding when to use tu versus vous for example can be a very big deal.  Fortunately, there are some wonderful French lessons on CD-ROM, cassette and even CD.

Once you’re living in France, the best way to soak up the native tongue is to get out and practice it.  Learn from the French, listen to how they talk, what they say under certain circumstances and even ask for a little bit of help along the way.

If it’s your intention to live in France on a full-time basis, learning to speak French will take you so much further.  The more you practice, listen and learn, the more likely it is that this romance language will start to roll off your tongue.  Have a little patience with yourself and chances are the French will, too!