Your questions about learning French, answered
One real question a week, answered in plain words from thirty years of teaching spoken French. Start with the question that sounds like yours.
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Why Can’t I Hear French?
A SPECIFIC FRENCH PROBLEM If you’ve studied French for years and still can’t follow a conversation, the problem isn’t effort or vocabulary. It’s that your ear was never trained. By Bernard Henusse, founder of Real French. Kerfiac, Brittany. Teaching spoken French through phonetic ear training since 2008. 11-minute read. About…
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Why Tu and Tout Sound Identical to You
A specific French problem The most common French phonetic confusion for English speakers, what’s actually happening in your brain, and why mouth-shape tutorials don’t fix it. By Bernard Henusse, founder of Real French. Kerfiac, Brittany. Teaching spoken French through phonetic ear training since 2008. 11-minute read. About 2,277 words. In…
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What is ‘Bye’ in French? The Many Ways to Say Goodbye in France
By Bernard Henusse · Founder of Real French · 18 years teaching · 9 min read · 1,872 words In this article What is the standard way to say goodbye in French? When should I use 'salut' instead of 'au revoir'? What does “M’sieurs Dames” mean in French cafés and…
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Does Duolingo Really Work for Learning French?
By Bernard Henusse · Founder of Real French · 18 years teaching · 8 min read · 1,757 words In this article Can You Learn a Language for Free? Can You Learn a Language Without a Teacher? Are All Language Apps the Same? Can You Learn French with an App?…
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Is French Easy to Learn? A Comprehensive Guide for English Speakers
By Bernard Henusse · Founder of Real French · 18 years teaching · 7 min read · 1,602 words In this article French in the Context of Language Difficulty The Common Challenges of Learning French Why French is Easier Than You Might Think The Benefits of Immersion Learning Conclusion: Is…
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Can I Learn French in 30 Days?
By Bernard Henusse · Founder of Real French · 18 years teaching · 7 min read · 1,585 words In this article Defining “Learning French” in 30 Days The Importance of Learning Methods The Hidden Bottleneck: Why Your Ear Matters More Than Your Textbook How Real French’s Immersion Program Works…
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Is C1 French fluent?
Achieving the CEFR C1 level in French is a significant milestone for any language learner. This level, often referred to as an “autonomous” or “advanced” level, marks the point where the language begins to feel natural and fluid in all areas of life, whether professional, academic, or social. But what…
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Can a 70-Year-Old Learn French? Absolutely!
By Bernard Henusse · Founder of Real French · 18 years teaching · 9 min read · 1,891 words In this article Is 70 too old to learn French? Does the brain really keep learning new languages at 70? If age isn't the barrier, what is? What's a realistic French…
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How to Learn French Through Immersion
By Bernard Henusse · Founder of Real French · 18 years teaching · 10 min read · 2,229 words In this article Why French is Challenging for English Speakers Why Immersion Alone Is Not Enough: The 14-Sound Problem Create a French Environment Learn French in Real-Life Situations Cultural Immersion and…