Learning French, its blueprint
Hello friends,
I want to share with you what it takes on a journey of diving into the enchanting world of the French language, drawing inspiration from my experiences here in the Kingdom of Morocco. Learning a new language is not merely a cognitive exercise; it's an immersive journey that takes you through culture, community, and communication. So, let's explore how I and other friends navigated the French linguistic landscape and how you can apply these strategies to your language learning endeavors, that is if you want to learn any language or you are in the process of learning.
Starting with the Basics: Lay a Strong Foundation
The journey began with the fundamentals. Just like constructing a building requires a solid foundation, learning a language necessitates a grasp of its basic elements. I started with the essential vocabulary, common phrases, and basic grammar rules. This started at “Centre de lange”, Cité Universitaire International (CUI) in Rabat.
We, the Anglophone students and other non-French speakers were introduced to French grammar (Gramaire) and Panaroma (Comprehension). These resources were the beginner's guides in this initial phase.
Surround Yourself with the French Speakers
To truly internalize a language, It would be good to surround oneself with native speakers. It should also be noted that although Morocco is a French colonial, the official languages of Morocco are Arabic and Amazigh (Berber). Arabic is the primary language used in government, administration, and education, while Amazigh is also recognized as an official language and is used in various contexts, including education and cultural affairs. So as this fact is known, the Moroccans do not often speak French daily. This makes it a bit hard for non-French speakers to quickly adapt to the language in this environment.
The good news is that Morocco is a country with a significant Francophone influence. There are 29 French-speaking countries in Africa. 21 of those countries are known as Francophone countries where French is either an official language, a national language, or widely spoken.
These countries are part of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF). Most of the students from these French-speaking countries in Africa study in Morocco for their higher institutions, either through privately sponsored studies or scholarships especially with the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI).
I found it immensely beneficial to engage with students from these countries like; Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire), Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Rwanda and Senegal among others who speak French fluently. Everyday interactions turned into small language lessons. Some students discover it simpler to communicate with their friends in the dorms, while others attend church services where French is often used for preaching and reading church hymns. Some even engage in the church choir, singing in French, Why not?
Movies and Podcasts
Learning a language isn't confined to textbooks and classrooms. Movies and podcasts are better ways to learn French. I am not a fan of movies but I incorporated podcasts into my routine to expose myself to different accents, intonations, and conversational styles. Podcasts like Inner French and Duolingo French are so helpful. This not only enhanced my comprehension but also made the learning process more enjoyable.
YouTube French Teachers
The digital realm proved to be a treasure trove for language learners. I identified a few YouTube channels featuring engaging French teachers. These educators crafted lessons that seamlessly blended language learning with cultural insights. Regularly following these channels became a cornerstone of my learning routine.
The following are the YouTube channels where you can start your French Learning by clicking on the links listed;
You should choose which online teacher is convenient for you and do not limit yourself to these, you can explore other channels.
Consistency is Key
Consistency is paramount in language learning. Establishing a dedicated learning schedule helps one to stay on track, at times we procrastinate but one must quickly get back on track. Whether it's a weekly lesson or a daily practice session, maintaining a routine ensures steady progress. Language learning apps, like Duolingo, proved to be excellent companions for daily, bite-sized lessons.
In a nutshell, Learning French in Morocco is not that easy or so exciting, it needs courage! At times you will hear different French accents as it is with all other languages. Accents are a natural part of the Language diversity. Remember, language learning is not a race; it's an exploration. So, whether you're learning French, Spanish, or any other language, enjoy the process, and celebrate the milestones along the way.
Bonne chance!