How I learned French in six months?

Most of my friends are curious about this and they pose this question quite often. But my regular answer to them is that I made the right decision of devoting time for learning this highly popular and one of the most liked languages. But at the same time, it is ironical that the French people insist that their language is one of the most difficult to learn. But as far as I am concerned, it is all in the mind, though it is true that there are as many exceptions, if not more, as there are grammar rules in French.

I approached the process of learning French by splitting it into parts such as improving my vocabulary, learning the right pronunciation, comprehending the verb conguations, and understanding the use of right tenses. Of course, I had to deal with learning to speak French also.

For the vocabulary part and for learning the right pronunciation, I became a keen listener. Whenever my friends or colleagues uttered a new word, I made it a point to stop them in the middle of their conversation for telling me the meaning of the word. Most of the times, I made them pronounce the word two or three times repeatedly so I could learn to pronounce the word in the right manner. Of course, there were many instances during which these people forgot the topics about which they were talking, thanks to my interruptions and the distractions I caused.

Very importantly, I never failed to listen to French news on the television.

 

This could dramatically improve my vocabulary as well as my pronunciation skills. I could also learn how the news reporters were using the words and how they were explaining the contexts or the subject matters by using the right words.

Lastly, I made it a point to insist that my French friends and colleagues should speak to me only in French, though they knew English also. Initially, they refused lest should I not understand the instructions rightly. They were afraid that I would goof up the tasks given to me. But I persuaded them by telling them that I would not hesitate to seek clarifications if I had doubts. I also ensured to strictly abide by the instructions because I was afraid that if I committed mistakes in my tasks, they would switch to English.

So, I could achieve my aim of learning French more quickly than I expected. This is the explanation I give to those who ask me how I learned French in six months.