AI programs to learn French

Posted by janettravels44 (Chicago) on 05/01/26 07:55 AM

I have no background in French in school but spend a fair amount of time in France. I have done duolingo for a couple of years and this has greatly improved my French to the extent that I can easily shop, move around, dine etc in French (bad French to be sure). Since we stay in parts of Paris where English is not spoken by shopkeepers and restaurants this is handy but I'd like to improve. I can read a bit but have no ear at all.

This might actually be a good use of AI -- there has to be some. I know there are several AI interactive programs. Since I know I will have to pay for this, I want to be sure I choose one that is effective. Does anyone have recommendations of one that you have tried and that adapts for interactive conversation and works well for you?

Posted by Frank II

Freedonia

05/01/26 09:00 AM

18876 posts

I like the new Pimspleur app.

Pimsleur was originally an audio only program. Nothing written down. As a visual learner, this was okay.

The new app still has the audo program but also has follow up with flash cards and quizzes.

The nice thing about Pimsleur is that you are not learning phrases. You are learning how to put words together to make a sentence.

The app, and website, allows you to take the first lesson free.

There are also slow speaking news programs in numerous languages and that might help you become better at understanding. (My problem as well.)

Someone else suggested I get easy French story books--like for kids--and read them. If you don't know a word, look it up.

Posted by janettravels44 OP

Chicago

05/01/26 12:42 PM

9633 posts

I tried pimsleur from the library years ago and thought it was pretty good so maybe i'll see what on line offers. Its value then was that you had to generate language not just identify it as you do with duolingo which is easy to game without learning deeplly

Posted by CD in DC

Washington, DC USA

05/01/26 12:54 PM

958 posts

Jumpspeak uses interactive AI to some extent and has a 3 month free trial period. I encounterefd some tech glitches which may have just been my phone or my wifi connection.