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Free French Lessons

I googled learning French online and there are numerous sites that proclaim "free" for basic words with the option to purchase more advanced courses. Has anyone used any of these sites? Recommendations? RS gives basic words but it would be good to hear words and practice.

Posted by
1499 posts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzpLLUrEwMM

Try the link above. If it doesn't work google The Travel Linguist French. There are several videos of different levels. They offer everyday words and sentences. It's helpful to watch the speakers as they enunciate the words and the words are shown phonetically as well as with the correct spelling. We have used travel linguist for several languages and it has helped us to speak some everyday phrases when we travel.

Posted by
792 posts

If you have a smart phone, there are some free language apps, some that cost 1.99, some that are more expensive. They will usually say the words. Another nice way to practice- watch a movie in french with English subtitles. Or some DVDs (particularly Disney movies) will have a french option.

These aren't free but I have tried both Pimsleur and Rosetta Stone and I disliked them both. Pimsleur was very boring and they automatically signed me up for some"advanced course" and took money out of my account every month. It took a few tries to get those charges back. And I think Rosetta Stone doesn't prioritize the useful travel phrases.

Posted by
8293 posts

The BBC offers free on-line French lessons.

Posted by
1806 posts

Check with your local library to see what offerings they have. By signing in on my local library's website, I can access lots of their online language courses straight from my laptop free of charge. In the past, I have also borrowed language CD's (like those by Pimsleur), transferred them onto my iTunes account and then put them on my iPod or iPhone to listen to later. Totally free and not just basic level language skills, but also many available for intermediate level.

Posted by
3387 posts

Lately I've been using the Duolingo app for my iPone. It's free and really good! Don't know when they're going to try to upsell me on the next level but so far I've been able to improve my French. It has you typing, translating, and speaking to check your pronunciation. For a free app I think it's great!

Posted by
168 posts

Hello Kyle,

I would have to say that "Pimsleur French" on cd is a good choose. I've been doing it myself for about 2 1/2 months now and I am already done with the first group of 30 lessons. I'm not perfect and I can understand a lot and respond pretty well. It does cost a little money, but if you're serious about learning French, and you stick with it, it's worth the money. Also, if you just want to learn a little, you could always stop the cd's when you think you've learned enough to get by. Good luck.

Raymond

Posted by
113 posts

Wow, I'm ready to learn some French! Thanks to all for responding and sharing. I'll check them all out, and by the time we are in Paris in June, I should be able to speak a little French. I'm excited to learn. Many thanks to all for your suggestions. Kyle

Posted by
14 posts

I think the duolingo.com is a fun game-like experience for basic French. I would do that first. Also the Unvertisty of Texas at Austin has a great free French online program which gets pretty advanced. http://www.laits.utexas.edu/fi/

Bon chance!

Posted by
8293 posts

Or, as we say in French, "bonne chance" .

Posted by
32171 posts

Kyle,

I'd also highly recommend the Pimsleur language series. I've been using it for Italian and it's worked well.

Posted by
154 posts

Rosetta Stone has a free app! And you can speak into it to test yourself. It has the basics. Learn the days of the week and your numbers. That's a big help.