France is the world leader in tourism and lots of people would agree that it is a most attractive country. But vacations can be very different from actually residing somewhere. However, although money is still a difficult area for many of us, it doesn’t seem to have stopped people leaving the U.K. to experience living in France.

The English person’s most easily accessible part of “abroad”, France is a truly beautiful country with very varied landscapes and cultures. It’s sometimes referred to as being like the England of the’50’s, but this isn’t the whole story. It’s now a very modern country with its huge telecommunications industry and wide internet usage.

And the language? Well, of course there’s been a tradition of learning French in British schools. While this has produced some real lovers of the French language, many British people still almost boast of a national weakness in foreign language learning.

I’ve met visitors who think I should be fluent in correct French because I’ve been living in France for many years. How I wish that did happen by osmosis. Of course it doesn’t and quite a lot of deliberate effort is required. There are French people who don’t understand the process either and who may regard us as a bit dim all round because we struggle to learn French.

It’s daunting to come to live in a foreign country where your knowledge of the language is very limited, but a positive attitude will work wonders. Most French citizens are genuinely pleased to encounter British who are trying to learn their language so that they can live successfully in France. They don’t mind mistakes, and indeed will probably be pleased to help with them, but do respond to good intentions and efforts.

And it’s this attitude that is important in making a success of living in France.

Before starting to acquire or improve your working knowledge of French, you first need to lose something – your fear of looking foolish. Easier said than done sometimes!

For some people this isn’t an issue and they will try, try and try again to make themselves understood by gestures, words and other means. They will probably get a French lesson in return as the other person tells them the French words for what they want.

Not all of us are naturally so self-confident and it might be necessary to really push yourself in just one situation. See how it goes and what you might do next time. Pick a situation which is vital to you personally, for instance a visit to the vet to discuss your dog’s health. Think about how you’ll describe the dog’s condition and even write a little script. This allows you to look up any vocabulary you don’t know. Include questions you need to ask. It’s often best to start by explaining you’re learning French and to ask for the vet to be patient with you and to speak slowly.

Since the French are only human, there will be times when the response is less than friendly. Just remind yourself that it’s their problem, not yours. You’re the one making great effort which is to your credit, so carry on to the next situation where you’ll hopefully get your just reward.

With your good intentions and willingness to work, what tools are available to help you improve your French?

There are a growing variety of methods; there are numerous tapes and CDs available with written support; there are some good free on-line courses, e.g. the BBC, Radio France Internationale; there are distance learning courses that you pay for; there are telephone teachers who may also use e-mail; there are traditional books.

It’s quite usual to employ a personal teacher to come to your home to help with a subject like French – a good option if you prefer not to start in group classes which are also available in many places.

Don’t forget to consider how you learn best when deciding on ways to make progress. Methods that suit your individual personality are likely to be more successful.

In the end however, it’s your interest and impetus that will ensure you learn and thus make the very most of living in France.

French Life and the joys of French Life have been featured in magazine articles the world over. To find out more of French Life take a look at Amanda Lawrence’s new blog at www.frenchvie.com. Lots of stories and recipes from the Quercy. It takes you right there – you’ll never want to leave. Don’t forget to register for her free newsletter. Author of White Stone Black Wine.

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