How to get past the intermediate plateau and reach fluency in French?

HOW TO OVERCOME THE LEARNING PLATEAU AND REACH FLUENCY IN FRENCH?

So, do you want to know how to get past the “intermediate plateau” and reach a higher level of fluency in French?

This is very common and can happen at any level, so you’re not alone.

Here are the 3 reasons why people get stuck instead of reaching a higher level of fluency in French:

1. Getting stuck into learning

Most people start learning the language, and then, when they think they reached a ‘decent’ level, they try to apply what they learned, and converse.

This is a great trap, because ‘learning’ is very rewarding – a great adrenaline source for the brain, and a good excuse to avoid doing the more confronting activity: the conversation.

The way to avoid this trap is to have conversations where you’re at, aiming to become fluent at your level, rather than waiting to ‘get past’ it.

Think of the 3 year old children who are using a very basic vocabulary and grammar, yet they get their way pretty well 😉

I also recommend that you read Jacques Prévert, to see what a simple language he’s using to write such subtly layered poems.

2. Perfectionism

If you want to know the theory well before you apply it and avoid risking to make mistakes, then you’ll stay stuck on the plateau.

Mistakes will only unveil your real level, but this way you’re progressing towards fluency in French.

When you don’t know a word, explain it with simpler, known vocabulary; if you don’t know a verb tense or expression, replace them by playing with your sentences.

Again, Jacques Prévert is a great model.

3. Learning French in your head

Learning and performing the language are two completely different experiences.

Just like the difference between the idea of an apple and the juicy, delicious, perfumed experience of the apple.

Speak with people, any people.

All you do in French – reading, writing, watching, listening – you should do it out loud, to practice the speaking muscles, and your active listening.

Get a French coach to speak with on a regular basis – if they are good, they’ll keep you on the edge of your ability, guaranteeing your progress and fluency in French.

Got a minute?
Let’s practice together with today’s episode from the Daily Minute with J’Ouellette® podcast:

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NOW IT IS YOUR TURN!
What are your tricks to overcome the learning plateau?

Let me guess.

Do you constantly have the feeling that you can’t hear what the French say and you don’t know how to read all the French words because they are written so much differently than they sound?

Learn 3 secrets that will help you be self sufficient in the way you pronounce French words – even if you don’t know what they mean – so that you can read that sophisticated menu in your favorite French restaurant.