In my many years of teaching adults I have routinely asked what my students experiences were of learning French during elementary and high school.
They often bemoan the grammar-translation approach their French teacher employed. Speaking was not a part of class, and these crucial years left them grossly unprepared for further study of the language nor gave them the competencies needed to communicate with confidence in a foreign setting.
‘Natural’ methods such as those which involve learning a language in ways that mimic how babies learn a language offered an alternative to more traditional approaches to language learning. The idea is though to be that when we acquire a first language, we do so in a way that is naturalistic and can thus be replicated with subsequent languages. Although researchers have found that second language (L2) acquisition is different in many ways to L1 acquisition, this hasn’t stopped many language teachers fervently adopting the method in the classroom.
Although researchers may disagree on the importance of grammar in L2 language instruction, few would argue that rendering the learning process rewarding and enjoyable makes it much easier to stick to when the going gets tough. Finding ways to make learning an routine that you don’t mind doing everyday is the subject of a previous blog post named « Five videos that will inspire you to learn a language », in which various polyglots talk about interesting ways in which people make the process enjoyable.
One way we try to make the process of learning French enjoyable at The Inspire Academy in Biarritz is by offering courses coupled with pleasurable activities ranging from surfing to painting to dining. The list of activities is large and varied and there is sure to be one that appeals to every student. The school can also come to you! We offer courses in Capbreton, St Jean de Luz, Hendaye, Hossegor. If you are considering learning French in the beautiful basque country, make it fun and make it inspired.
How’s your knowledge of the French language? Try this exercise to find out…
