Learning the French or English language
There are a variety of language tools to suit every need. Here are some for each language:
For learning French:
- Duolingo: An application that offers interactive lessons for learning French.
- Babbel: Offers online French courses with a particular emphasis on conversation.
- Lingoda: Offers online courses with native teachers to learn and practice French.
- Le Conjugueur: A site that allows you to conjugate verbs in French.
- Reverso: Offers translation, text correction and conjugation tools.
- TV5MONDE: Offers resources for learning French through videos, exercises and games.
- Bescherelle: A reference for French grammar and conjugation.
For learning English:
- BBC Learning English: Offers online courses, videos, games and stories to learn English.
- Cambridge English Online: Offers online English lessons and practical exercises.
- Memrise: Used to learn English vocabulary through flashcards and games.
- BBC Languages - French: Although known for teaching French, the BBC Languages section also offers courses for learning English.
- Oxford Online English: Provides online English lessons, including grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation lessons.
- Merriam-Webster: Online dictionary for the English language.
- British Council: Offers courses, games and resources for learning English.
- Busuu: Application that offers interactive English lessons and also allows language exchanges.
Whether for grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary or conversational practice, these tools can be used to complement each other to create a holistic learning experience. Choose the ones that best suit your learning style and specific language goals.
How to improve your English accent?
Nowadays, English is almost everywhere, on radio, television and social media. It is also widely used in the work environment. Learning this language then becomes essential, whether for studies, looking for a job or simply for going abroad. For this, it is not enough to master grammar or memorize a huge amount of vocabulary. Knowing how to pronounce words well remains essential to being understood by your interlocutor. To achieve this, you do not have to take English lessons. There are many simple tips to improve your English accent. Here are 10 that can help you!
Use a dictionary
For French speakers, it seems normal not to know how to pronounce an English word. So you should not be ashamed of it. You can consult the dictionary to find the exact articulation using phonetic information. There are also audio dictionaries on the Internet that can be of great help to you. They allow you to listen to the word in question to ensure the correct pronunciation.
Listen to podcasts focused on pronunciation
Listening to podcasts about pronunciation is also one of the best ways to learn that language. There are many on the Internet. These audio files help you discover different approaches to improve your English speaking. You can save them to your phone. By car, on public transport, while playing sports... You will be able to tame your ear to English pronunciation.
Read aloud every day
Reading books remains an effective solution to knowing how to speak English if you already have some knowledge of it. To start, choose a simple artwork. Read it slowly and out loud. Identify words that you have difficulty articulating, such as those containing difficult sounds. Then look them up in a dictionary to find the right pronunciation. Repeat them several times to memorize them well and try to have a natural accent.
Do a lot of listening
How to improve your English accent? The best answer to this question is to do a lot of listening. It is a habit that you must add into your lifestyle. Indeed, there are many subtleties that your ear has difficulty understanding when it comes to English phonetics. It therefore remains crucial to familiarize yourself with their pronunciation. For this, it is advisable to vary the supports. You can, among other things, listen to the radio, watch films and series in English, or even documentaries in the original English version.
Repeat after listening
The principle of repetition remains simple. You listen a piece of a movie or audio file. Pause the reading then repeat, trying to copy the accent and pronunciation you just heard. This technique allows you to easily memorize the pronunciation of different vocabulary words English. It's also a way to practice putting words together to form more fluid sentences.
Register
One of the best tips for improving your English accent is to register. This allows you to be aware of your level and your skills. Do not hesitate to practice this exercise in front of a mirror. This will allow you to check that your mouth and lips are in the correct position when speaking. Then listen carefully to your recording again. Identify what needs improvement and try again.
Listen to music in English and sing
Listening to music and singing is one of the simplest and most fun tips for practicing English every day. Indeed, the part of the human brain that is interested in music also remains active in language learning. It's scientifically proven. Don't hesitate to search the Internet for the lyrics of the songs you like. So you can sing while listening.
Train with tongue twisters
Made up of many similar sounds, a tongue twister refers to an expression that is particularly difficult to articulate.
Here are some examples:
- How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
- Can you can a can as a canner can can a can?
- A loyal warrior will rarely worry why we rule.
Even native speakers are usually not able to repeat them on the first try.
Tongue twisters remain an effective way to train the muscles of your tongue and mouth. Start by reading the set of words slowly. You can gradually say the tongue twister more quickly.
Find an English-speaking correspondent
Conversing in English with a foreign speaker remains by far the most effective way to improve your American, British or even Australian accent. For this, it is recommended to find an English-speaking correspondent. There are currently many sites and applications designed for this purpose. Register on a reliable platform and find the ideal language partner. You can ask him for an opinion on your accent and pronunciation during your conversations. He will do the same on his French accent.