Charming mistakes
I'm 29 years old, followed my French husband to his home country and just had my first baby over here in France. I've been living here since March 2003. I plan to learn French as quickly as possible as I hate not being able to communicate. It was very difficult having a baby in a hospital where nobody spoke English. I wanted to understand everything that was happening to me and the baby. I want to be able to communicate with the doctors and paediatricians etc when we take the baby for her regular examinations and generally just need to understand what's going on in everyday life. Eventually I want to be competent enough in French to be able to get a job over here. God knows how long that will take! Ideally I would like to get a job at the European Parliament, but will need to be pretty good at both speaking and writing in French ... I know it's going to be a long and arduous road!I hate the lack of communication and am paranoid about all of the errors that I make when trying to speak French. I hate the thought that I appear to be stupid! My husband assures me that when I make mistakes it's 'charming' to the French as is my accent. I think he's just being nice to me!
Sent by: Sheila
Comments
Don't worry about mistakes. As a French man, I love people speaking my language with an accent. My brother married an Indian lady who speaks English and her mother tongue Tamil. She followed French courses at the Alliance Française and within eight months she could speak good French. Ten years after, she writes, speaks, follows closely on her children's school progress, chats with others and is totally independent. She manages the whole household and is involved in charity work. Her children can speak Tamil, French and English. As we say in French, prends ton courage à deux mains et jettes toi à l'eau.
Best of luck to you!
Hang in there. Learning a new language is always a challenge, but you will profit from it through increased self-confidence and pride. Never be afraid to make mistakes when you speak French, it is better to make mistakes but at least try rather than take the easy way out and revert to English. The French will appreciate your efforts. I live here in France myself (I am an American), but after 7 months I can get along just fine. Force yourself to get out there and speak, watch tv, listen to French music, immerse yourself in all things French. Time will show the fruits of your labours. Bon courage!!! - Good Luck!!!
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