Why French pronunciation matters?
When learning a new language, getting used to new sounds is one of the most challenging steps! At first, you may feel uncomfortable. For non-Francophones, French pronunciation can feel especially unfamiliar. You might be tempted to give up, and focus on anything but this… but that would be a shame! In this article, I’ll tell you all about the importance of pronunciation in French!
Differences between French and English sounds
Learning a language is like getting to know a song - it’s all about rhythm, sound and melody!
Getting used to the French melody
Each language has its own musicality and French is no exception! The language of the holy baguette is known for its melodic and steady rhythm. In English, syllables are stressed differently depending on every word. In French, the stress is usually only on the final syllable of a word or sentence, which makes the rhythm more smooth.
For example, try typing those words and sentences on Google Translate and hear where the accent is placed in each language. You will see what I mean! 🙂
“CHOcolate” vs “chocoLAT” ;
“AusTRAlian” vs “AustraliEN” ;
“I’m VIsiting PAris by heliCOpter” vs “Je visite Paris en hélicopTERE”.
But that’s not all… French intonation also differs from English: the voice might rise or fall depending on whether you’re asking a question, expressing surprise or making a statement. If you watch Francophone movies and series, you’ll probably notice that!
Knowing French tricky sounds
In addition to intonation, the most romantic language of the world can also be challenging when it comes to the pronunciation of vowels. For Australians, the trickiest sounds to get the hang of are: "ou," "a," and "u."
“ou” in France always sounds like "cool," "troop," or "soup” in Australia.
The French “a” is pronounced like in "father" or "apple."
The trickiest one is probably the “u”, which has no direct equivalent in English. Here’s a little tip though: start by saying “eeeee” then round your lips into a little O shape. The sound you produce should be close to the French “u”.
The “rrr” is also usually a big challenge for my students, as it has nothing in common with the English “r”.
Try typing this into Google Translate: “Trois tortues trottaient sur trois toits très étroits”, and you’ll have a good idea of what it sounds like. You can even try to repeat this sentence if you’re feeling brave! 😉
Understanding the fluid rhythm, subtle intonation, and distinctive sounds is key to sounding like a true local of the Hexagone!
➡️ Find out how to pronounce the sound “u” in this video. 😮
➡️ Practice your pronunciation with this video
➡️ Did you know? For Frenchies, one of the hardest sounds to make is the English “th” like in “teeth” or "throughout" - it’s a nightmare!
Importance of pronunciation in your French learning journey
“Why is French pronunciation important?” 🤷
Engaging in conversation with Francophone speakers
You might be wondering: why is it so important to work on my French pronunciation? Well, it all depends on your goals! That being said, improving your pronunciation can help you gain confidence when speaking your favorite language 😉. Your speech will become smoother and easier to understand.
Little by little, words that once seemed impossible to pronounce - remember “mille-feuille” ? - will start feeling natural! And before you know it, you’ll pass as a French native speaker and tourists will be stopping you in Paris to ask where l’Arc de Triomphe is. 😁
Preparing for an oral exam like the TCF, DELF or VCE
Are you currently preparing for a French speaking exam? First of all: “Bon courage à toi !” 💪
I will give you the exact same piece of advice here, which is to work on your pronunciation! First, because it will boost your self confidence on D-DAY - and have a domino effect on all your language learning journey.
Your examiners will probably be very impressed with your level when they hear you master the French “u” or “r”. And who knows, it might make you win some extra precious points!
Ways to perfect your pronunciation in the language of Molière
"Does French pronunciation get easier? 🤔"
Joining a conversation group
The answer is yes! And one of the best ways to improve is to practice speaking. What if I told you, you can do that in a relaxed, friendly environment?
Joining a French conversation group is a great way to build confidence, and connect with other learners! These sessions go beyond textbook dialogues, encouraging natural conversations. Practicing regularly in a supportive atmosphere will help you feel more at ease and gradually refine your French accent. 🙂
➡️ Hey there, have a look at our French conversation group in Melbourne!
Taking private French lessons
Practicing French conversation regularly is essential. If you have the chance, taking private lessons with a tutor can be a valuable step in your learning journey! It gives you the opportunity to speak every week with a tutor, who can help you correct your pronunciation. Without realizing it, you will also start mimicking their way of talking - a great strategy for learning a language.
➡️ Don’t hesitate to book a trial lesson with me or my team, we’ll be happy to help!
Subscribing to my newsletter on phonetics
Here’s my last piece of advice! If you haven’t done it yet, you can still subscribe to my newsletter. Every Wednesday, I share tips on pronunciation (and much more) to help you improve your French 🏋️. Each episode brings new insights you can apply right away!
I hope this article has inspired you! As for me, it’s reminded me that I still need to improve my English 😱 (especially the dreaded "th" sound!)
Bonne semaine à toi !
➡️ Feeling curious? Find out how our French conversation groups work! 😀
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