How to Begin Learning French
Like learning any language, the first step in learning French is figuring out where to begin. It is important that you first decide what your goal in learning the language is. If you are planning to learn the language as a hobby, then your approach must differ from that of someone who is trying to acquire fluency.
First: Decide how much time to dedicate to your language learning
This varies from person to person. It is important to schedule a block of time that is uninterrupted, and to find a study area that is quiet and free of distractions. The time allocated depends on the student; however, it is best to schedule one hour sessions. A one hour session is long enough to achieve something, but not so long that you are overwhelmed or bored by the content of the session.
Second: Choose a reliable educational source
There are many websites out there containing tutorials on various languages. It is important that you research these providers and choose the source that best suits your needs. Many sources are aimed at beginning to intermediate speakers, and these sources are a very good starting point for the new student. In the event that you already feel comfortable speaking some of the language, a site aimed towards more proficient speakers would be a better starting point.
Third: Practice, practice and more practice
The number one most important step in learning any language is to practice that language. Set aside time during the day to speak only in French. During the course of your, consider how your conversations with others could have played out in French. Practice makes the difference between becoming fluent in a year or in several.