The following methods show you different methods of learning or improving your French language skills on a budget. These methods are particularly useful if you are looking to learn at your own pace in a comfortable environment.

The first option is to use language learning podcasts. A podcast is an audio recording that you can listen to online or download to your mp3 player. Podcasts offer an effective platform to learn a new language as they come formatted as full lessons which you can listen to on your own time. Learn French by Podcast and FrenchPod 101 are two examples of free podcasts that are available which you can download today.

YouTube is another great source for finding free French lessons online. Many easy to follow tutorials for all different learning levels are available for free at www.youtube.com. A quick search for “French Lessons” will pull up over 5000 results for free video lessons you can view anytime you have access to a computer. You can even subscribe to the series of video tutorials that you think are most appropriate for your level of learning. YouTube French video tutorials provide a learning environment that feels like an actual comprehensive French lesson. The only negative aspect of this learning method is is that there is no feedback available to you in terms of your learning progress.

The next relatively inexpensive method of learning French is through applications you can download to your iPhone, Smart Phone or mp3 player that can support applications. Language applications use different methods to help improve your French skills such as quizzes, flash cards and memory games. Most applications are targeted towards beginners learning French for the first time. French Essentials by Accela Study, French Study Buddy by Ronald Bell and Free French Tutor by Donald Stephenson are three examples of popular inexpensive applications you can download. There are also reference applications that can be downloaded which are essential companions to your French learning environment. These reference materials include French to English dictionaries, verb conjugators, and online translators. Applications allow you to one your language skills right from the palm of your hand. They are especially good for emphasizing key learning material and easy to use as an everyday learning tool to improve retention of lessons learned via other more traditional formats.

Finally there is a great online service known as LiveMocha which gives students access to language learning in the form of a social community. You can put your French skills into practice by connecting with real native speakers online. Each lesson includes exercises, tips and feedback. With LiveMocha you will be able to improve your conversational skills, spelling, pronunciation, and grammar. Basic courses are free; active courses start from $19.95 a month. The biggest advantage of LiveMocha is that you can receive immediate feedback regarding your learning progress. You will find out immediately if your oral pronunciation skills are correct or if they need improvement

There are a variety of fun and inexpensive ways to practice French language skills from the comfort of your own home. Using the tools outlined above you can easily create and customize your own French training program based on your personal skill level. Learning French does not have to be a costly endeavour, especially if you can implement some of the suggestions above.

Author Bio: Ayana Forward of Ottawa French Lessons is helping people in Ottawa find french lessons and training that suits their needs.

Category: Education
Keywords: french lessons, learn french, french courses