I often get asked if I’m fluent in French. According to the French government I’m a B1 which means I’m an independent user of French, and two levels from fluent. If you ask my French friends, they will tell you that I’m fluent because I’m able to convey my thoughts, ideas and respond appropriately. Regardless as to what the government or my friends say, I understand that language learning is not a one and done. It is a lifelong process and is simply a means of communication. Hell, I’m still learning new words in English.
As part of my thesis in college I researched ‘Why Black Americans Do Not Study Foreign Language on Par with their Collegiate Counterparts’. I elected to research the topic because as I elevated in my French language courses, I noticed less and less Black American students. I noticed even less in study abroad programs. If you know anything about me you know that I always want to know why my people do or don’t do something. Like Kenya Barris my first thought is that it must be the result of slavery, lol.
Slavery is not the reason Black Americans do not learn second languages nor study abroad on par with their collegiate counterparts, however teacher bias is. In fact, teacher bias was a major factor in my research findings. The pervasive ideology in education is that studying abroad is not for us. Learning a second language is too difficult for us. Once my research concluded I was like word? Say less! My results were precisely the motivation I needed to pursue a degree in French and move to France to learn French. Once someone tells me what Black folks cannot do, I am the first one to set out to prove them wrong.
Some may see my reaction as me trying to prove myself, or the worth of my people to non-Black folks. My reaction is the result of slavery. Period. My rationale is that if I can move the needle or statistic at least .0000000001% then I’ve understood the assignment. And for the Black American parents reading this letter please make sure your kids learn a second language and study abroad in college. With regards to second language learning, the earlier they start learning the better.
I absolutely sucked in French class. I was getting C’s and D’s on my exams and was ready to pull my weave out. Meanwhile my Latin and Caribbean peers were running circles around me in class. Unable to withstand the feeling of mediocrity (due to slavery) I decided to move to France for a year after my teacher told me that I’d be fluent in a year if I lived there. Now what my teacher didn’t tell me was that being fluent in a year was a bonified lie but I digress. Learning a second language is difficult. Learning a second language as an adult is even more difficult. Learning a language as an American adult with bills is some bull shit, but it can be done. I’m going to share with you how I prepared to move to France, and part two will entail what I did in France to master the language. I’m using the term master loosely. Very loosely chile.
1. Make Your Home French
To prepare for my move to Paris my entire home became French. I had post it notes written in French on all my furniture. I purchased French books, flash cards, and I went over the flash cards daily. Keep in mind this was in addition to French language class two to three times a week.
2. Watch French Television
I subscribed to TV5 Monde and watched it as much as possible. It was important for me to create an environment where I was constantly hearing French. I watched French films on Netflix and I put the subtitles in French. I don’t watch American films dubbed in French because the movement of the mouth is different. I don’t recommend putting English subtitles because you’ll simply read the subtitles.
3. Listen to French Music
I was living in New York at the time so I walked everywhere. Anytime I walked I would listen to French music that I liked. Eventually I was so used to hearing the same songs I was able to sing them in French. Repetition is key!
4. Go to French Restaurants
I would purposely go to French restaurants to practice my French, and luckily it was easy for me to do so whilst living in New York. Harlem has a vibrant Francophone African community who likely prefers to speak French over English anyway. I was giddy speaking in French to vendors on 125th street. I absolutely adored going to Harlem hot spot Maison Harlem to dine and speak French with the staff.
5. Meet-Up Groups
Meet up groups are a great way to practice speaking French. In fact, I may search for a group in The Bay Area so I can practice my French. If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. Meet ups with other enthusiastic Francophiles is a great way to learn and practice. Though you may not always speak with fluent speakers it’s more about getting comfortable having casual conversations in French. The best meet ups are held in bars where that liquid courage will allow you to have fun with it, and not sweat the small stuff like grammar errors or lack of vocabulary.
As I reflect on my French language journey, I’m reminded that learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and the ability to laugh at yourself when you inevitably make mistakes. But trust me, the rewards are well worth it. Whether you’re ordering a croissant in perfect French or simply feeling more connected to a global community, language learning is a bridge that opens doors and expands horizons. So, to all my fellow Francophiles out there, remember we can do this. And to my Black Americans, let’s continue proving that the world is ours to explore, one language at a time.
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Ok, as an adult in Paris and attending French classes I can say that your girl is struggling. I took Spanish from 7th grade through college and lived in Mexico City for 2 years so I was able to get by. French is an entire new sport as the sounds and spelling is killing your girl! Nevertheless, I am no slouch and want to make Paris my home so I graciously accept these tips and will continue to take classes lol. ❤️❤️❤️
Great article and thanks for the helpful suggestions. Have you tried any of the current language apps, past or present , and if so which one did you find the most helpful?