7 Things Your Software to Learn French Must Have

Thank goodness for software to learn French! Not so long ago we had a choice of either dusty books or boring "listen-and-repeat" tapes. Now we have a revolution in learning that makes getting to grips with the French language a hundred times faster and much more fun!

But with so many choices, how do we know which software to learn French is best?

1. Can you try it first?

With a lot of software you can get a free sample to try. At least a couple of the French language programs offer the same. If you can get some free French lessons it will help you decide whether the package is for you. Even if you don't particularly like it, you got a few French lessons for nothing!

2. Is it interactive?

Now that may seem like a silly question. Surely all French language software is interactive. Sadly not. Some are just re-formatted versions of the old "listen-and-repeat" tapes that have been around for years. Beware cheap French language software, it's probably of little value.

3. How does it handle French audio?

Again you might expect any French software to take advantage of the abilities of your PC and provide you with audio files. Surprisingly some don't. When you're looking for software to learn French it is a definite advantage if the audio is in MP3 format so you can download it to a player or CD. That way you get the extra benefit of lessons on the move, away from your computer.

4. How does it handle actually speaking French?

Assuming your software has proper audio components, are they voiced by an English person speaking French or a native French speaker? I'd say it was of far greater benefit to listen to and learn from a French person if that's the language I was learning.

5. How are French grammar, verbs and vocabulary handled?

One of the major benefits of learning French from software on your computer has to be the degree of interactivity. Good French software will involve you and challenge you. Does the program you're looking at offer video clips or illustrated lessons? Does it use game play to make learning French fun?

6. How far can it take you?

When looking for software to learn French consider how far you can go with the package. Is it just a beginner's course? Will you have to pay more for intermediate lessons? Or is it a package that will take you right from no knowledge through intermediate success to advanced French learning?

7. What guarantees do you have?

OK, your French software program might claim to teach you perfect French in a week (unrealistic) or capable French within a couple of months (achievable) but do they actually offer any guarantees? There are some that offer your money back if not satisfied. A guarantee like that would certainly make me more confident in their ability to deliver. I learn or it costs me nothing - can't beat that.

Language learning has come a long way since I was a kid and software to learn French can be stimulating and engaging which is bound to help you learn faster and more thoroughly. Like all software there are a vast range of products and prices and it's difficult to choose. I hope the above will be of assistance.

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