When researching simple ways to learn French, you will probably come across listening to French radio. This method has its pros and cons, some of which are listed here:
Advantages of French radio as a simple way to learn French:
- Time: since you can listen to the radio while doing other things, I recommend it to all those who do not have a lot of time on their hands. If you are already a radio listener, just switch to a French station as a very simple way to learn French while doing something you are already doing everyday.
- Pronunciation: since French radio broadcasters are usually native French speakers, you are guaranteed to hear the correct pronunciation, while you may not get this from an English or American French teacher.
- Enjoyable: listening to French radio is a pleasurable way to learn French, especially if you choose a radio station that plays your kind of music.
Disadvantages of French radio as a simple way to learn French:
- Speech can be too fast for your level: if you are a beginner, you may not be able to understand a lot of what is said and lose motivation. The best advice is to try and persevere: after you get used to the presenters' accent it will become easier to catch full sentences.
- Too much music, not enough speech: if you can, select French news stations over music oriented ones, as French radio stations tend to play a lot of English and American music and even if the D.J. plays French songs, some have lyrics that are difficult to understand or with music that is louder than words.
- Difficulty to practise speaking French: unlike with French CD or online courses, French radio broadcasters do not give you time to repeat new words and sentences: you may still be trying to understand what has just been said while a new sentence is being spoken and there is no one who can explain the new words that you come across while listening to French radio.
