Expatriate's story from Carolyn,
living in the Languedoc Roussillon region in France.

If you have or intend to settle in France you will need to be able to communicate.You will have lots of questions and will need to understand the answers.

French administration is difficult and onerous; the Mairie of your commune can be very helpful in smoothing your path. In a small place make friends with the secretary who may do most of the work for you!

The best way to learn French is to "be French". Try not to compare with how things are done in England or your own country. Remember that it was your choice to move and accept that life is different. To begin with watch French television. At first it will be hard, but the news is the same in any language. Games shows are good because the language is repetitive. If you watch regularly you will hear certain expressions repeated time and time again. Talk back and practise. Buy magazines with lots of pictures and absorb the language. Try not to translate word for word but grasp the general meaning.

Be observant, watch mannerisms and facial expressions, listen to the intonation. For example, when you are shopping or in a café eavesdrop on conversations

Make friends with your neighbours, they are a mine of useful information, be patient and eventually you will understand what they are trying to tell you!

Grammar is important but it is imperative that you can speak the language, be understood and understand what is being said to you. That is why telephone lessons are a great help.