What is the best way to learn French soon?

Question

I need it as much as I can handle daily life in France as a tourist.

Answer 1

I say dedicate about two weeks before you leave completly to learning french. I bought some french learning cds, a text book and a computer program. Then I brought a phrase book that gives really easy english based pronunciations... try rick steves english french phrase book... then watch a whole bunch of french movies with subtitles and you'll be rolling! good movies are amelie, la atalante, a very long engagement... just my suggestions... Nothing ever beats real experience though! Give yourself a few days in france and you will have already, naturally learned the basics... no need to worry much! Good Luck!

Answer 2

I bought the Instant Immersion French CDs at Costco (< $20) and they really helped me.  It was frustrating at first, but the more I listened and repeated, the more I was able to understand.  

A lot of times in France, I wasn't able to get every word spoken to me, but I would recognize a word or two and answer with what I guessed would be correct -- it usually worked.

Since then I've taken classes through the local community college continuing education program.  These classes were very helpful.

You can also hire a tutor.  I'm not sure how you would find one, though.

Bonne chance !

Answer 3

I would suggest going to a bookstore and getting a basic book with language tapes/CDs.  Being able to hear the language and practice speaking it is very important.  I did this in the few weeks  before I took a trip to Russia five years ago, and I found my 3 year old's vocabulary (acquired from the tapes) worked well.

Also, lots and lots of people know French, so ask around and maybe a friend or co-worker can give you some tips and important words and phrases you should know.

Answer 4

I'd buy some learning French computer programs.. I see them in Borders, Costco, etc. they helped me out a lot.  Also just listening to it can help, so buy a French CD.  There are also books that teach you basic French words and phrases, but be aware that the French language doesn't say the last letter of the words, for example... S'il vous plait (means please) would be pronounced see-voo-play.