How to make the words stick in our head?

So many people will say: "I wish I had paid more attention in French lessons. All I remember is to say "bonjour" and "merci" (usually pronounced as [bonne djoor] and [muhr.see]."

That makes me feel both sad and partly responsible. So, if you've been in that situation and you want to do something about it, this article will hopefully bring some answers and key elements.

1. It takes repetition

The best way to remember the words is by going over them again and again, in different contexts. That's just science. That's how the brain works. Rare are the people who read something once and will remember it for years, or ever. My thoughts go to adults too. The older we get, the more things we have to think about leaving no space in our working memory to process new words or grammar. Yet, the only way something will stick in our head is by getting them across to our long term memory. So, let's find time during the day where you are more likely to have some headspace available for French. Some of my students prefer having lessons early in the morning, others feel they are more focused and efficient in the evening, after work and others just take whatever time they have to schedule some French during the day. Even though they might make progress at a slower pace, long term they could just as well if they take the next two steps!

2. It takes practice

Another big element is to make it relevant and practice. Starting with the theory and studying is a great solid basis but what really will help making words stick into your head is: practice. Without it, you will never know how well you can communicate in French and you will eventually forget words or not be able to put those words into correct sentences. So, practice! Whether it is by commenting on social media in French, or going to a French restaurant and ordering in French, through tuition (let me help you), or through going to a French speaking country: do it! The more words you will write or say, the more they will stick in your head. It starts with words, it continues with thinking French to make sentences. Why? That's just the way it works. If you try to say what you think in your mother tongue or in English, you will make literal sentences that might be understood by others, but you won't understand what the locals are saying because they will saying thing with their French speaking brain, with sentences that have their own structure.

3. It takes effort

Last step is sticking to learning French to get words to stick (see what I've done here?! Now imagine going through tuition with me as a tutor!). I have mentionned this in another article, the best way to keep it going is to schedule time to learning French into your schedule. Start with 5 minutes a day. Little, but consistent, effort will have a bigger impact long-term. Give yourself achievable targets: choose one topic, 10 key words on the topic, then try to use them in short sentences in your head, and finally pout yourself out there and use those sentences in real life situations. Try that and let me know how you get on. Allez, c'est parti!