Learning a new language can often feel like an uphill battle, especially when traditional methods don’t resonate with your personal interests. But what if the secret to mastering a language lies in what you already love? This is exactly what I discovered during my journey of learning English—and it’s the same approach I bring to teaching French to English speakers today.

My Journey from Fluent to Bilingual: Learning English Through Passion

When the pandemic hit, I found myself suddenly disconnected from English-speaking environments. As a French native trying to improve my English, I knew that immersion was key. But with borders closed and social interactions limited, I needed to find new ways to keep my learning process not only effective but also enjoyable.

I decided to dive into my passions: arts, culture, literature, and music. Rather than forcing myself to slog through generic language exercises, I started consuming English content that fascinated me, listening to music that moved me, and watching films that I genuinely enjoyed. This wasn’t just a distraction—it became the heart of my learning process.

By engaging with content that sparked my curiosity and aligned with my personal interests, I found myself naturally absorbing new vocabulary, refining my grammar, and improving my pronunciation without it feeling like a chore. This approach kept me motivated, and because I was genuinely enjoying the material, I was more consistent and willing to push through challenges. Over time, this consistency paid off, taking me from being just fluent to almost bilingual.

Applying My Experience to Teaching French

This experience taught me an invaluable lesson: the most effective way to learn a language is by connecting it to your passions. When I teach French, I don’t just focus on textbooks or grammar drills. Instead, I create personalized lessons that resonate with each student’s unique interests. Whether it’s through exploring French art, diving into the world of French cinema, or even French cuisine, my goal is to make learning feel less like an obligation and more like an adventure.

When you’re learning through something you love, you forget that you’re learning a language. You’re not just memorizing words; you’re building connections that are meaningful and memorable. This method allows you to progress naturally, and because it’s fun, it’s easy to keep going long enough to see real results.

Why Learning Through Passions Works

• Emotional Connection: When you’re passionate about what you’re learning, it sticks. You’re more likely to remember phrases from a song you love or a scene from a film that moved you than from a textbook page
• Consistency: Passion fuels motivation, and motivation leads to consistency. Learning through interests makes it easier to stay committed, which is crucial for long-term language acquisition
• Real-World Application: Engaging with your interests allows you to use the language in real-world contexts, helping you to think and respond naturally in French

Start Your Journey Today

If you’re an English speaker looking to learn French, I’ll help you tailor a framework based on what you love that can support your learning journey. I can also onboard you on the same method if you’re willing to learn English.

Ready to learn French in a way that feels like an extension of your favorite hobbies? Let’s get started on a personalized journey that will make language learning something you look forward to.

I onboard new students this week so…

Let’s meet online!