Is Your French Learning Table Wobbly?

Imagine a table with four legs. This “table” represents your French learning journey. Just like any other table, it needs strong, steady legs to stay upright. If one of those legs is neglected, the whole thing becomes wobbly. And if you ignore one completely? The table might topple right over. No one wants that — especially when it comes to learning a language as beautiful (and sometimes tricky!) as French.

So, how do we keep our French learning table balanced?

Well, your four table legs can be anything that supports your language learning. The key is to make sure they’re evenly tended to. If one gets all the attention and the others are forgotten, your foundation starts to rock.

Here’s what my four legs currently look like:

• Building a vocabulary and expression bank – Using authentic materials like French TV shows, podcasts, music, and social media posts gives me real-life language input that’s both useful and fun.

• Improving cultural awareness – Understanding the customs, celebrations, humour, and habits of France (and other Francophone countries) adds so much depth and richness to the language.

• Refreshing grammar knowledge – Yes, grammar might not be glamorous, but a little structure goes a long way. I like to revisit specific topics with short exercises now and then.

• Putting it into practice – Speaking and writing French — even in short bursts — is vital. Whether it’s a voice note to a language buddy or a quick journal entry, I keep using what I’m learning.

What about you?

What legs would hold up your French learning table?

Yours might include joining a class, using an app, keeping a vocabulary notebook, or watching a French YouTuber you love. The beauty is that your table is totally unique to you, but all four legs need your attention if you want to stay stable.

And remember, your table legs might change over time. That’s perfectly normal. The important part is not to let one leg get wobbly while another gets all the love. Keep things balanced, and your progress will feel smoother and more satisfying.

Wishing you a steady, balanced, and joyful journey to sounding more French!

Frannie x

P.S. Fancy learning a few French expressions from today’s post?

Here are a few helpful ones related to balance and tables:

• Une table bancale = a wobbly table

• Cette table est un peu bancale = this table is a little wobbly

• Les pieds de table = table legs (not les jambes!)

• L’équilibre = balance

• Garder l’équilibre = to keep one’s balance

• Perdre l’équilibre = to lose one’s balance

• Être en équilibre = to be balanced

• Équilibré(e) = balanced, level-headed

• Balancer = to swing/throw

• Balancer quelqu’un = to grass someone up

• La balance = weighing scales / Libra (star sign)

• Piquer une crise = to throw a wobbly