Are you having a picture in your head whenever you learn words in French?
It’s sometimes difficult for you to remember a word if you don’t see it written down on paper. This means you are a visual type of learner. Don’t worry. We got you covered.
We’ll show you 7 ways to learn French in Pictures for visual learners like yourself.
7 Ways to Learn French in Pictures
1. Label Everything You See
Look around you, and try naming every object in French. Use Collin’s dictionary to translate, and keep a list of all items at your reach.
If you want to spice things up a bit more, label every item in your house in French, using sticky notes. It won’t be as practical, but the results will come in faster than you expected.
2. Create Your Own pictures: Learning with Flashcards
Flashcards are the best solution for “visual” types of learners. Today, flashcards exist in many forms, from digital to paper form, and it all depends on your preference. The great thing about flashcards is that it allows you to learn one word at a time.
We like to avoid giant word lists, because learning long lists of vocabulary may become overwhelming and get you feeling frustrated without a reason.
There are plenty of apps that provide flashcards, but using technology while learning comes with a cost. It’s easy to become distracted.
Paper flashcards may come as an additional effort, finding the right ones, then going to the copy shop to print them. The whole process seems too old-fashioned. But, you’ll avoid getting distracted each time, and you’ll be able to learn the vocabulary more effectively.
3. Learn a Topic Related Vocabulary
Find a topic you need to cover and learn the related vocabulary. It can be flashcards or explanatory videos like this one you’ll see below.
If you are a beginner, start with vocabulary related to food, kitchen utensils, locations, art, sports, vehicles and transport, a house etc. You can even learn action words or verbs, and try finding the matching picture that will help you remember. The crazier the picture, the better the memory.
Here you’ll find a completely free visual dictionary in French divided by themes.
Bonus Tip: Pinterest is full of vocabulary lists with imagery in French. Try it out if you haven’t so far.
4. Find an Explanatory Video
These videos are great because you’ll be able to hear, connect the new word with a picture, and learn to use it in a context. What more can you wish for.
YouTube has plenty of similar videos designed to help you build your French vocabulary.
In this one, for example, you’ll learn all the basic kitchenware to have a perfect cup of tea in French.
5. Use an Illustrated Dictionary in French
Even if you think illustrated dictionaries are only for children, if you are a beginner in French, then an illustrated encyclopedia is more than you’ll need.
Not only a dictionary, but you can even opt for children’s French books, about colors, animals, body parts, vehicles, as a starter pack. When you master saying, les yeux, le nez, la bouche, you can move to “The visual dictionary of human anatomy”.
Here is a Free Bilingual Visual Dictionary in French and English to start you going.
6. Play Pictionary
Perhaps you have heard of Pictionary, or you may have even played it. But you never thought it could be used for learning French vocabulary. It’s true for social games, you do need a partner. So team up with fellow French students and call it a game night in French.
Down below, you’ll find the basic rules on how to play the game. In case, you don’t want to invest in purchasing the game, all you need is a piece of paper, pen, French dictionary, and this Pictionary generator to make your evening.
7. Children’s Picture Books in French
Picture books for children usually have a simple vocabulary and easy-to-understand context. If you add pictures to it, you’ll be able to understand most of the story by looking at the visual narrative.
Of course, not all children’s books are easy to follow, so make sure to find the ones that are suited for little children.
Some great French picture books are Adèle & Simon, which is a series book about the adventures of two children. Another cult book is Ernest et Célestine, a story of two close friends, a mouse, and a bear. It also comes as a series, and recently the movie has been released as well.
Enough Visuals to Stir Your French?
What do you say, my dear visual learner? Have we given you some ideas for learning French vocabulary the way you like it?
Starting from flashcards to illustrated dictionaries, and a game named Pictionary, we hope to have made your mind excited about learning French vocabulary.
Because learning a foreign language shouldn’t feel boring, or repetitive, otherwise, your motivation will go down the drain, as well as your perfect Parisian accent.
And you don’t give up on your dreams so easily, don’t you?
