When you are commuting or cooking, relaxing on the couch…no matter where you are, you can still learn French, by following the top podcasts in French. There are plenty of ways to learn French, and podcasts stand out as one of the most convenient and entertaining.
Nowadays, the internet is filled with thousands of language learning podcasts. Some are free of charge, while others provide a few complimentary lessons before introducing paid lessons. Choosing the right one can take more time than you think.
Is Podcast for Language Beginners?
Although it’s true that most podcasts are geared toward intermediate or advanced learners who want to improve their vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and other aspects of the language, there are more and more courses meant for true beginners.
Aside from having easy-to-follow content, podcasts for beginners are usually the ones with transcripts, additional notes, and other resources that complement the audio file.
There is a number of reasons why introducing podcasts at the early stage can help you become fluent in French. It helps you :
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Improve your listening skills
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Expand your vocabulary
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Acquire the language on the go
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Learn about the culture
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Make your French learning habit easy
Is There a Podcast For Visual Learners?
Different people process and learn information differently. There are three main learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
While the podcast is a dream come true tool for aural learners, visual learners might find it challenging. Luckily, some podcasts come packed with notes and transcriptions, which allows visual learners to make the most of each listening.
Most people need both listening and seeing the words to adapt to the language.
To save you the hassle of navigating to a search engine, here’s a list of 10 of the best French podcasts around, for both aural and visual learners.
TOP 5 PODCASTS TO LEARN FRENCH
Coffee Break Languages
Language-learning services are available in six different languages. Additionally to their paid online classes, they also have a free podcast, created by Radio Lingua Network.
They offer four levels: Absolute beginners, Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate, and Advanced.
Lessons are between 10 and 15 minutes long and there are 40 lessons per level. Every lesson has the same conversation dynamic, you’ll hear Mark (the teacher) talking with Ana (the student).
For those who are just getting started and wish to work their way up, this podcast is a great choice.
Besides introducing you to French, Coffee Break French provides cultural information about the francophone world.
One Thing in a French Day
Here is one authentic French podcast in casual style. The podcast follows the daily life of a Frenchwoman, her little stories, trips, and everyday thoughts. Following this post is a great way of learning more about the French lifestyle.
A new podcast is available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Listening to her stories will make you daydream about France.
News in Slow French
The title speaks for itself. News in Slow French is a podcast series where news stories are read at a much slower speed than you would usually hear. This allows the listener to hear every word distinctly and not get overwhelmed.
This podcast is divided into several sections and includes different stories, conversations between the hosts, a few grammar points, and examples of common idioms. The best feature that makes it suitable for beginners and intermediate learners, is a transcript of each lesson.
Learn French with Alexa
Learn French with Alexa is created by Alexa Polidoro, an experienced French teacher who makes audio and video material for French learning.
Alexa talks with various guests about French culture and aspects of the French language. Each episode lasts around 30 minutes.
Her method is quite classroom-like and focuses heavily on grammar, which makes it great for beginner learners. Alexa uses English to explain different grammar concepts or phrases.
You can find both free and paid versions on her website. A monthly fee of about $20 gets you full access.
FrenchPod101
They are proud that their teachers slow down to explain every word and phrase. Their goal is for you to understand each word you hear.
FrenchPod101 is the right match for visual as well as aural learners. Learners get word lists, presentations, even quizzes to test their memory. If you feel worried you won’t “understand” native speakers, be reassured because you get slowed down audio, and line-by-line breakdowns make it easier to follow.
In combination with quality content online, podcasts can certainly be a great way to introduce people to a language. For those who already have a basic grasp of a language, you can listen to a few local podcasts each week to maintain your knowledge effortlessly.
To get the full French experience, the only thing you have to do is put on a set of headphones. Easy as that.
