Becoming fluent in a language later in life

[ClydeBank]

I'm looking for inspiration.

I have been learning French on and off since school (I'm in my 50s now). I've never really nailed it. I can get by when I'm in France but I would love to get totally fluent.

Can you inspire me? Have you been at a bit of a 'meh' level for years and then gone for it and become fluent in a language? Please boast as much as you like.

How long did it take you? What shifted? Did you try a different way of learning?

Merci in advance 😁

I never really bothered until I moved and even then most people speak English to me when they realise I'm English
But definitely talking and listening in your language as much as possible helps

You can do an online class with the Institut Français. You can do a phone interview where they advise you your level before you sign up.
I also try to read French books and second how brilliant Dix Pour Cent is!

I don't do well in classrooms, I'm impatient... recently I've found watching youtube videos help, they have a bunch with just phrases and vocabulary on repeat, I can listen while going to sleep or something. Vocab is the start but then you can watch slow-native speaking videos that aren't too complex. I never got into language learning apps, though there are some vocab flashcard apps or sites that I've found useful.

So did you move to France then @ClydeBank ? ? Interesting thread, I am also trying to improve my French possibly with a view to retiring there one day but I wouldn't want to without a really good grasp of the language. I am intending to join an Alliance Francaise course this year.