Paris. The French Riviera. The Eiffel tower. All these immortal symbols of the French culture have fascinated the world for ages, though not as much as the language itself. French is one of the most popular languages of the world, after English, and not without reason. It is a beautiful language, full of intricate grace and beauty that casts a spell over the learner. French has long been the ‘in’ thing of cultures all over the world. Even as early as the 18th century, it was very fashionable to know French, and a judicious sprinkling of French in one’s speech was considered very chic.

Consequently, French has influenced English to a great extent, and the English we speak today has quite a few words borrowed from the French, the most commonly used being rendezvous, deja-vu, tête-à-tête, and lots more.

I was fascinated with it, and set out bravely to learn the language.

I was not disappointed. French is every bit as interesting and captivating as it sounds. It is also every bit and wily and cunning as it sounds! After firmly gripping my imagination, the language has imprinted itself on my brain with all the ferocity of red-hot metal and refuses to leave my thoughts. My heart leaps when I recognize a stray French word, and when I translate a sentence in English to French correctly, I fairly burst with pride. I have also rummaged in the attic and procured a few copies of old English novels, to try and understand the bits of French in them!

But to be a learner of French and to be French is a very different thing. Trying to learn the language feels like a thirsty man getting just a sip of water, when he wants gallons and gallons of it! Every new word and phrase I learn tells me that I have ‘miles to go before I sleep’. And it is definitely a pleasant journey, though not without its bumps and knots.

Yes, there are some moments when one feels lost in a huge sea, or just plain discouraged, but the moments of joy are greater and make up for all the difficulties faced on the way. To learn a new language, to comprehend seemingly maze-like sentences is an experience so full of joy and wonder, that the few moments of despair get wiped out from your memory.

Learning French was not as tough as I expected it to be, nor very easy. But there is one thing I know for sure now. To learn a language, you need to eat it, breathe it, speak it, read it, dream about it and fully immerse yourself in its culture! From reading it, to singing French love songs, to watching French movies, I did it all! As I continue to learn French, I dream about the day when I can go to France, and be as French as any Frenchman! Till that day arrives, well, Au Revoir!