Introduction
Learning a language with a new spelling system can seem daunting. The spelling can be too similar or too foreign. French uses the same Latin script as English, but the letters often have a totally different sound than you would expect as an English speaker!
The French alphabet is related to the English alphabet, given that they use the same Latin script. There are a few differences though! The French “ch” sound does not sound like the English “ch” sound! French also uses diacritics or special accent markers to represent some sounds along with special combined letters called ligatures.
What is the French Alphabet?
French has been a written language for a very long time. The French alphabet was standardized by the Académie française starting in 1635 using a variant of Latin script with a few changes to make it better suited for the soudns of French.
French spelling has 26 letters, just like English. The main difference is that the letters may sound differently, they may be modified such as “ç, ô, é”, or they may even be two letters mashed together like “æ and œ.”
The Perks of Learning the French Alphabet
You may be asking, “why learn the French Alphabet”? Here are a few reasons:
- The Francophonie (areas where French is spoken natively or as a working language) is a large part of the globe. It is not possible to function in these environments without literacy.
- Literacy in your target language is like rocket fuel for learning. Books have a large amount of language density, and expose you to massive amounts of the target language in a very short time.
- Familiarity with the alphabet allows access to French literature, poetry, and folklore in their original form, enriching appreciation for authors like Victor Hugo, Marcel Proust, and Charles Baudelaire.
Learning French is Challenging
Learning French is challenging, and traditional language learning methods don’t work. Many mainstream approaches fail to engage us effectively, while many language apps resemble glorified video games that prioritize entertainment over genuine language acquisition. It’s time to rethink how we approach learning French and find a method that truly facilitates understanding and retention.
That’s why we created the Refold French Spelling deck!
Learn to read French with this free Anki deck, complete with native recorded audio!
Instead of learning the letters and what sounds they make, we go the other direction. We look at the different sounds of the language and how you can write them. This means that some letters or combinations of letters can represent several sounds, or vice versa!
This deck is meant to be used with the Refold method of language learning. It assumes:
- Mass exposure!The deck works best when you practice reading a lot (even French subtitles), because reading real French will constantly enforce the new letters in your memory.
- The deck is not a replacement for a structured path for learning vocabularyThe deck’s vocabulary is limited and focuses on words that include sounds — not the words that you’ll encounter in everyday content.This deck is only going to help you become comfortable with the language’s method of writing sounds.To learn vocabulary, we recommend a frequency based Anki deck instead.
Each Card Contains
- Example words
- Example sentences
- Native speaker audio
- Additional notes for tricky letters
For more information about the Refold Method and all the information you could ever want about language learning, click here!
How to Use Refold French Spelling Deck Effectively
The Refold French Spelling deck uses a smart algorithm. Unlike “dumb” flash-cards, Anki (the program that runs our deck) uses a smart review system based on the forgetting curve, this means you’ll be shown a card right before you forget it instead of randomly. You don’t need to plan what letters to study on a given day, just open up the program and the app chooses what you will review for the day.
Steps to using the Refold French Spelling deck:
- Download and install Anki (click here for our in depth guide)
- Download and install the free French spelling deck
- Click into your deck to get started
- When studying your flashcards, click or tap the ▶️ button to hear the name of the letter, an example word, and sentence.This will help you associate the sounds of the letter with the shapes. Don’t worry about meaning, just focus on the form!
- Flip the card to see the back side, along with notes about the letter or sound!
- You can track your progress by seeing how many days in a row you did your reviews in the Anki review tab.However, missing a day here and there is totally fine, at Refold we don’t believe in streaks, but in hit rate.
Additional Resources for Learning French
If you’re just getting started in French, don’t worry. We have a complete guide on our site.
Language learning often feels lonely, but you don’t have to go at this alone! We have a FREE online community filled with language learners and teachers! It’s the best place to ask questions, get advice, and make friends with other dedicated language learners just like you!
Your Path to Mastering French Awaits
Reading opens up a world of possibilities, and mastering the French alphabet is your first crucial step in that journey. Our learning deck is designed to be the most effective way to familiarize yourself with the alphabet, paving the way for your reading adventures. Get ready to embark on your path to literacy and discover the richness of the French language!