Learning French in Singapore can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially with so many options available to help you along the way. Maybe you’ve already started attending French classes, diving into grammar and vocabulary, and practicing your pronunciation. But if you want to make real progress and speak the language with confidence, it’s just as important to practice outside of class.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best places and ways to practice French in Singapore, helping you build your language skills in real-world situations, meet new people, and experience French culture, all while enjoying the process.
1. French Cafés and Restaurants
A fun and delicious way to practice French is by dining out at some of the many French cafés and restaurants scattered around Singapore. Not only do you get to enjoy authentic French cuisine, but you also get the chance to immerse yourself in the language.
Some places worth visiting include Le Bistrot du Sommelier, L’Entrecôte The French Bistro, and Patisserie G. You don’t have to be fluent to start a conversation—just try using simple phrases when ordering or asking for recommendations. Many of the staff at these establishments speak French and appreciate the opportunity to converse with you in the language. It’s a relaxed way to build confidence and get used to the rhythm and sounds of French in a natural setting.
2. Language Exchange Events
Language exchange events are a fantastic way to practice your French while meeting new people. These gatherings bring together individuals eager to learn and practice different languages. In Singapore, you’ll find many such events through platforms like Meetup or Conversation Exchange.
These events are typically casual, allowing you to chat with other language learners or native speakers. At a typical language exchange, you might spend 30 minutes speaking in French and then switch to English (or another language) for the next half. This mutual exchange gives you a chance to practice your French in a low-pressure, friendly environment and learn from each other. Some events are held in cafés or public spaces, while others might take place in quieter spots where you can have more focused conversations.
3. Book Clubs and Libraries
For those who enjoy reading, joining a French-language book club is an excellent way to practice your French outside of class. Singapore has several book clubs where you can dive into French literature, whether it’s classic novels, modern works, or short stories. These clubs meet regularly to discuss books in French, which will not only improve your reading comprehension but also expose you to new vocabulary and sentence structures.
The National Library Board has a fantastic collection of French books and audiobooks, as well as resources for learners of all levels. By borrowing books in French, you can improve your reading skills while also learning more about French culture. Some libraries even offer storytime sessions for children in French, which can be a fun and light-hearted way to immerse yourself in the language.
4. Join the French-Speaking Community
In Singapore, there’s a vibrant French-speaking community made up of locals, expats, and students who all share a love for the French language. Joining one of these communities is a wonderful way to practice speaking French regularly and make new connections. Many French-speaking expats host social events, celebrations, and casual get-togethers where you can practice speaking in a relaxed, informal setting.
Groups like Singapore French Meetup and the French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore host regular events that allow you to mingle with other French speakers. Some of these meetups involve casual conversations over coffee, while others may include cultural events, dinners, or discussions in French. These settings can be a great way to learn how to speak French in day-to-day situations and build meaningful friendships in the process.
5. French Films and Theatre Performances
Watching French films or attending live theatre performances is another way to immerse yourself in the language. Films give you the chance to hear French spoken in its natural rhythm, helping you improve your listening comprehension and pronunciation. You can watch movies in French with subtitles to help you follow along, and over time, you’ll start picking up on the expressions and colloquialisms that native speakers use.
Singapore has some great venues for watching French films, such as The Projector and Alliance Française Cinema. If you prefer live performances, keep an eye out for French-language theatre shows at places like the Esplanade. These events are an enjoyable way to expose yourself to French culture, and they also provide a more dynamic way of hearing the language in action.
6. Online Communities and Apps
Practicing French online is a convenient way to keep up your language skills no matter where you are. There are plenty of apps and platforms designed to help learners practice their French, such as Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise. These apps provide interactive lessons and exercises that focus on everything from vocabulary to grammar to listening comprehension. They’re great for when you want to study in your own time, whether you’re at home or on the go.
Another option is to join online language exchange platforms like HelloTalk or Tandem, where you can connect with French speakers around the world. These apps let you chat with native French speakers, exchange messages, or even have voice or video calls. It’s a great way to get conversational practice, and since many users are language learners themselves, it’s a welcoming, non-judgmental environment.
7. Travel to French-Speaking Neighbouring Countries
Sometimes, the best way to truly immerse yourself in a language is by traveling to a country where it’s spoken. While Singapore is a fantastic place to learn French, nearby countries like Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia also have a rich French heritage, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to practice the language.
Even if you’re just visiting for a short time, traveling to a French-speaking country can help you learn practical phrases for everyday situations, from ordering food at a café to asking for directions. Traveling will push you to apply what you’ve learned in real-life situations, giving you a boost of confidence and motivation to continue improving your skills.
8. Private Tutors and Conversation Coaches
If you’re looking for more personalized practice, you might consider hiring a private tutor or conversation coach. Many experienced tutors in Singapore offer one-on-one sessions where you can focus on improving your speaking and listening skills. Private tutors can tailor lessons to suit your specific needs, whether you’re struggling with pronunciation, building fluency, or mastering tricky grammar concepts.
For a more informal experience, you could also look for conversation coaches. These sessions are less structured than traditional lessons and focus more on getting you to speak comfortably and confidently in French. This type of practice is invaluable for building fluency and reducing hesitation when speaking.
9. Volunteer with French-Speaking Organisations
Volunteering is another great way to practice French while giving back to the community. Many organizations in Singapore work with French-speaking communities or have ties to French institutions. By volunteering, you’ll get the chance to use French in a real-world context, whether it’s assisting with events, helping in French language schools, or supporting cultural programs.
This type of immersion allows you to learn in a meaningful way while also contributing to something bigger. It’s a rewarding experience that gives you practical language skills and a deeper understanding of the language and culture.
Conclusion
Practicing French outside of class in Singapore has never been easier, thanks to the diverse range of activities, communities, and resources available. Whether you’re chatting with fellow learners at a language exchange event, reading books in French, or enjoying a French movie, there’s no shortage of opportunities to immerse yourself in the language. By combining these activities with your formal studies, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident, fluent French speaker. Happy learning!
