French Steps FAQs
1. How do I subscribe to use the progress function?
To track your video and activity progress, you can create a user id, for free, here.
Remember to make a note of your username and password for future use. You need to make sure that you are signed in with your username and password to use the progress function. If you can see the 'sign in' button at the top of the page it means you are not signed in and therefore cannot follow your progress.
Use this page to track your progress and save your scores.
You should also make sure that you allow cookies to be set. Cookies have an expiry date and if you haven't returned to the site within a month they may have expired. You can find out more about cookies here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to French Steps
2. I'm having problems when I try to sign in - why?
You should use your existing username and password each time you visit the site, rather than signing up separately every time.
Tick the box that says Remember me on this computer if you want a cookie to be stored on your computer. It will prevent you from having to sign in every time you come back to French Steps.
Use this page when signing in to track your video and activity progress.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to French Steps
3. I've forgotten my password - what should I do?
Please follow the instructions to reset your password on the 'forgotten password' page here.
For further assistance, please refer to this help page.
Remember to make a note of your username and password for future use.
Unless you can remember your username and either your password or the answer to your secret question to remind you of your password, we are unable to help and you will need to create a new membership.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to French Steps
4. I can't see my progress - why?
You need to make sure that you are signed in with your username and password to use the progress function.
If you can see the sign in button at the top of the page in French Steps, it means you are not signed in and therefore cannot follow your progress.
Sign in here to track your video and activity progress.
It's very straightforward - just follow the instructions on the page. Once you've finished an activity, it will appear ticked on this progress page, which you can refer back to to make sure that you've completed all of the activities. It will also remember what you've done during your last visit so that you can start again where you've left off.
You should also make sure that you allow cookies to be set. Cookies have an expiry date and if you haven't returned to the site within a month they may have expired. You can find out more about cookies here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to French Steps
5. I can't add to my progress - why?
If you can see the sign in button at the top of the page in French Steps, it means you are not signed in and therefore cannot follow your progress. Sign in here to track your video and activity progress.
If you are already signed in, try refreshing the page (or press the F5 key) which saves your progress here.
You should also make sure that you allow cookies to be set. Cookies have an expiry date and if you haven’t returned to the site within a month they may have expired. You can find out more about cookies here.
Remember to make a note of your username and password for future use
If you can't see any ticks in the boxes on the progress page when you've signed in, or the above doesn't resolve the problem, please contact us
Back to questions or go to French Steps
6. I can't hear the audio - why?
To listen to the audio you will need the software called Flash. If it's not already on your computer, Flash can be installed easily and free of charge using the BBC Webwise Guide.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to French Steps
7. I can't see the slideshows - why?
To view the slideshows, you will need the software called Flash. If it's not already on your computer, Flash can be installed easily and free of charge using the BBC Webwise Guide.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to French Steps
8. I don't see anything; it's just a blank page - why?
If you're having trouble viewing some parts of a web page or whole pages seem to be blank, your firewall is usually causing the problem by blocking cookies or scripts that the website can't work without.
Click here for more information about your firewall.
It may also be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Please let us know if you continue to experience problems. Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to French Steps
9. Can I download French Steps for my iPod/mobile phone/MP3 Player?
Unfortunately, French Steps cannot be downloaded. The only phrases which are currently downloadable are the Quick Fix and Cool Languages.
To download the files, 'right click' and choose save target as.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to French Steps
10. When I watch the slideshows, they're slow to load, cut off or don't appear to load at all - why?
This may be due to Internet congestion, which will slow down your connection speed at times of high Internet traffic.
We have tried to minimise the disruption this may cause in your experience of our site. In the meantime, we suggest you try again, possibly at a different time, but please let us know if you continue to experience problems.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to French Steps
11. I can't see the keywords - why?
It may be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to French Steps
12. I can't add special characters (accented letters) - why?
Your browser is probably not displaying the symbols properly because it's set on a specific default, not compatible with these letters.
Please follow these steps:
1) In your Internet Explorer, go to View
2) In the view menu, choose Encoding
3) In the Encoding menu, choose Western European (ISO)
Please also make sure that you have the latest version of Flash Player downloaded on your machine. You can download it, free of charge, here.
For help with typing the special characters, please refer to this page.
For more information on how to type special characters on a Mac, please click here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to French Steps
13. I can't access the email tip - why?
This depends on the type of programme that you use to read your email.
a. You should be able to see a link within the email tip that says 'Here are a few tips to get you started:', which you need to click on
b. If you can't see this link, it may be to do with whether you have selected the HTML version or the plain text version and your settings for viewing emails
c. You have probably subscribed to the HTML version. You'll need to make sure that you click on HTML view - e.g. if you use Microsoft Outlook for emails you'll need to click on Tools, Options, Mail format - you then have the option of selecting HTML, Rich text or Plain
d. If you don't wish to receive the HTML version, please ensure that you select Plain text
Another solution is to copy the link ('right click', copy shortcut) and to paste it in the address bar of your browser.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to French Steps
14. I didn't receive this week's email tip - why?
It may be that email tip has automatically been filtered into your 'junk' or 'spam' folder so it's a good idea to check there.
If this is the case, you will need to click on the email and add it to your 'safe list'. Depending on your email provider, it may say in the tool bar in your spam/junk folder something along the lines of 'not junk' or 'not spam' and you'll need to click there to activate it.
You can access our online versions of the tips using the following links:
French Steps tip 1, tip 2, tip 3, tip 4, tip 5, tip 6, tip 7, tip 8, tip 9, tip 10, tip 11, tip 12, tip 13, tip 14.
If this doesn't resolve the problem, please contact us.
Back to questions or go to French Steps
15. How do I find a learning partner?
eTandem introduces learners all over the world to the opportunity of learning a foreign language to make it easy to get started. They offer a free search for eTandem partners for all languages, help for learning, tips for teachers etc.
Although we suggest that you find a learning partner in the tips, it's not essential to do so.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to French Steps
Ma France FAQs
1. How do I subscribe to use the progress function?
To track your video and activity progress, you can create a user id, for free, here. You can sign in using this page or from the Ma France homepage by clicking on my progress.
If you cannot see the Progress button in the Flash version of Ma France, it means you are not signed in.
You should also make sure that you allow cookies to be set. Cookies have an expiry date and if you haven't returned to the site within a month they may have expired. You can find out more about cookies here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Ma France
2. I've forgotten my password - what should I do?
Please follow the instructions to reset your password on the 'forgotten password' page here.
For further assistance, please refer to this help page.
Remember to make a note of your username and password for future use.
Unless you can remember your username and either your password or the answer to your secret question to remind you of your password, we are unable to help and you will need to create a new membership.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Ma France
3. I can't see my progress - why?
You should use your existing username each time you visit the site, rather than signing up separately every time. Tick the box that says Remember me on this computer if you want a cookie to be stored on your computer. It will prevent you from having to sign in every time you come back to Ma France.
You can find out more about cookies here.
If you've forgotten your password, please follow the instructions to reset your password on the 'forgotten password' page here.
For further assistance, please refer to this help page.
Remember to make a note of your username and password for future use.
Unless you can remember your username and either your password or the answer to your secret question to remind you of your password, we are unable to help and you will need to create a new membership.
Tip: if you cannot see the Progress button in the Flash version of Ma France, it means you are not signed in. You can sign in from the main homepage of Ma France or here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Ma France
4. I click on Ma France, but nothing happens - why?
To use Ma France, you will need to have the software called Flash 8 (or more) installed on your computer.
If it's not already on your computer, Flash 8 can be installed easily and free of charge using the BBC Webwise Guide.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Ma France
5. My progress does not seem to be stored - why?
If you cannot see the Progress button at the top of the page, it means you are not signed in. Sign in here.
All of your data is stored and can be accessed by clicking on Progress. Click on Progress - videos to see all of the videos you have already watched. Click on Progress - Activities to check your scores and which activities you have done so far. The results might take a little bit of time to show on your screen.
If the above doesn't resolve the problem, please contact us.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Ma France
6. I can't hear the audio - why?
To listen to the audio you will need the software called Flash 8 (or more). If it's not already on your computer, Flash can be installed easily and free of charge using the BBC Webwise Guide.
If you try to listen to the audio in the dial-up version of Ma France, you just need to install plug-ins such as Quick time, Realplayer or Windows Media Player.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Ma France
7. I can't see the videos - why?
To view the videos you will need the software called Flash 8 (or more). If it's not already on your computer, Flash can be installed easily and free of charge by using the BBC Webwise Guide. Please ensure that you have the latest version of Flash.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Ma France
8. When I watch the videos they're slow to load, cut off or don't appear to load at all - why?
Please note that if you have a slow Internet connection, you might need to wait a few minutes for the videos to download.
This may be due to Internet congestion, which will slow down your connection speed at times of high Internet traffic.
We would also advise you to click on pause and wait for the video to have completely downloaded before you start watching it.
We have tried to minimise the disruption this may cause in your experience of our site. In the meantime, we suggest you try again, possibly at a different time, but please let us know if you continue to experience problems.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Ma France
9. Can I download Ma France for my iPod/mobile phone/MP3 Player?
Unfortunately, Ma France cannot be downloaded.
The only phrases which are currently downloadable are the Quick Fix and Cool Languages.
To download the files, 'right click' and choose save target as.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Ma France
10. When I click on the transcript I want in the Flash version of Ma France, the document is blocked - why?
If you're having trouble accessing the transcripts, your firewall is usually causing the problem by blocking cookies or scripts that the website can't work without.
Click here for more information about your firewall.
Non-Broadband users can access the transcripts of Ma France videos here.
It may also be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www/bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Please let us know if you continue to experience problems.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Ma France
11. I can't add special characters (accented letters) - why?
Your browser is probably not displaying the symbols properly because it's set on a specific default, not compatible with these letters.
Please follow these steps:
1) In your Internet Explorer, go to View
2) In the view menu, choose Encoding
3) In the Encoding menu, choose Western European (ISO)
Please also make sure that you have the latest version of Flash Player downloaded on your machine. You can download it, free of charge, here.
For help with typing the special characters, please refer to this page.
For more information on how to type special characters on a Mac, please click here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Ma France
12. When will Ma France next be shown on TV?
Ma France is occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on BBC Two. The series is broadcast overnight so you'll need to set your recorder the night before .
To find out about the next broadcasts, you could subscribe to our free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Ma France
13. Can I buy Ma France on DVD/video?
Unfortunately, DVDs and videos of Ma France are not available for purchase. This is due to copyright and contractual agreements that cover broadcasting only.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Ma France
14. I can't access the email tip - why?
This depends on the type of programme that you use to read your email.
a. You should be able to see a link within the email tip that says 'Here are a few tips to get you started:', which you need to click on
b. If you can't see this link, it may be to do with whether you have selected the HTML version or the plain text version and your settings for viewing emails
c. You have probably subscribed to the HTML version. You'll need to make sure that you click on HTML view - e.g. if you use Microsoft Outlook for emails you'll need to click on Tools, Options, Mail format - you then have the option of selecting HTML, Rich text or Plain
d. If you don't wish to receive the HTML version, please ensure that you select Plain text
Another solution is to copy the link ('right click', copy shortcut) and to paste it in the address bar of your browser.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Ma France
15. I didn't receive this week's email tip - why?
It may be that email tip has automatically been filtered into your 'junk' or 'spam' folder so it's a good idea to check there.
If this is the case, you will need to click on the email and add it to your 'safe list'. Depending on your email provider, it may say in the tool bar in your spam/junk folder something along the lines of 'not junk' or 'not spam' and you'll need to click there to activate it.
You can access our online versions of the tips using the following links:
Ma France tip 1, tip 2, tip 3, tip 4, tip 5, tip 6, tip 7, tip 8, tip 9, tip 10, tip 11, tip 12, tip 13.
If this doesn't resolve the problem, please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Ma France
16. How do I find a learning partner?
eTandem introduces learners all over the world to the opportunity of learning a foreign language to make it easy to get started. They offer a free search for eTandem partners for all languages, help for learning, tips for teachers etc.
Although we suggest that you find a learning partner in the tips, it's not essential to do so.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Ma France
Talk French FAQs
1. I can't hear the audio - why?
To listen to the audio you will need the software called Flash and RealPlayer.
If it's not already on your computer, Flash can be installed easily and free of charge using the BBC WebWise guide, which you can find here.
To download and install a free version of RealPlayer, follow this step-by-step guide from BBC WebWise.
If you have any other media player or an older version of RealPlayer, they may not be suitable and you may have to download the software again.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk French
2. I can't see the videos - why?
To view the videos, you will need the software called Flash and RealPlayer.
If it's not already on your computer, Flash can be installed easily and free of charge using the BBC WebWise guide, which you can find here.
To download and install a free version of RealPlayer, follow this step-by-step guide from BBC WebWise.
If you have any other media player or an older version of RealPlayer, they may not be suitable and you may have to download the software again.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk French
3. I don't see anything; it's just a blank page - why?
If you're having trouble viewing some parts of a web page or whole pages seem to be blank, your firewall is usually causing the problem by blocking cookies or scripts that the website can't work without.
Click here for more information about your firewall.
It may also be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk French
4. I can't add special characters (accented letters) - why?
Your browser is probably not displaying the symbols properly because it's set on a specific default, not compatible with these letters.
Please follow these steps:
1) In your Internet Explorer, go to View
2) In the view menu, choose Encoding
3) In the Encoding menu, choose Western European (ISO)
Please also make sure that you have the latest version of Flash Player downloaded on your machine. You can download it, free of charge, here.
For help with typing the special characters, please refer to this page.
For more information on how to type special characters on a Mac, please click here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk French
5. Can I download Talk French for my iPod/mobile phone/MP3 Player?
Unfortunately, Talk French cannot be downloaded.
The only phrases which are currently downloadable are the Quick Fix and Cool Languages.
To download the files, 'right click' and choose save target as.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk French
6. I'm a tutor/teacher - how do I download the Talk French worksheets/factfiles?
You can find all of the worksheets for tutors here.
You can also find all of the factfiles for your students based on themes from Entry/Level 1 syllabuses here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk French
7. How can I buy Talk French on CD/DVD/cassette/the course book?
You can browse all languages related materials that are available from BBC Active or the BBC Shop online.
Please contact BBC Active or the BBC Shop with any queries/comments.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk French
8. When will Talk French next be shown on TV?
Talk French is occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on BBC Two. The series is broadcast overnight so you'll need to set your recorder the night before.
To find out about the next broadcasts, you could subscribe to our free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk French
Quick Fix/Cool French FAQs
1. When I click on the audio nothing happens - why?
To listen to the audio you will need RealPlayer.
To download and install a free version of RealPlayer, follow this step-by-step guide from BBC WebWise.
If you have any other media player or an older version of RealPlayer, they may not be suitable and you may have to download the software again.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Quick Fix or to Cool French
2. How do I download the MP3 files?
To download the MP3 files, 'right click' and choose save target as on Quick Fix or Cool French.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Quick Fix or to Cool French
French Experience FAQs
1. I can't hear the audio - why?
To listen to the audio you will need RealPlayer.
To download and install a free version of RealPlayer, follow this step-by-step guide from BBC WebWise.
If you have any other media player or an older version of RealPlayer, they may not be suitable and you may have to download the software again.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to The French Experience
2. I can't see the videos - why?
To view the videos you will need RealPlayer.
To download and install a free version of RealPlayer, follow this step-by-step guide from BBC WebWise.
If you have any other media player or an older version of RealPlayer, they may not be suitable and you may have to download the software again.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to The French Experience
3. I don't see anything; it's just a blank page - why?
If you're having trouble viewing some parts of a web page or whole pages seem to be blank, your firewall is usually causing the problem by blocking cookies or scripts that the website can't work without.
Click here for more information about your firewall.
It may also be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to The French Experience
4. Can I download The French Experience for my iPod/mobile phone/MP3 Player?
Unfortunately, The French Experience cannot be downloaded.
The only phrases which are currently downloadable are the Quick Fix and Cool Languages.
To download the files, 'right click' and choose save target as.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to The French Experience
5. How can I buy The French Experience on CD/cassette/the activity or course book?
You can browse all languages related materials that are available from BBC Active or the BBC Shop online.
Please contact BBC Active or the BBC Shop with any queries/comments.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us
Back to questions or go to The French Experience
6. When will The French Experience next be shown on TV?
The French Experience is occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on BBC Two. The series is broadcast overnight so you'll need to set your recorder the night before.
To find out about the next broadcasts, you could subscribe to our free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to The French Experience
7. Can I buy The French Experience on DVD/video?
Videos of The French Experience are not available for purchase. This is due to copyright and contractual agreements that cover broadcasting only. However, tutors and teachers can borrow back copies of programmes for classroom use.
Richmond College provides a video library service with copies of broadcasts for schools, colleges and universities who are members of their library and hold an ERA licence. Click here to find out about how you can join their membership scheme.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to The French Experience
Crosswords FAQs
1. I can't get the crossword to load - why?
To use the crossword, you will need at least Flash 8. If it's not already on your computer, Flash 8 can be installed easily and free of charge using the BBC Webwise Guide.
Please ensure that you have the latest version of Flash.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to the Crosswords
2. I can't hear the audio clue - why?
Please ensure that you have switched on your speakers and check the volume is not on mute.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to the Crosswords
3. I can't add special characters (accented letters) - why?
Click on add special characters and you will be able to use the keyboard in the top-right corner.
If your browser is not displaying the symbols properly, it may be because it's set on a specific default, not compatible with these letters.
Please follow these steps:
1) In your Internet Explorer, go to View
2) In the view menu, choose Encoding
3) In the Encoding menu, choose Western European (ISO)
Please also make sure that you have the latest version of Flash Player downloaded on your machine. You can download it, for free, using the BBC Webwise Guide.
Please ensure that you have the latest version of Flash.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to the Crosswords
General French FAQs
1. How do I find out my level?
To find out the most suitable course for you, take our test to gauge your level.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions
2. I'm a beginner - which course should I do?
We have a range of French resources that you may find useful:
French Steps - a self-contained online course for beginners in 24 manageable, short steps with clear audio, slideshows, activities and grammar notes
Talk French - a lively introduction to the language in ten short parts. Try the online topics with audio, video and quizzes. There are also Talk TV programmes, which are occasionally repeated on BBC Learning Zone on BBC Two, as well as a BBC book plus two audio cassettes or two CDs
Ma France - improve your rusty French with our broadband video course with original audio-visual material, in particular, specially-shot video. It contains vocabulary lists , grammar notes, games, role-plays, dictations, emails and quizzes
The French Experience - series of multimedia activities for beginners. It includes video clips, language notes and activities to accompany this well-established course
All of our resources are free of charge.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions
3. I'm an intermediate - what resources does the BBC have?
We have a range of intermediate French resources, including our monthly Crosswords and intermediate audio magazine, Le Mensuel.
All of our resources are free of charge.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to intermediate resources
4. I want to try something more advanced - how?
A local course
Use our UK course finder to locate one near you.
Your local library will have details of centres and colleges where you can find a suitable course, or you can call BBC Learning Advice on 08000 150 950 for free.
Courses abroad
Going abroad to French-speaking countries is a good way of improving your French and there are a number of tour operators who specialise in holidays with language courses, often in very beautiful locations. The Association of British Travel Agents can provide contact details - visit their website or call 020 7637 2444.
If you're interested in staying with a family abroad and/or taking an intensive course with classroom tuition or even going on a working holiday, then the Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges can help:
contact them via their website or call 020 7930 8466.
French cultural events
The Institut Français promotes French culture and the French Language. Apart from running its own courses, it also organises French cultural events. You can contact the Institute in London on 020 7073 1350 or visit their website.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions
5. I want to teach my child French. What resources do you have or recommend?
The BBC offers a range of resources, depending on the age of your child.
For young children, try our Family French game.
And you can find more games here.
'French is Fun with Serge, the Cheeky Monkey!' is an entertaining and effective introduction to French for kids aged 5-10 years. The DVD, audio CD, activity book, flashcards and songsheets are available from BBC Active or the BBC Shop online. Please contact BBC Active or the BBC Shop with any queries/comments.
The BBC's GCSE Bitesize site also offers useful links which may also be of interest.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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6. Which French materials are downloadable?
The only phrases which are currently downloadable are the Quick Fix and Cool Languages.
To download the files, 'right click' and choose save target as.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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7. I can't see the keywords - why?
It may be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of web Site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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8. Where can I find a pronunciation guide for the French alphabet?
You can find the alphabet and how to pronounce it, along with audio, here.
You can also find all the notes integrated into French Steps. They explain the basic workings of French pronunciation. They are not a complete guide, but provide a grounding in most of the main points.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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9. The text is too small - can I resize it?
To increase or decrease the text size for the web page that you are viewing, please refer to this page and select Windows, Apple Mac or Linux.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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10. Where can I buy books/CDs/DVDs/cassettes to help with my French?
You can browse all languages related materials that are available from BBC Active or the BBC Shop online.
Please contact BBC Active or the BBC Shop with any queries/comments.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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11. I'm a tutor/teacher - how do I borrow Learning Zone videos/buy books and other resources for my class?
You can browse the BBC Schools shop.
Please contact them with any queries here.
Please note that materials bought from the Schools Shop are for use by educational establishments only.
Unfortunately, most of the videos of programmes shown on the Learning Zone are not available for purchase. This is due to copyright and contractual agreements that cover broadcasting only. However, tutors and teachers can borrow back copies of some programmes for classroom use.
Richmond College provides a video library service with copies of broadcasts for schools, colleges and universities who are members of their library and hold an ERA licence. Click here to find out about how you can join their membership scheme.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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12. I'm a tutor/teacher - how do I get permission to use the language video s broadcast on the Learning Zone in my class?
You may make and keep recordings of any BBC programme broadcast on the Learning Zone if you have an Educational Recording Agency (ERA) licence. For details, contact the ERA:
Telephone: 020 7837 3222
Email: era@era.org.uk
Website: www.era.org.uk
Richmond College provides a video library service with copies of broadcasts for schools, colleges and universities who are members of their library and hold an ERA licence. Click here to find out about how you can join their membership scheme:
Guidelines for use of our online material are covered by the BBC guidelines for schools and educational establishments (see the link provided below for more information). Most schools and colleges already have a licence which allows them to copy and share our material in the classroom, but it is worth checking with your own school or college if they have one.
You can view the copyright guidelines here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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13. How do I watch French programmes on TV?
French programmes, such as Ma France, Talk French and The French Experience, are occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on BBC Two. The series are broadcast overnight so you'll need to set your recorder the night before.
To find out about the next broadcasts, you could subscribe to our free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
You can find a guide to French channels here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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14. I'm working in France - are there any phrases to help me?
Find out what it's like to work in a French-speaking environment with our French for Work resources.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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15. How can I find a local course?
You can look for local courses via our website here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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16. How can I study in France?
Going abroad to a French-speaking country is a good way of improving your French and there are a number of tour operators who specialise in holidays with language courses, often in very beautiful locations. The Association of British Travel Agents can provide contact details - visit their website or call 020 7637 2444.
If you're interested in staying with a family abroad and/or taking an intensive course with classroom tuition or even going on a working holiday, then the Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges can help:
contact them via their website or call 020 7930 8466.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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17. How can I find a French pen-pal?
eTandem introduces learners all over the world to the opportunity of learning a foreign language to make it easy to get started. They offer a free search for eTandem partners for all languages, help for learning, tips for teachers etc.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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18. I want to join the Languages team/do work experience/want a job at the BBC. What should I do?
As a large organisation, all of our recruitment is generally handled centrally, with all details of jobs given on our main website. For more information on the latest vacancies and training opportunities, click here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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19. How do I find out about new French resources on your site - do you have a newsletter?
To receive up-to-date information about our websites and programmes you can subscribe to our monthly newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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20. General computer queries
Unfortunately, we are unable to assist with general computer queries. However, the following starting points may be of use:
The BBC's guide to using the Internet: Webwise
Enter your problem/query and search for results with Google
Search Microsoft's support pages here
Search Apple's support pages here
Search Linux's support pages here
Alternatively, you could search for the homepage of the manufacturer of the hardware/software you are experiencing problems with and search there.
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Please use our website BBC Complaints.
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