How to Fix Fossilized French Errors

What is a fossilized error?

A fossilized error is a mistake that stays with us when we learn a language. Our brain believes what we are saying is correct. When the brain thinks something is correct, it's very hard to unlearn that error. This process takes a long time and happens most often when we rush through certain parts of learning.

The brain can no longer tell the correct version from the incorrect one. The error becomes fossilized and stays in our long-term memory.

Examples of fossilized errors

Here are some common errors learners make that can become fossilized:

• j'ai aller instead of je suis allé
• j'ai prendu instead of j'ai pris
• j'ai des partis instead of je suis parti

Some words can be pronounced incorrectly, like:

• alcohol or alcool instead of alcool (for English speakers who pronounce the "h")

A person's native language can influence how errors become fossilized. For example, some English speakers who are used to pronouncing the "h" might make the error with "alcohol." Spanish speakers might make the error with "alcool."

A pronunciation error can also become fossilized. For instance, the word théoriquement (with the stress on "ri") instead of théoriquement (with the stress on "ti").

Causes of fossilization

Several factors can cause errors to become fossilized:

• Native language: The influence of your native language is a major cause. Learners tend to transfer the rules of their native language to French. For example, saying "j'ai visité ma grand-mère" instead of "j'ai rendu visite à ma grand-mère."

• Skipping over certain topics: When a learner studies a grammar point or pronunciation rule too quickly, without really understanding it, the error can become fossilized. If a teacher says they have already seen the passé composé, it doesn't help students truly master that verb tense.

• Lack of speaking practice with correction: Language learning apps have become very popular, especially during the pandemic. However, they can contribute to fossilization. These apps make people think they can speak a language without enough speaking practice and correction. Learners speak perfect English or Spanish in their heads, but the reality is different when they need to communicate orally.

• Pauses in learning: If a learner takes a long break from studying, the brain might go back to its original state, like a rubber band. They may then fall back into old errors.

• Group classes: Corrections in group classes are often less precise and less personal. A teacher can't be too strict with every student. This creates a kind of intermediate French that students and the teacher understand, but which isn't correct.

How to correct and avoid fossilized errors

To avoid and correct fossilized errors, it's helpful to use several strategies:

• Get a diagnosis: It's important to know where you stand. A diagnosis from a teacher can help you identify your errors. Errors are not a bad thing; they are actually necessary for progress.

• Work on what you don't like: If you dislike verb conjugation, that's probably what you need to work on the most. It's important to accept that learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint.

• Go back: It's okay to review and revisit topics you've skipped over. The language is always there; it's not a train you'll miss. You have the right to go back and take a break if you need to.

• Do exercises seriously: Homework is not fun and not amusing, but if you do it seriously, you won't need to do it for long. If you refuse to do it, thinking that it will sink in by itself, you risk fossilizing your errors.

• Get professional help: For pronunciation errors, it's essential to get help from a teacher who specializes in phonetics. Being a native speaker isn't enough to teach pronunciation. Ask your teacher if they have specific training in phonetics.

• Don't panic: Don't think your French is disastrous and that you've learned nothing. Errors are a normal part of the learning process.

Teachers' approach to errors

When a teacher corrects errors:

• Let the student speak: It's often better not to interrupt a student while they are speaking. The teacher makes notes and provides feedback at the end, or after each topic. This allows the student to express themselves fully without being constantly cut off.

• Balance of correction: It's hard for a teacher to know where to draw the line with corrections. If the teacher doesn't correct, the error can become fossilized. But if they correct every time the student opens their mouth, it can be discouraging. It's important to find a balance.

• The role of AI: New apps with artificial intelligence (AI) can offer feedback and conversations. They can even suggest personalized exercises. However, AI can still make mistakes and make things up. It's important to check information and not take it as absolute truth. AI can be a good tool for very shy people who are afraid of being judged in a group.