The Power of Speaking French: A Guide for Black Women

Language is a marathon, not a sprint. Mastering French is an act of sovereignty and cultural reclamation.

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I often get asked if I’m fluent in French. According to the government, I’m a B2, an "independent user." According to my French friends, I’m fluent because I can convey my soul, my ideas, and a well-timed retort.

The truth? Language learning is a lifelong marathon, not a "one and done." It is a means of communication, a bridge to a global community, and, for me, a radical act of proving what is possible.

Aesthetics matter, but cultural fluency is the true gold standard of relocation. In this guide, France relocation consultant Latrice Shepherd shares the "real tea" on learning French as an adult and how to curate an immersive environment before you ever leave home.

Understanding the Assignment

In college, I researched why Black Americans weren’t studying foreign languages on par with our counterparts. I saw fewer of us in high-level courses and even fewer in study abroad programs. What I found wasn’t a lack of interest, but the presence of teacher bias.

There is a pervasive ideology that says this isn’t for us. That it’s too difficult for us. Once I heard that, I understood the assignment. I moved to France to prove that the world is ours to explore, one language at a time. If I can move the needle even .000001%, then I’ve honored the legacy of those who came before me.

The Struggle is Real (And Worth It)

I absolutely sucked at French initially. I was getting C’s and D’s while my peers ran circles around me. But mediocrity isn’t in my DNA. I decided to move to France for a year to master the tongue.

Learning a language as an American adult with bills is some "bullsh*t," but it can be done. Here is how I prepared my environment in the States to ensure a Soft Landing in the culture.

1. Make Your Home French

Before I moved, my entire home became a classroom. I had post-it notes on every piece of furniture. I bought French books and flashcards, reviewing them daily. In an era of Clarity over Complexity, simple repetition is your best friend.

2. Curate Your Media

I subscribed to TV5 Monde and watched French films on Netflix with French subtitles. Never use English subtitles. You’ll just end up reading. You need to hear the cadence and see the movement of the mouth.

3. The Soundtrack of Relocation

I lived in New York, so I walked everywhere. My headphones played only French music. Eventually, the repetition allowed me to sing along. If you can sing it, you can speak it.

4. Practice in Real-Time

I sought out French restaurants to practice. In Harlem, the Francophone African community often prefers French over English. I spent hours at Maison Harlem, giddy to speak with the staff. You have to find your "French pockets" wherever you are.

5. Seek Out "Liquid Courage"

Meet-up groups are fantastic for getting comfortable with casual conversation. The best ones happen at bars where a little "liquid courage" helps you stop sweating the grammar errors and start enjoying the connection.

Your Invitation to Expand

Language is the most luxurious bridge you can build. It opens doors that a mere checklist never could. Whether you are ordering a croissant or navigating a lease, Paris Chic Code is here to support your journey from the practical to the poetic.

• The Lifestyle Vision Workbook: Start architecting your reclamation with the right mindset.

• Paris Readiness Session: Let’s clarify your strategy, budget, and timeline.

• Luxury Personal Shopping: Secure the heritage pieces that reflect your new, global identity.

Brain Drain, Baguette Gain

Notes on life, style, and the art of the soft landing.

• Black Women Moving to France: Relocation as a reclamation of sovereignty.

• France Relocation Authority: Strategic guidance for your move, from Paris to the Côte d’Azur.

• Paris, Personally: Events, talks and gatherings for women building their soft landing in France.

• The Expat Guide for Black Women: Moving beyond the checklist.