Language Mentors #8: Johan Tekfak of Français Authentique
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“My favorite thing to do in a foreign language is to connect with people. Isn't that what language has been created for?” – Johan Tekfak
Archive note: Elizabeth Bruckner interviewed Johan Tekfak in 2019. His answers below are preserved as he gave them, so references to his studies and routines reflect that time.
It was a treat to interview Johan Tekfak for our Language Mentors series.
Johan is the founder of Français Authentique, which continues to publish online French lessons, podcasts and videos for learners who understand some French but want to speak more comfortably.
When we spoke in 2019, Johan described himself as a French speaker who also spoke English and German and was teaching himself Italian.
He built Français Authentique around a relaxed approach to language learning and a focus on useful, understandable input.
As a French learner myself, I spent many afternoons walking while listening to Johan. His podcast was one of my favourites for listening practice. His videos often connected French with topics such as habits, personal development and family. This 2017 video opens with a family introduction:
A note from the Fluent in 3 Months team before we get started: You can chat away with a native speaker for at least 15 minutes with the “Fluent in 3 Months” method. All it takes is 90 days. Tap this link to find out more.
Language Mentors: Practical Advice from Experienced Learners
Language Mentors is an interview series with polyglots, teachers, learners and people from outside language education. We ask what they actually do to study, practise and stay motivated.
This instalment focuses on Johan’s routines, favourite resources and memorable language wins.
The interview used a 90-day conversation goal as a practical prompt. It is not a universal timetable or a guaranteed outcome.
Your starting point, language, available time and definition of conversation will all affect what you can achieve. Use Johan’s suggestions as options to test, not as a promise.
Read on for Johan’s own answers about his language-learning habits and experiences.
What Are the Top Three Activities You Would Advise to Have a 15 Minute Conversation in a New Language after 90 Days?
- The first step would be to focus on the basics of the language. Try to understand how it is built. Look at the tenses of the verbs. Figure out how nouns are formed. What do singular nouns look like versus plural nouns? Are there masculine and feminine nouns in your target language?
- Listen to as much comprehensible and interesting input as you can. Podcasts, videos, TV shows in your target language are easy to access on your phone or computer.
- At the same time, repeat useful sentences over and over to practice speaking.
What Are Your Top Three Favorite Places for Studying a New Language?
- I prefer to learn in my home office as it is designed to enhance focus and creativity.
- My second preferred place is my garden. I feel at home and can benefit from nature at the same time.
- A park is the best alternative if I am on a trip.
What Are Your Top Three Favorite Study Tools When You First Start Learning a Language?
I am a little old school in my approach to language learning. This is paradoxical for a guy who is teaching French online.
My favorite tools for studying are a good book, a pen and a piece of paper. Obviously, I also listen to a lot of podcasts and online courses.
What Are Your Top Three Favorite Memories of a Language Win?
- Being able to (mostly) understand my drunk Austrian coworkers. They spoke in their local dialect. Understanding that conversation is probably my biggest win.
- I will never forget the deep conversation I had with a local while visiting California. We were contemplating the landscape in Yosemite National Park.
- I clearly remember my first win in Italian when my family and I were lost in Sirmione. I became my children's hero while speaking Italian with a local.
What Are Your Top Three Favorite Activities to Do in Your Target Languages?
- Connecting with people. Isn't that what language has been created for?
- Reading a book in its original language.
- Listening to podcasts related to personal development.
What Are Your Top Three Books in a Foreign Language?
- How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie. I love this book. And I’ve read it several times in four different languages.
- The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is an easy read and a funny tale. It’s available in several foreign languages.
- The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is also a book which has been translated into various languages. It is definitely worth reading.
What Are Your Top Three Favorite Cities?
- I love Rome for its architecture, places and historical points of interest.
- New York is noisy but amazing. It is grand and personal at the same time. It's the only place I visited that has ever given me this feeling.
- Saint-Pierre on the Réunion Island is magnificent with its mountains and amazing views. It’s a jewel in the middle of the Indian ocean.
What Are Three Ways You Keep Yourself Motivated During an Intensive Language Mission?
- I try to always remember the purpose of my study. I don't collect languages. I learn them to expand my knowledge and connect with people.
- When I lack motivation, I reread The Way of the Linguist by Steve Kaufmann. His practical approach always encourages me.
- A tool I use a lot is accountability. I tell the Français Authentique audience what I am doing and what I aim to accomplish. I don't want to disappoint them. So every time I lack the drive to study, I think about the commitment I made to them.
What Are Your Top Three Favorite Language Learning Rituals?
I drink a cup of coffee, play some opera music and read several pages of a book in the language I am studying. It gives me such a lift.
What About You?
Which of Johan’s tips resonates most with you? Choose one that fits your goal and try it in your next study session.
If you are building a routine, start small enough to repeat it and review whether it is helping after a week.
A big thank you to Johan for sharing his experiences and advice with us.
To learn more about Johan and Français Authentique, visit the official YouTube channel or website.
More from the Language Mentors series
- Lindie Botes
- Michele Frolla
- Lýdia Machová
- DamonAndJo
- Nikki Prša
- Michelle Dale
- Matt Kepnes
- Scott H. Young
- Luke Korns
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