There are several hundred thousand English-speaking ex-pats in France and a recent study said that 16 million French people speak at least some French, so why learn French? You can certainly get by OK without it on holiday and maybe even if you live here!

Let’s look at it from a French vacation point of view first. If you speak even just a little French you’re simply going to make your your life easier. You will understand more than you realize so you will find it easier to get around. You will also be able to pick up on things that non-French speakers will miss. Interesting events you hadn’t planned on that you see advertised on a poster, for example. If you don’t speak the language you would simply ignore things like that.

Now I’m not suggesting for a minute that you need to be fluent. If you are coming to France often then that would be an advantage but even a few words will help you figure out others. If you begin to understand French phrases you will be surprised how much more sinks in in a very short space of time.

If you are going to spend more time in France, perhaps as part of a posting, or a gap year, then “why learn French” shouldn’t even be a question. How are you going to get along without it?

OK, in reality you probably can, but how much will you miss? What are you doing in France if part of it is not to absorb something of French culture and life?

Imagine you were at work, wherever that might be, and someone came up to you and said “excusez-moi, parlez-vous Français?” Even if you understood them you would probably be fairly stumped. If you were busy, you might be less than polite. Yet you often hear people say that the French are impolite. Is it any surprise when people keep going up to them and saying “Do you speak English?”

You’ll be surprised how much better reception you get if you start with “Bonjour” or “Excusez-moi”!

In my experience the French are helpful and patient - provided you are at least considerate enough to make an attempt. Of course they will know you are not French. Even those that speak fluent French are seldom taken as actually being French - it’s a question of accent - but if you try to speak their language, even that introductory word or two, the French appreciate it. They are flattered and will do their very best to help you… even if your second phrase is “do you speak English”!

Another great reason to learn to speak French is the number of opportunities it opens up for you. Being bi-lingual is always an advantage and there are many French-speaking countries which will be open to you if you are looking for work abroad. There are also a number of major organizations like UNESCO and The Red Cross where it’s the official language. If you want to work in France of course, it’s more or less obligatory.

So why learn French? Assuming that you are coming to France - whether on vacation or for longer - it will make it easier to get around, easier to get fed, easier to get directions… I could go on. Number one reason? You will have much more fun!

For more on learning to speak French and a light-hearted but informative view of all things French pop over to Frenchlife4real.com now. It’s written by an English-speaking ex-pat living and working in France full-time so whether you’re coming on vacation, or thinking of moving to France permanently, it’s well worth a read.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/languages-articles/why-learn-french-there-are-great-reasons-to-learn-the-french-language-1550786.html

Filed under: Language

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