Why learn French? - Ten reasons to become fluent in French (2024)

You're wondering if it's worth it to continue your studies of French? The answer is "oui"! French is not only a beautiful language that allows you access to a rich heritage of culture, Literatures, and philosophy, it is also a valuable asset in todays global marketplace. Here are ten reasons to keep studying French until you become truly fluent in the language.

* Proficiency in French increases your job prospects! A U.S. State Department study of the international job market at the turn of the millennium indicated that over 50% of international jobs require or prefer candidates to speak French.

* French is a native language in the United States! French was, in 2000, the most popular second language in households in Louisiana, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont; overall, it is the third most common language used in the United States, after English and Spanish.

* Canada, whose official languages are French and English, is the primary trading partner of the United States! And, with NAFTA, more and more products will be marketed in Canada and companies will require French speaking employees.

* France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world! The number of people visiting France per year is greater than its entire population. Oh la la !

* In over 20 African countries, French is used for government and business! There is a strong French influence in North Africa, West Africa, and Central Africa.

* French is an official language of many international organizations! It is an official language of the European Union, the United Nations, the Red Cross, Interpol, the International Monetary Fund, the World Health Organization, Amnesty International, UNESCO, and the International Olympic Committee!

* French is spoken on dozens of islands all over the globe! Including islands in the South Pacific, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean.

* France is one of the top exporters in the world! Think of the fashion, wine, technology, and pharmaceutical industries. Plus, over 1,200 French companies have investments in the U.S., and these French companies employ over 400,000 Americans annually.

* All three branches of the European Union are headquartered in Frenchspeaking countries! EU headquarters are located in Brussels (Belgium), Strasbourg (France), and Luxembourg City (Luxembourg).

(Source: The American Association ofTeachers of french http://www.frenchteachers.org)

Why learn French? - Ten reasons to become fluent in French (2024)

FAQs

What are 5 benefits of learning French? ›

Learning French
  • 10 good reasons to learn French.
  • A world language. ...
  • A language for the international job market. ...
  • The language of culture. ...
  • A language for travel. ...
  • A language for higher education. ...
  • The other language of international relations. ...
  • A language that opens up the world.

What are two reasons why French is an important world language? ›

French is the first or second language in more than 40 countries and is spoken by 125 million people around the world, on every continent. Because French is a foreign language of choice for so many people in the world, knowing French will also increase your chances of communicating in a non-English speaking country.

What do you need to know to be fluent in French? ›

How to speak French fluently | Effective methods and top tips
  • Speak from day one.
  • Don't neglect grammar.
  • Familiarize yourself with common French vocabulary.
  • Understand French pronunciation.
  • Listen to French audio sources.
  • Try talking to native French speakers.
  • Immerse yourself in the language.

What is the most important thing to learn when learning French? ›

One of the most important things to do when you start learning French is to understand basic vocabulary, phrases, and numbers.

How does learning French improve your brain? ›

The studies suggest the bilingualism improves the brain's executive function. It helps with ignoring distractions to stay focused, switching attention willfully from one thing to another and holding information in mind.

Why French education is better? ›

STRUCTURED, REGULATED, VALIDATED AND RIGOROUS STANDARDS

French education uses both traditional and modern teaching methods and sets high academic standards and rigorous expectations in its curriculum. French education is regulated by the French Authorities who mandate the rigorous standard.

How can learning French benefit your career? ›

Key Benefits of Learning French

Having French language proficiency can open up job opportunities in various sectors, including international business, tourism, hospitality, education, translation, and more. Competitive Advantage: In many industries, being bilingual or multilingual is considered a valuable asset.

Why is French such a good language? ›

French is both a working language and an official language of the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO, the International Olympic Committee, the International Red Cross and international courts. Proficiency in French is essential for anyone considering a career in any international organisation.

Why are French so proud of their language? ›

The French may have retained a pride in their language which matches their food, wine, and fashion, but many French people are now bilingual or multilingual to the extent that it is harder today for an English speaker armed with French language facts to escape a sudden transition to speaking English.

What level of fluency is French? ›

C1 and C2 French Levels

Communication is fluent, appropriate and well organized—you develop ideas in speech clearly and coherently. For example, a Turk speaks Turkish at C level. If you say you know C-level French , you need to understand and speak as much French as a French.

How quickly can I become fluent in French? ›

So, according to the CEFR, conversational fluency develops at the B2 level after 540-620 hours of deliberate practice. This goal is attainable in 12-24 months with consistent hard work. Another institution, the United States Foreign Service Institute (FSI), estimates that fluency requires 600 or more classroom hours.

Why is French easier to learn? ›

French made it to our ranking of the 15 easiest languages to learn for English speakers! Besides its many available resources and language communities, French is a phonetic language. Once you understand French phonetic rules, reading and pronouncing words correctly becomes more predictable.

Why should my child learn French? ›

Learning French for children helps enhance their overall language skills. Studies have shown that learning a second language can improve a child's cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. It can also help improve their memory and concentration, as well as their ability to communicate and express themselves.

Why is it important to learn about French culture? ›

Since the 17th century, France has been regarded as a “center of high culture.” As such, French culture has played a vital role in shaping world arts, cultures, and sciences. In particular, France is internationally recognized for its fashion, cuisine, art, and cinema.

Is it worth learning French in 2024? ›

Bottom line: Learning French in 2024 is a great idea! It can help you in your career, boost your brain, and introduce you to new cultures. So, go ahead, start learning French, and open up a world of possibilities!

Is French still a useful language? ›

The United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO, the International Olympic Committee, the International Red Cross, and international courts all use French as a primary language. The language of the three EU institutions' headquarters, Strasbourg, Brussels, and Luxembourg, is French.

Is French or Spanish more useful? ›

Research job markets and industries to determine which language could give you a competitive edge. If you live in the US and are not planning to move, then Spanish would most likely be a better option. If you are in Canada, you'll probably want to go for French.

What is the hardest language to learn? ›

1. Mandarin Chinese. Interestingly, the hardest language to learn is also the most widely spoken native language in the world. Mandarin Chinese is challenging for a number of reasons.

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