French Language Training
For years North Americans (as well as other native English-speakers) had been reluctant to learn a foreign language. Even 10 years ago, learning a foreign language was seen as a waste of time for the average American. We always figured that if we needed to communicate with someone of another culture, the lines of communication would magically open as long as we spoke loudly and slowly enough. With a rapidly changing global economy and the ease of modern travel, however, more and more people from North America, the UK, Australia and New Zealand are recognizing the value of picking up a second language. For these people, French is often the language of choice.
Travel might be the number one reason to learn conversational French (or any foreign language). French is spoken as a first language (often alongside an indigenous language) in many parts of the world besides France including Monaco, Switzerland, Belgium, Corsica, Quebec, and many nations in the Caribbean islands, Asia and Northern Africa. Carrying your knowledge of French with you to these places will ease your travel experience.
When you arrive in a new destination, you will need to accomplish several basic tasks such as asking for the nearest bathroom in the airport or train station, ordering food in a restaurant and not appearing like an unsophisticated tourist to your taxi driver (who otherwise might be inclined to take you on a joy ride). It goes without saying that accomplishing these basic jobs is vitally important. But what if you want to go a little deeper? Break completely free from the tour group? Step off the beaten track?
With the right French language training, you will be able to enjoy experiences not usually available to the average traveler. You might be told about a local restaurant that serves excellent three-course gourmet meals for under $15. Maybe you will discover prehistoric ruins that are more impressive than the big, overcrowded tourist attractions. Or you might make friends with locals who are flattered that you have an interest in their language and culture. Your options are limitless!
Besides being handy for travel, French has an allure throughout the world, partially because of its sexy sound, but also because it is the language of international diplomacy and business. Looking for a new job? Having the ability to speak, read and write French on your résumé will certainly give you preference over applicants who otherwise have the same qualifications.
More and more employers recognize that reaching out to French-speaking partners and clients is becoming an invaluable asset in the workplace. After decades of French-speaking countries reaching out to English-speaking companies, knowing even a few words of French and a few details about French culture goes a long way to impressing a company’s overseas colleagues.
There are still many more reasons that people seek French language training. Some may want to reach out to a new love interest and others may simply want to enrich themselves culturally. No matter what your reason, speaking French is a skill that will open up a world of opportunities and freedoms for you. Speaking, reading or writing conversational French is not only about knowing a second language, but it will give you a more intimate knowledge of your native English language. It is a skill that will serve you and your family for years to come.
