Learn French – Why would you?

Why would you learn French? Is it of any use in a world where giant new players such as China, India and the African continent are sitting at the table?

Official Language of Key Organizations

The first good reason to learn French is the fact that many international organizations use French as one of their official languages. For example, Wikipedia lists 86 such institutions. And, to name a few:

The United Nations and its agencies
The Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders
The FIDC (Fédération Internationale des Échecs or International Chess Federation)
Several sport federations
The OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) and the WTO (World Trade Organization).

If you intend to deal with any of these organizations, learn French.

5th Place Worldwide in Terms of Number of Speakers

As of September 2019, French holds the 5^th place worldwide in terms of number of speakers using the language: 280 million. Per ethnologue.com, it has more non-native speakers (203 million) than native speakers (77 million).

Where Do You Find Francophones?

Frankly, a little bit all over the world but Asia.

And, believe it or not, there are about 2 million people in the USA alone, who speak French at home. This is according to the 2010 Census and the American community survey. By the way, don’t miss the next upcoming census, so we all know where we stand! Go here: https://2020census.gov/en

Let’s get back to topic. Where else do we have French speaking population?

France of course, as well as Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Monaco.

In addition, Europe counts roughly 20% non-francophone Europeans who can speak French.

On the other side of the Atlantic, French Guiana marks the South and Quebec the North American continent. As a note, Quebec is the second largest economy in Canada after Ontario.

However, nothing beats the African continent. There, nine countries are using French as their only official language: Benin, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. They total 180 million speakers.

As a point, these countries have among the highest fertility rate in the world. Thus, they will account for the increase in French speakers worldwide in the next 30 years.

There are other countries in Africa where French is used but to a lesser degree: See them all here.

If you intend to play a role in Africa economic development, learning French will definitely be an asset.

Learning French, Romance and Music to Your Ears

For the last 500 years of the Middle Ages, the English court was speaking French. This aspect is a boon for English speakers to learn French. Being already familiar with many borrowed words, learning is really easy. A lot easier than learning a different alphabet!

Next, French is melodic. Hearing it brings a smile on your face and makes you feel on cloud nine. What’s the secret? We harmonize the sound in between words, and if we need to, we simply take a letter out or add one in.

At the same time, the French language is an analytic language. This means that you can very easily sum up a text by separating its key elements. It requires that you think logically, which develops your critical skills and is useful in discussions and negotiations.

Heritage to Share

And last, but not necessarily the least important, France has a wealth of culture to offer. Isn’t it better to read Classics such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Hugo, Zola in their original text than in a translated version?

What about its cinema? It brought us Beauty and the Beast from Jean Cocteau, Le Salaire de la peur from Henri-Georges Clouzot, The 400 Blows from François Truffaut, Welcome to the Sticks from Dany Boon and so many more great movies.

Its cities and countryside offer not only a gorgeous historical voyage but also a pleasant sense of joy of living. Joviality, wine and good food sum it up.

Fact is, France is the most visited country in the world. What are you waiting for? Plan your next visit now.

First, learn French!

French is easy to learn, it will open the doors to learning Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Romanian.

Contact me here. I’ll teach you the basics and… voila! You can fly to Paris or the French Riviera for your next vacation or visit the Loire castles!

Sources:

https://www.ethnologue.com/guides/ethnologue200

http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/french-speaking-countries/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_international_organisations_which_have_French_as_an_official_language

August 11, 2019December 7, 2023

Casual French Conversation

Welcome to some casual French conversation. We’ve been having them for the past 10 years and enjoy sharing our knowledge.

French Conversation Gatherings Happen When?

We’re meeting for a casual French conversation on various topics every month. I usually set a point of interest for the only reason that without one many people do not dare speaking.

I actually run three different meetups organized around the level of speaking skills of the participants.

For those who already have a good grasp of French or are semi-fluent, choose this group: French Conversation Conejo Valley

For those who have the basics and want to improve speaking skills and vocabulary, I suggest our book reading hour. We read several chapters aloud together, I correct pronunciation and explain new vocabulary as needed. Each participant read individually in turn: French Conversation Online.

Finally we have the beginner group where we do various things. We may watch a video, read a poem or a small book, explain some grammar rules or French expressions to look like a French speaker, drill the pronunciation etc.Simi Valley French Language Meetup Group

How Do we Go About it?

Since the main purpose of our meeting is for you to practice your French speaking skills, you’ve got to say something! Listening is not enough. Sharing is important. Knowing in advance what you will be talking about brings up your confidence so you can get the most of out it.

I specifically require that each participant prepares a little presentation to the group of his take on the subject. From there, French conversation can occur. It also ensures that everyone gets the opportunity to communicate in French. Otherwise, you have those who overpower those who are shy and half of the assembly does not say a word. This doesn’t happen in our group. Each person has his/her time to practice and express themselves. Well, of course, the homework is not mandatory but If you’re not fluent, I highly recommend it to not be put on the spot! Yes, I do go around the table and make sure everyone has a chance to put their thoughts out loud.

We Are Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary (updated in 2023)

This coming August, we’ll be factually celebrating our 10^th anniversary. During that time, we’ve touched just about everything and anything: any particulars on a date on the calendar such as 4^th and 14^th July, scuba diving, astronomy, health, recycling, entertainment, travel, books, films, Noble prizes, French expressions, bridges in the world, favorite songs, geography, customs, history, science, etc. etc. We’ve played games, had strolls, shared a French pastry, been to the movies. In short, we never out of imagination to stimulate our brains with the French language.

The best is all what we learn from one another as our participants are very creative and always bring up new interesting tidbits about so many different aspects of life and livingness.

Is This French Conversation Group for You?

So now you’re wondering if this French conversation group really fits your hopes.

As long as you love the French language, the French culture, its exquisite cuisine, its diverse coastline and peaceful countryside, the “je ne sais quoi” in Paris that turns your heart upside down, the love for freedom, you’re a good candidate for our group.

Whether you’re a beginner or fluent, you can find your place and what you’re looking for, improving your French, brushing it up, taking the rust off, finding friendships with similar likes, simply relax and have a good time enjoying one hour of French conversation.

Learning and practicing a second language is not only vital to keep your brain healthy longer as shown in studies and in particular one executed by the University of Edinburgh, but also helps your kids get better academic grades on their SAT and ACT tests as shown in publications such as the Modern Language Journal and ADFL (Association of Departments of Foreign Languages) Bulletin.

Frankly it is also simply fun and relaxing. You discover new habits and customs. Your mind’s view of the world enlarges and takes on a whole new level of perceptions.

To experience all the fun and the exhilaration of sharing a new language, I invite you to our next meeting if you can make it. This group is for those
who are fluent or close to, or those who can read it and write it but cannot
speak. You’ve got to get your feet wet. Prepare what you’re going to say and go from there. Click here to RSVP.

For any question make a free 30-minute appointment

June 26, 2019April 21, 2023

Grammar Tutor on Syntax

Grammar Tutor Tells About Basic Grammar

Grammar is the user’s manual to put words in the correct sequence to make sentences. Refer to “grammar” here for a more complete definition. As a grammar tutor I will help you understand the structure of a sentence. I’ll teach you how to spot when you’re in trouble and how to get on top of it before it is too late. A language consists of various spoken sounds and their written representation are what we call words. Assembled words according to the rules of grammar is what makes communication possible.

When you know the function of each word in a sentence then, any study or communication becomes easy. This, as long as you ensure you understand the words you’re using. I’ll help you on this too.

grammar basic — Not clear in your mind? Get help!

Why Cannot you Write in your Mother Tongue or Understand Another Language?

The majority of my students come to me because they simply cannot follow in French. Very often it is a matter of straightening some basic English grammar. The structure of our language is unfortunately taught in a way that most students have a hard time to grasp. In fact, there is no reason for this difficulty, as basic grammar is easy. It isn’t that the student is stupid, it is the fact that the teacher gives an obscure explanation and thus creates a confusion. Fortunately, this is easily remedied.

I teach grammar to anyone who has problems with writing in his own language or difficulties to acquire a second language.

The whole purpose of grammar is to be able to write a sentence that communicates to the reader or listener. Grammar is also needed when you want to learn another language. Indeed, grasping its basics will facilitate your understanding and mastering of the other language.

Grammar is a very simple subject. Most of the time a couple of hours will be all what you need to handle the original difficulty. It goes hand in hand with the understanding of words. There is a method of understanding words and remember their meaning.

If you’re struggling writing an essay in your native language about a subject you are familiar with, if you’re struggling learning a second language, the first thing you should check is your comprehension of basic grammar in your mother tongue. Once the basics are cleared, the rest flows. One or two hours spent learning the basics of grammar are well worth their while. Contact me here.

July 29, 2017April 21, 2023

Celebrating French Culture in Santa Barbara

French In Our Daily Lives

The French language is so deeply intertwined into the English we speak that we hardly realize it’s there.

You and your fiancé send out wedding invitations asking the recipients to R.S.V.P. We go to a restaurant and order an hors d’oeuvre and a salad without thinking twice about the origin of the words.

French culture, too, has woven its way into our daily life. We see its influence in our food, fashion, art, music, and dance. Now in its 29^th year, Santa Barbara’s annual French Festival celebrates this beautiful and multi-faceted culture in a tree-filled park. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the French countryside.

Bringing French Culture to Life

The two-day event coincides with Bastille Day. It offers visitors a small taste of the arts and cuisine of France. Proceeds support theater and literacy programs in Santa Barbara.

Stepping through the gates, you stroll past the booths where local artisans display their wares. You climb the stairs to the Moulin Rouge Stage. There, you’ll see dancers demonstrating everything from the elegant minuet seen in the salons of the 1800’s to the enthusiastic and sometimes bawdy can-can. Be prepared to join in when James and Cynthia from the Historical Ballroom Dance Club at UCLA teach the one-step, a simple dance which lets you express the best of yourself.

Traveling to France Without the Plane Fare

Wandering past replicas of the Mona Lisa (where you can take a selfie with your face in the painting) and a miniature Eiffel tower, you reach a tree-shaded expanse. Amidst booths offering food, drink, and factoids about the Festival, Chef Josette’s Café Normandie takes pride of place. She offers an amazing assortment of salads, sandwiches, quiches, breads, and pastries. Grab a snack or an entire meal to enjoy while experiencing a melange of musical entertainment at the Eiffel Tower Stage.

Travel back in time to the French Renaissance. Then meander back to the 21^st century by way of a 1930’s cabaret and the Hot Club of France. Artists perform tributes to Classic French music and artists but share some of their original work, and a bit of Cajun and Quebecois.

Medieval Knights Fight for Glory

A safe distance from the idyllic picnic atmosphere, gallant knights don armor to defend their castle’s honor. Armed with mace, axe, and sword, they beat each other into submission for the honor of being named the victor. But with that honor comes another battle. Others are anxious to unseat the current champion. The battles rage throughout the afternoon with the banner changing hands often. The competition is reminiscent of battles enacted today where honor is defended on the fields of football and soccer.

Expanding Your French Language Repertoire

Would you like help learning French? Contact me here or text me at 323-203-2616 for more information.

Feature photo used by permission. Courtesy of Heather Hewes

April 21, 2017May 5, 2023

French Conversation Conejo Valley

French Conversation Conejo Valley is a group of Francophiles of the area who meet regularly. Check for our next meeting in the Conejo Valley by clicking here for a fun evening of French conversation.

All those desiring to practice their French are welcome.

Just over 50 years ago all you would have found in the hills throughout would have been oak trees and cows. (No French conversation going on at that time throughout the prairies. :))

When it all came together

In fact, the oak trees are so numerous in the Conejo Valley that they gave their name to the first incorporated city: Thousand Oaks in 1964. The city proudly shows a large oak tree on its buses and lamp posts.

Then cam along the rest of the cities: Newbury Park was incorporated in 1977, Westlake Village in 1981, Oak Park is a community, Agoura Hills was incorporated in 1982.

Where French Conversation in the Conejo Valley May Happen

Many schools in the area teach French as part of their curriculum: Thousand Oaks High School, Newbury Park High School, Westlake Village High School, La Reina High School, Viewpoint School in Calabasas, the California Lutheran University and more.

What encompasses the Conejo Valley?

Below a map showing the area covered by the Conejo Valley. This is where you’ll meet rabbits galore (let’s not forget that Conejo means rabbit in Spanish).

Over the hills, northeast, you’ll find Simi Valley which was incorporated in 1969.

How long have cows live in the area?

To be honest, I don’t know and I don’t really care, but one thing that I do know, even though these cities seem young, caves in their hills show that Indian Chumash were living around and about as far back as 12,000 years ago! So much for the “New World” discovered by Columbus in 1493.

So what is new? People? No, but maybe the French language since the native language is Chumash, then Spanish came along with people from Spain and Mexico moving up the Californian coast. The good reason why Spanish is definitely prominent in the area. Per WorldPolulationReview.com 2014 figures, California had and I quote: “In 2014, estimates showed that the Latino and Hispanic population surpassed the population of non-Hispanic Whites. According to those estimates, taken in June 2014, 14.99 million Latinos resided in the state, compared to 14.92 whites. California has the largest minority population and the largest Hispanic population in the country.”

So why would French have a place in the State of California?

Well, did you know that California has around 200,000 French speaking inhabitants?

The last remaining area that I visit on a regular basis as a French Tutor, is the Moorpark area and Santa Rosa Valley. The Moorpark College does teach French and the Santa Rosa Valley is peacefully tucked away between Las Posas Hills and the Mountclef Ridge.

I’m hoping to see you for one hour of French conversation at our monthly meetings or to help you perfect your French!

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