Ten good reasons to learn French

Un : Knowing French allows you not only to function but to compete effectively in the global economy.

In Many European countries, a second language is introduced in primary school and a third language, in middle school. International job applicants who are proficient in at least two languages are at a distinct advantage in the global market. When you know French, you can be a part of communications and transactions occurring daily in French on every continent

2 - Deux : Speaking French increases your job opportunities and salary potential.

Knowledge of a second language is essential in over 60 occupations. Canada, officially bilingual, is on of the most important leading trading country in the world and requires labeling in English and French on all imported products. More than 1,200 French companies have subsidiaries in the U.S, and France is the largest recipient of U.S foreign investments. France is a world leader in the development of modern telecommunication, a market with explosive growth potential.

The European Union, the second largest trading bloc in the world, recognizes French as an official language. Learn French is necessary if you work there.

Think about the many job opportunities with airlines, import-export companies and other international businesses. French is also very useful language if you are thinking working at the United Nations (where French is the second most widely used language, after English) or for the United States Government in the Foreign Service. In the United States, when you know French, you could become a French teacher, an interpreter or a translator.


3 - Trois : Studying French increases your appreciation of other people and their culture.

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 also increases your chances of communicating in a non-English speaking country. You can use French to develop international friendships, as well as to communicate via the Internet.


4 - Quatre : French opens up an entire world of sporting events for enthusiasts.

French is always an official language used to announce events, winners, and medals at the Olympic Games. If you live near the Quebec border, you can also follow hockey and baseball games in French. Automobiles races (Le Mans and Monte Carlo), horse racing (Longchamps), tennis tournaments (French Open) and the Tour de France (long distance bicycle race) engage fans around the globe. When you know French, the international world of sports is open to you.


5 - Cinq : Knowing French improves your vocabulary in English.

Some 40 to 50% of English vocabulary comes from French. The study of French also enhances your grammar skills and your increased proficiency in English greatly improves your scores. As you develop greater skills in French, you also sharpen your skills in English.


6 - Six : Learning a new language, like French, develop your creative and thinking skills.

It also increases your problem-solving skills and improves your memory, self-discipline and self-esteem. Because progress is very easy to measure, you can quickly take pride in your new abilities. Knowing French can help you acquire a number of important life skills.


7 - Sept : Proficiency in French significantly improves your chances of being accepted to the university and to graduate school.

In many scientific fields at the graduate level, most worldwide institutions require a reading knowledge of French or German in order for scholars to be able to conduct research. France continues to be a leader and innovator in science and technology. Civil engineering (the “Chunnel” between England and France) and the TGV (the world’s fastest train), aeronautics (the Ariane rocket, a Franco-European initiative), medical technologies (the isolation of the HIV virus) and telecommunications (micro-chip telephone car5ds) are just a few areas in which the French play a leadership role. Learn French can opens the doors to graduate school and to important research.


8 - Huit : Using French enhances your travel abroad to Canada, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa.

France is the most visited tourist destination in the world. Paris was recently named by Fortune Magazine as one of the top ten “global cities.” When you speak French, you can be an educated tourist, ask for directions, get your own hotel room or tell a French friend about your own country.


9 - Neuf : French is the language of culture, opening your door to art, music, dance, fashion, cuisine and cinema.

As you quickly realize when you look at the foreign film section of your local video store. France is one of the most prolific producers of international films. The Cannes International Film Festival annually attracts the attention of the world when the best films, directors and actors are named. When you learn French, you don’t have to rely on subtitles to enjoy a French film.


10 - Dix : French is the language of many literacy masterpieces.

People around the world are familiar with Les Misérables , The Three Musketeers, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The little Prince and The Stranger. In fact, France has won more Nobel Prizes for literature than any other country. The French are also admired for their great philosophers as Descartes, Pascal, Rousseau, Voltaire, Camus and Sartre. When you read French, you can enjoy these works and authors in the original.