Thursday, August 9, 2007

Learn French

Why Learn French?
By Paul Lines


The French language is communicated by over one hundred and thirty million people around the world. The language is the native tongue in countries like France, Switzerland, Haiti, and parts of Canada. And many Americans in the states of Louisiana and Maine are native French speakers. French is also the established language of many corporations including the International Olympic Committee and the United Nations.

If you are interested in learning a second language, either for professional reasons or just for personal enrichment, you should think about learning French. It has for a long time been considered one of the most beautiful of spoken languages and is a language that implies class and distinction. Learning the French language will be an asset in your career, and will improve your experience if you travel to French-speaking nations.

If you intend to learn the French language, you have a multitude of options from which to choose. You can go to a University or college and attain your degree in French. Earning a college degree in French will supply you with a sound expertise of formal French, both written and conversationally. With a college degree in French, you will more than likely be fluent in the language. If you are already established professionally, and feel that learning French would be a distinct advantage to your career, you could also enroll in accelerated courses in the French language online, which will offer you the opportunity to gain your knowledge of a very basic foundation in the language. Learning the language in this way will be a fairly quick and most convenient way to learn a second language. There are many online learning centres and colleges that provide accelerated programs in French, as well as many other languages.

Of course, if you have the time and the means, another option is to learn the French language through an immersion program. This is learning in a manner akin to the way in which you learned your own native language. In this way, you will not only learn the French language, but you will also experience French culture.

Learning French in France, where the language originated, you will immerse yourself into the life and culture, and you will learn the language quickly and with unexpected ease. You will learn the idiomatic and conversational styles of the language. You will interact on a regular basis with people who are native speakers of French, and who will not necessarily be prepared or able to communicate in English. Thus, you will be forced to try to communicate with them in their own tongue. You will be absorbed into the everyday life of France. You will develop and learn to understand and appreciate the French culture: the fine art, the glorious architecture, the delicious food, and the people. You will go to courses in which you will learn how to read and write in French as well. Learning the French language through immersion is a fantastic way to go.

Being fluent in more than one language has many advantages professionally. If you are fluent in the French language, you can be certified as a translator. This is a challenging career opportunity that allows you many options. You can work full-time for a foreign language translation firm, translating essential business documents or web pages for global businesses. Or you can do freelance translation work, dealing with your own workload, and setting your own schedule. Another career opportunity is to teach English to students in French speaking countries. By knowing English and French, you will be able to make a home and work in one of many countries whose native tongue is the French language.

Learning to speak, read, and write the French language gives you the potential to further boost you career by working abroad, or to embark on a new career as a translator. Learning French will enhance your travels as well. Learning the French language is an intellectually and personally enriching accomplishment that will surely open your eyes to a new culture.

Paul Lines is a teacher and has a keen interest in the French language. His free online course is viewable at http://learnfrenchonlinenow.blogspot.com Visit his page to learn the French language or view his resources to learn other languages.

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