French is one of the few languages that is taught in every country’s educational system. It’s one of the most studied foreign languages in the world, so it’s understandable that you’d want to learn it. However, you may be wondering what you would accomplish with your new French skills. How would it assist you?
People choose French as their next foreign language for a variety of reasons, including the fact that it is spoken in many countries, it sounds wonderful, and it is sometimes necessary to handle personal business in France.
If you’ve made the decision to study French, you already know why, but if you’re still undecided, let us help you make up your mind. Continue reading and allow us to persuade you with eight reasons to learn French this year!
Where is French an official language?
France, like the United Kingdom, went through an imperialist period, which resulted in French language being used in countries all over the world. These are known as Francophone countries. There are 29 countries where French is an official language, mostly because they were once French colonies, and many more where French is a widely spoken language.
Here’s a list of just a few official French speaking countries:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Congo
- The Democratic Republic of Congo
- Ivory Coast
- France (obviously)
- Gabon
- Guinea
- Mali
- Monaco
- Niger
- Senegal
Of course, because language is a fluid thing, a language does not have to be spoken solely to be important. Many of the vocabulary we use in English come from French. Some are obvious, while others are not.
Hundreds of English words are used without considering their Gallic origins. French terms include money, advice, honesty, television, and music. Indeed, around one-third of all English terms may be traced back to France.
8 reasons to learn French in 2024
Job opportunities
Speaking French may help you advance in your work. It will provide you a significant advantage if you are seeking a job in a foreign nation, and it will open up a whole universe of translation prospects for you. Furthermore, it displays to potential employers that you are capable of sitting down and devoting time and attention to a long-term endeavour.
The ability to communicate in both French and English is advantageous for getting work with the many global corporations that use French as their working language in a variety of industries (retailing, automotive, luxury goods, aeronautics, etc.). As the world’s seventh largest economy, France attracts businesses, academics, and the best foreign students.
Culture
French is more than just a popular language. Cooking, fashion, art, architecture, and dancing all use it as their official language, or as many call it, one of the romance languages. If any of these activities interest you, studying French will help you take your pastime or artistic repertoire to a whole new level.
Sporting events
France is the world’s most popular tourist destination, with over 87 million tourists each year. The ability to speak even a little French makes visiting Paris and the rest of France so much more enjoyable, and it provides insights into French culture and way of life.
2024 is a year for huge sports events in France including the French Open beginning in May, The Tour De France starting in June and of course Paris will be hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics! These events will be full of French speakers, so if you’re thinking about heading to one of these exciting events you’d be at a huge advantage by learning to speak French!
Fact: Did you know that both French and English are considered official languages of the Olympics? This means that every official announcement must be made available in both these languages throughout the games.
Holiday destination
Why not visit the first French speaking country? France of course!
England’s nearest foreign relative is France. It’s right next door and only a short distance away! Compared to Wales, Scotland, Ireland, or even Manchester and Liverpool, which are about 200 miles away, Calais is actually much closer to London in terms of miles (107.5 miles).
You will be able to travel to and discover France with freedom and assurance if you learn the language. It’s also quite simple! Simply board the Eurostar and travel to Paris for the day, or enjoy a short trip by ferry to the French Atlantic coast.
Ordering delectable pastries, tasting some of France’s many cheeses, sipping fine wines on a lovely terrasse, and returning home in time for Monday will all provide you with opportunities to practise your French language skills!
International relations and media
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.
Because of this, you’ll never have to worry about French losing its relevance or place in the world! Many global media outlets also publish in French, so you’ll have continuous access to global news and be better informed about the world.
It will help you learn other languages
French is a Romance language, meaning it descended from Vulgar Latin. As a result, it’s an excellent starting point for learning other Romance languages (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian), as they are members of the same language family and have similar vocabulary and grammar.
Furthermore, because English is partially derived from French, learning the French language will help you improve your English skills.
If you want to learn to speak more than one language, French is a great place to start.
It’s good for your brain
Studies reveal that acquiring a second language provides remarkable cognitive advantages for the brain and mental capacity, which can frequently start to deteriorate with age.
Increased grey matter density in the brain from bilingualism results in improved mental clarity and mental agility.
It’s fun to learn!
Private lessons, group programmes, learning apps, flashcards, and other methods are available to help you learn a language. Because French is one of the most popular languages to learn, there are numerous techniques available to you.
You can learn French in any way you like, from classic methods like sitting in class or talking to a tutor to more creative methods like learning through stories or movies.
Intensive French courses in London with Simon & Simon
Intensive language programmes are a quick and efficient approach to learn a new language. If you want to speed up your language learning, a SIMON & SIMON intensive French language course may be the best option for you.
Because all of our instructors understand English, have considerable training, and have many years of experience educating in French, you only receive the finest.
We offer intensive courses in French, Spanish and Arabic, and Business Language Courses in a range of languages to suit your needs.
Contact us today to get started!
Reasons to learn French FAQs
Is learning French beneficial?
French has Latin roots, as do 43 other Romance languages, and understanding it will help you understand them. Learning French broadens your job options, enhances your travel experiences, opens up educational possibilities, and creates the groundwork for learning other Romance languages.
Why is French good for your brain?
According to research, understanding a second language improves cognitive growth, especially when learned at a young age. Bilingualism essentially rewires the brain, resulting in increased memory, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and other benefits.
Is learning French worth it in 2024?
The ability to communicate in French will benefit you in the worldwide employment market. Knowledge of French opens doors to countries not only in France, but also in French-speaking countries around the world.
