Why study French?
In terms of sheer utility, French is useful the world over. It comes in second after English as the world’s most-frequently taught language for second language learners. French is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and is spoken on every continent. The organization that represents French-speaking countries - the International Organization of Francophonie - has 54 member states and governments. Of these, 29 have French as an official language. The estimated number of French-speakers in the world is close to one billion! It is increasingly true that French and English are the only truly global languages.
Who Speaks French?
French is spoken as a first language in France, southern Belgium, western Switzerland, Monaco, the provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, some parts of Ontario, Canada, and even parts of the U.S., namely Louisiana, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Outside of Western Europe and North America, French is also used among educated classes in Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, French Polynesia, Ghana, Haiti, Laos, Madagascar, Thailand, Uruguay, and Vietnam.
Learn these everyday phrases!
Welcome: Bienvenue
Hello (General greeting): Bonjour (formal)
Salut (informal)
How are you?: Comment allez-vous?
(formal)
Reply to 'How are you?':
Ça va bien, merci. Et vous? (formal)
Pleased to meet you: Enchanté
Long time no see: Ça fait longtemps!
Morning/Afternoon greeting: Bonjour
Evening greeting: Bonsoir
Nighttime parting phrase: Bonne nuit