If you’re reading this article, then there’s a very good chance that at some point you’ve considered learning French. Maybe learning français has been a lifelong dream of yours, or maybe it’s just a thought that lingers in the back of your mind.
Whether you’re looking to be convinced, or you just need the tiniest of pushes to get started, here are six very good reasons to start learning French today!
1. Learn French to talk to the world.
Twenty-nine different countries claim French as an official language, and there are many more regions in the world where a large number of people speak it as a first language. French is the official language of international organizations like the United Nations and the International Olympic Committee. It’s also one of the most-studied second languages in the world. All of this adds up to a whole lot of French speakers! Learning French will allow you communicate with people all over this big, beautiful world.
2. Learn French to travel.
While it could be argued that an English-speaker could probably get along in many parts of the world without a second language, the fact is that you live in a bubble if you speak only English. If you want to get to know the culture of a place, you have to talk to the people who live there. And, if you want to talk to the people who live there, there’s nothing better than speaking their language. Even simple phrases – thank you, I’m sorry, I’m pleased to meet you – can open doors into local culture that are firmly shut to people who speak only English. Whether you’re travelling in West Africa, the Caribbean, Europe or Vietnam, learning French can provide you with a much deeper and richer experience.
3. Learn French for work.
While learning French for many is a passion, for others it’s a means to an end. If you want to work for a company that does business in Europe, then knowledge of French can make the difference between being hired and being passed over. Even if you don’t plan on working on an international level, a second language on a resume shows determination, culture and a keen interest in learning – all traits that employers are looking for in a competitive job market.
4. Learn French to keep your brain sharp.
When you learn another language, you learn more than words. You also learn a new way of thinking. Learning a language is a great work-out for your brain. There’s even evidence that people who are bilingual are less likely to suffer from dementia in old age. While learning a language can be difficult at times, it’s also deeply rewarding. Your brain will thrive on the challenge!
5. Learn French to enjoy the food, the films, the literature, the arts, the wine.
French is a language of culture. French arts are alive and thriving all around the world. There’s no better way to get to the heart of a culture than through its music, films, books and visual arts. And, don’t forget the food for which France is so renowned – a baguette just sounds so much more appealing than plain old bread!
6. Learn French for fun.
Above all, learning a language is fun! It’s an adventure that can help you to explore cultures, meet people and be more connected in a global world. Even if you can’t live and learn in a French-speaking country, there are many effective and fun resources that can get you started without even leaving your home.
The best time to start learning French is now. Don’t wait for some distant future date that may or may never come. Even 15 minutes a day will get you started on your journey.
Bon voyage!
Image by Free HDR & Photomanipulations (CC by 3.0)
