Introduction.pdf

INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH The French language Knowing a foreign language is an asset and can be an advantage especially for those seeking employment because many employers give preference to those who speak one or more foreign languages. French has a lot of similarities wi...

INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH The French language Knowing a foreign language is an asset and can be an advantage especially for those seeking employment because many employers give preference to those who speak one or more foreign languages. French has a lot of similarities with the English language. They have the same alphabets. They share many words in common. Many English words are of French origin which are, in fact, still used today. In learning the French language, you will also learn some of the socio-cultural aspects of France and its people. Regions where French is spoken French is widely spoken all over the world. It is spoken in: > Europe - besides France, it is one of the official languages in Belgium, Switzerland, and it’s the official language of Luxembourg. > Canada – mainly in Quebec but French is used all over Canada. > Africa - due to colonization, French has become the official or one of the official languages in several countries in Africa such as Benin, Burundi, Chad, Congo, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Morocco, Togo , Zaïre and many more. >USA - particularly in Louisiana >Caribbean - islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. It is the official language or one of them in Haiti and St. Martin >Asia - French is still spoken by many people in Vietnam and Cambodia Basic French words and greetings Bonjour Good day/ Good morning/ Hello Bonsoir Good evening Bonne nuit Good night Oui Yes Non No Comment allez-vous? How are you? (formal) Comment vas-tu? How are you? (informal) Bien! Fine or Well Je vais bien, merci. I am fine, thank you. Très bien ! Very well ! Comment ça va? / ça va? How are you doing? (informal) Ça va! / ça va bien! I am doing well! Salut ! Hi ! Bye ! (informal) Pas mal ! Not bad ! Comme-ci, comme-ça So-so ! (informal) Et vous? And you? (formal) Et toi? And you? (informal) Merci Thank you Merci beaucoup Thank you very much De rien You’re welcome Pardon / Excusez-moi Pardon / Excuse me S’il vous plaît Please Répétez s’il vous plaît Please repeat D’accord Okay A bientôt ! See you soon ! Au revoir Goodbye Bon weekend Have a good weekend Je suis désolé I am sorry Désolé Sorry Je ne comprends pas I don’t understand Je ne sais pas I don’t know Je parle anglais et un peu français. I speak English and a little French. J’aime les sports. I like sports. J’aime la musique. I like music. Comment vous appelez-vous? - What is your name ? (formal) Comment t’appelles tu? - What is your name (informal) (or) Tu t’appelles comment ? Je m’appelle_____________. - My name is______________. Je suis étudiant(e) de SPCF I am a student of SPCF J’habite à Angeles City I live in Angeles City. Enchanté. - Delighted or Nice to meet you  The day (jour) is divided into: matin (morning) midi (mid-day) après-midi (afternoon) soir (evening)  When you meet a person during the day, say: bonjour (good morning or good afternoon).  At the end of the day (6 p.m.), use bonsoir (good evening).  When you leave somebody you say: - au revoir goodbye - bonne journée have a good day - bonne soirée have a good evening