The French language has experienced unusual growth over the past few years. Its importance is unquestionable, as it is the second most adopted language as an official language in different countries around the world. Our French courses will not only allow you to communicate with some 220 million people, but also make it possible for you to take advantage of one of the most developed business languages of our time.
The curiosities of learning French
In addition to its practical and aesthetic elements, the French language has endless surprises that make it extremely fun and also interesting. Here are some of them. Pay attention.
1. Where is French spoken?
Today, French is recognized as a national language in 33 countries around the world, making it the second most officially spoken language and places it only behind English. It is also one of only two languages officially spoken on all continents.
2. Do you know the origin of this language?
The French language is the product of the mixture of Latin and Gallic. More specifically, with the Frankfurt, language spoken by the ancient Franks that settled in Gaul (ancestor territory of present-day France). The language was formed thanks to the adoption of words provided by each language, surely as a result of commercial activities during peacetime, but also as an effect of the conquests and reconquests that took place.
3. One-third of the English language originates from French
Indeed, the continuous military skirmishes that the French made to the British Isles and culminated in the Norman invasion that took place in the 11th century led to the English government being occupied by French nobles. Over the next 300 years, foreign rulers made their mother tongue the official language of government affairs, with which France printed its indelible mark.
4. The French language invaded the Russian courts
With the intention of making Russia a central European country, Tsar Peter the Great imposed the language of the country he considered most advanced and whose culture he was a great admirer of as the official language of the Russian government. In this way, the high Russian aristocracy studied French as a second language both to be able to participate in the spheres of power and to distinguish themselves from ordinary people. This practice survived until Tsar Nicholas I reversed the order by which French ceased to be the obligatory language of the high echelons of the nation.
5. Who is to blame for misfortunes?
The language of love does not make it very clear who is responsible for the bad things that can happen to you. For example, if, out of bad fortune, you have the misfortune of being robbed, the French will literally say “that you’ve made yourself stolen.” Which doesn’t mean, of course, that they really blame you for what happened. It is simply a semantic but curious way in which language was built.
6. How many words do all French vowels include?
Unlike Spanish, which counts more than 3000 words that include all vowels without repeating them, in the French language there is only one:
oiseau,
which means bird.
7. The language at the time of the French Revolution
You may find it surprising to know that, at the outbreak of the French Revolution, only 25% of the country’s population at the time had French as its mother tongue. That is, 75% of the residents of France at the time were of foreign origin, which tells us about the importance that both the country and its language already had in 18th-century Europe.
8. Language made for poetry and love
Although all languages have their charms, there is a certain consensus that French, for its sweetness, cadence and rhythm, is the perfect language for romance. However, there are exceptions everywhere. Did you know that French poets avoid using the words fourteen, fifteen, simple and monster simply because they don’t rhyme with any other?
9. In France, is there nothing cheap?
Actually, what doesn’t exist in this language is a word to say “cheap.” If you want to express the low price of something, you’ll have to go around with phrases like “not expensive” or “good price”.
10. Do many people study French?
You may find it surprising, but French is the second most studied language in the world, behind only English. Nearly 133 million people are studying French at this very moment and more than 50 choose to learn French as a second language.
Where is it best to study French?
Of course, you will always get the best results by studying a language, directly, in one of the countries that have adopted it since they were founded. Therefore, if you have an interest in learning, perfecting or simply practicing this beautiful and useful language, it is advisable that you decide on an institution that offers you the possibility to take French coursesin France, as a European option; and French courses in Canada, as an American alternative.
At Ynsitu,we have designed a specific course for every need. Whether you need to learn French to attend college,to do business or simply because you like it, with us you will find the answer you need.
Whatever your choice, we will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the language,according to the objective you are looking for. Whether for a few days, a few weeks or an entire year, our courses meet the greatest demands that the use of a language may have.
In addition to learning,our French courses will give you the unparalleled opportunity to get to know some of the most beautiful cities and enrich yourself by living with people immersed in two of the most splendid and diverse cultures of our time.