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WHY LEARN FRENCH?

WHY LEARN FRENCH?. Looking for an international language? Try the French connection!!! It will open doors to a world of opportunities. French is international : French is ranked the second most influential language in the world and it is one of the most widely spoken with:.

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WHY LEARN FRENCH?

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  1. WHY LEARN FRENCH? Looking for an international language? Try the French connection!!! It will open doors to a world of opportunities

  2. French is international:French is ranked the second most influential language in the world and it is one of the most widely spoken with: • 110M native French speakers in more than 50 countries around the world (official language in 53 states/30 countries) • over 200M secondary French speakers • over 100M who study it • 150 M students attending schools where French is the language used for teaching • French is the second most frequently taught foreign language in the world after English. • In the US, French is the second most commonly taught language after Spanish.

  3. French and English are the only 2 languages spoken as a native language on 5 continents. • French can be useful throughout the world as well as in the United States (2M people speak French at home in the US: it is the 3rd most frequently spoken language in America). • In Africa, French-speaking countries represent an area larger than the US. French is the official language for commerce and trade in 25 African countries. It is directly and indirectly the communication key to a quarter of a billion people in an enormous expanse of this great continent.

  4. Map of the Francophone world

  5. STUDIES • French is EASY • it will help you develop better skills in other academic areas • and make you more successful in your studies

  6. French is EASY • 50% of English vocab is derived from French • you already know 15.000 French words • improve your SAT and ACT scores

  7. Improve your academic performance • Awareness of what language is • Other foreign languages will be easier to learn • Increase problem solving skills, memory, self-discipline and self-esteem • Have access to important writings • Opens door to grad school and research

  8. Save time and money! • Increase your chances of getting into the school of your choice • Receive college credit in high school • Satisfy university entrance or exit requirements

  9. WORK Knowing French will be a great asset for you to compete effectively in the global economy

  10. Myth: ‘‘ Investors are fleeing France ! ’’ Reality: For the 2003-2005 period, France ranked 2nd in Europe in attracting FDI

  11. Myth: ‘‘ Investors are fleeing France ! ’’ Reality : • 17 900 foreign subsidiaries based in France : 17% of the total added value 28% of the added value in the industrial sector 12% of the added value in the service sector (x 3 since 1993) • They employ 1.9 million French workers (+90% within 10 years), i.e. 1 out of 7

  12. Myth: ‘‘ Investors are fleeing France ! ’’ Reality: Paris ranked 2nd for location company headquarters in 2005

  13. More job opportunities • Work with your neighbor: Canada • Most of US trade is with French speaking countries • 3,000 French companies in the US employing 700,000 Americans • 2,400 American companies in France generating 240,000 jobs

  14. French is MODERN: France isa leader and innovatorin science and technology • Civil engineering: Chunnel, TGV, the Millau Viaduct • Aeronautics: Airbus, Aerospatiale, Ariane • Medical technologies: HIV, face transplants • Telecommunications: Minitel, micro-chip phone cards, fiber optics…

  15. Myth: ‘‘ France is an old country ’’ Reality: Sustained demographic growth

  16. Myth: ‘‘ The French are always on strike ’’ Reality: Low number of lost working days in the private sector due to strikes

  17. Myth: ‘‘ The French are lazy ’’ Reality: A highly productive labor force

  18. Myth: ‘‘ The French are lazy ’’ Reality: A skilled and qualified labor force

  19. France = 6th largest economyin the world • Highest labor productivity • Trains • Luxury goods • Perfumes • Wines and cheese! • Modern telecommunications: 2nd language on the Internet

  20. JOBS • International organizations and agencies • Diplomacy • Teacher • Translator/interpreter • Editor/proofreader • Travel hospitality industries • Non-language specific jobs in French-speaking world

  21. Myth: ‘‘ France is all about food, wine, berets and fashion ’’ Reality: 14 French among world’s Top 200 World’s Top 200 companies (based on turnover, earnings, and market value) Source : Forbes 2000, 2006

  22. Just for FUN • to enjoy sports, traveling, the arts. • French is often known as a language of CULTURE, opening your door to art, music, dance, fashion, cuisine and cinema. • French will give you access to an entire culture ranging from Parisian Fashion, to Amelie, to French cuisine!

  23. Conclusion • By 2010, 500 million people will speak French around the world, • you can be one of them, • be successful in a worldwide community, • improve you academic performance, • increase your career opportunities in the fast growing global economy, • develop a better understanding, appreciation and respect of other people and their cultures.

  24. Catherine PETILLON Attache for Educational Affairs Embassy of France catherine.petillon@diplomatie.gouv.fr www.frenchculture.org www.la-maison-francaise.org www.francedc.org

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