I’ll admit it - mastering French is a real challenge. Nevertheless, it is probably one of the best decisions you can make, for a variety of reasons.
Is French an easy language to learn? 🙋🏻♂️
It’s hard to answer "yes" or "no" to this question, because it all depends on your situation!
As a general rule, Spanish or Italian speakers find it easier to learn French. This is partly due to the similarities between French and other Latin-based languages.
You only need to glance at or listen to Italian or Spanish to notice the many common features in terms of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. For example, regular verbs are similar and often share the same roots, which makes learning French easier.
For English speakers, however, it’s a different story 😅
French can be a bit more difficult due to significant differences in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. English speakers often struggle to pronounce certain French words because some sounds simply don’t exist in their language. French grammar can also be quite challenging for them.
But don’t worry - even if you’re an English speaker, there’s no need to panic. French is an approachable language, and with perseverance, dedication (and a few French lessons), you’ll find that the challenge is very much doable!
You’ll join a community of over 300 million people 🥳
That’s right - 300 million people across more than 50 countries around the world speak French! This includes France, Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, Haiti, many African nations, and plenty of others.
On top of that, French is an official language of many international organizations such as the UN, UNESCO, NATO, the International Red Cross, and the International Court of Justice.
As you can see, learning French can open the door to professional and educational opportunities all over the world.
France is a popular destination. As you probably know, France is a tourist destination loved by travelers from around the globe. In 2019, nearly 90 million foreign tourists visited France (source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
Learning French can make your stay in France even more enjoyable, as you’ll be able to chat with locals and have a less stressful experience.
Learning French is good for your brain!
Whether it’s French or another language, it has been scientifically proven that learning a foreign language has numerous health benefits.
Research has also shown that learning a new language can delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as it stimulates the brain and improves neural connectivity.
Learning a new language can be an excellent way to reduce stress and anxiety, as it helps you focus on a relaxing yet stimulating activity.
As you can see, you have everything to gain by learning to speak French 🇫🇷