Updated on November 13, 2024
5 reasons to learn French
Ask someone why learning French is worth it, and they might tell you it’s the most romantic language in the world, with its melodic tones and descriptive vocabulary. But… so what? Is that a good enough reason to learn French? Fortunately, there are lots of benefits to learning French. Interested in travel, culture, or global business? Then knowing French might be right for you. Here are nine compelling reasons for you to learn French. If you’re considering learning the language but still find yourself wondering, “Is it worth it to learn French?” you’ve come to the right place.
You might think of French as a European language, but did you know it’s the official language of 29 French-speaking countries worldwide? On top of European countries like France, Belgium, and Switzerland, French is also Canada, Senegal, Haiti’s official language. It’s also the only language that’s taught on all five continents. If that’s not a good reason to learn French, then what is?
With such widespread usage, French is clearly one of the most valuable languages to learn if you want to communicate with people in other parts of the world.
Lingoda’s certified teachers offer French lessons that embrace the diversity of French dialects, from European to Canadian French and beyond. This approach helps students learn region-specific vocabulary, accents, and cultural nuances, equipping them to communicate confidently with French speakers from various backgrounds.
If you’re interested in learning French, chances are that you’ve thought about taking a trip to France – or even working and living there.
France has a lot to offer visitors. But arriving in a foreign country can be intimidating when you don’t speak the language. Learning French means that you’ll be able to get around, start conversations with locals, and just have a more enjoyable experience. If you’re at a French A1 level and you are about to start learning simple French phrases will help you get around.
And if you’re considering moving to France, you’ll definitely need to learn the language. For example, you’ll need a CEFR level of A2 to become a permanent resident.
There’s a reason France is the most-visited country in the world: People are obsessed with French culture – and rightly so. Apart from its fascinating history and famous landmarks, France offers some of the most beautiful films, profound literature, and delicious dishes in the world.
And, as we all know, culture is best experienced in a country’s native language. So whether you want to dive into the literary works of Albert Camus, learn about Marie Antoinette, or find an authentic coq au vin recipe, knowing French will ensure you get the full picture and that nothing is lost in translation.
Why learn French if English is used in most businesses? Well, French is a language of global trade; in fact, it’s one of the three official languages of the World Trade Organization (along with English and Spanish). In other words, it’s a very useful language if you want to engage in international business.
Because of the United States’ proximity to Canada, many American companies have turned to their northern neighbor to start business relationships. If this is something you want to do, it’s a good idea to brush up on your français, especially if you plan on doing business in the province of Québec.
French language skills can open up job opportunities in fields like diplomacy, tourism, and hospitality. French is essential for roles in international organizations, including the United Nations, and provides a competitive edge in connecting with clients and guests in French-speaking regions. Whether you’re aiming for a role in global diplomacy or the travel industry, mastering French can be a powerful asset for career growth.
Boost your career with Lingoda’s French courses, where expert teachers provide flexible, real-world language training to help you excel in international and bilingual work environments.
Romance languages are named as such because they’re connected to ancient Rome, not because they’re particularly romantic – shocking, we know!
The ancient Romans spread their language, Vulgar Latin, around much of Europe, meaning that several countries’ languages all come from the same language family. The other major Romance language families are Spanish, Italian, Romanian, and Portuguese.
Because of their connection to Latin, these languages have some similarities. Take the word “year,” for example. In French, it’s année; in Spanish, año; in Italian, anno; in Portuguese, ano; and in Romanian, an. Here’s another one: The word “family” translates to famille in French, familia in Spanish, famiglia in Italian, família in Portuguese, and familie in Romanian. There are lots of other similarities, too.
As you can see, knowing French may help you pick up some of the other Romance languages more easily, making you a polyglot in no time.
Learning French strengthens your brain, keeps your mind sharp, and connects you to vibrant cultures and professional networks. Studies show that bilingualism enhances memory, improves problem-solving skills, and increases mental agility, offering long-term benefits for cognitive function. Engaging with French challenges the brain, supporting lifelong learning and delaying age-related cognitive decline. By learning French, you’re not just acquiring a new language but investing in sharper, more resilient mental abilities for life.
By learning French, you’re joining a global community of over 300 million French speakers across continents. This connection opens up rich social and networking opportunities, from making friends in French-speaking regions to building strong relationships with colleagues in international workplaces. Whether you’re traveling, working, or simply exploring new cultures, speaking French allows you to connect more deeply with people worldwide and join a vibrant, diverse network.
Learning French can open doors to a range of study-abroad opportunities in France and other French-speaking countries, where many institutions offer world-class, affordable education. Studying in French-speaking regions not only provides access to prestigious universities but also enriches your experience by allowing full participation in the language and culture.
French is generally considered easier to learn for English speakers compared to many other languages, especially if you speak a Romance language already. It shares vocabulary and grammar roots with other Romance languages like Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
Reaching fluency in French typically takes around 600-750 hours of study, according to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), which classifies French as a Category I language, meaning it’s relatively easy for English speakers. With consistent practice, this translates to roughly 6-12 months of intensive study, or 1-2 years with a more relaxed learning pace. How long it takes to learn French realistically depends mainly on your commitment.
As you can see, it’s definitely worth it to start learning French. It will bring you a ton of benefits, both for business and pleasure. Knowing French can pave the way for international business opportunities, a deeper cultural appreciation, the ability to communicate with people around the world, and more meaningful travel experiences. So what are you waiting for?
