Why Learn French?

Myths and Misunderstandings About the Practicality of French

Those who grew up studying French in American schools during the past three decades or so were told time and again that learning Spanish was more advantageous, period. They were told Spanish would offer countless opportunities, while French would offer none. They were also told Spanish was far easier.

While Spanish is a wonderful language and learning it comes with many benefits (That is why it is now offered as a curriculum choice at the Arizona Language Schools), none of the above is inherently true.

Spanish grammar is sometimes simpler, and the accent is generally considered easier, but French gives English speakers a break in other areas, such as vocabulary. There also may be more jobs for Spanish speakers than French speakers, but there are more Spanish speakers, so supply and demand factors in as well.

Another idea heavy in the Western consciousness is that the French language is dying out. So many French people are learning English, and French is getting all cluttered up with English words! What’s even the point in learning French anymore, right?

Wrong.

One word: Africa. The majority of French speakers today are not living in France, and some key areas in which French is being spoken (African countries chief among these) are poised to gain importance on the world stage.

Also, those who complain about French being corrupted by English often neglect to mention that English owes nearly half its vocabulary to French, which brings to mind the proverb "plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose" (the more things change, the more they stay the same).

Still, things are changing, and it pays to think modern and global. Let’s explore the exciting reality of what French has to offer today.