FRENCH - VIVE LE FRANçAIS!

More than 200 million people speak French throughout the world. French is, after English, one of the most popular additional languages people seek to learn.

What is the value, for an adolescent learner, of studying and speaking French in the 21^st century?

Many countries in Africa which have important commercial, business and diplomatic links with South Africa use French as their medium of communication. There is currently a school of thought in the South African business community which feels very strongly that studying French at secondary school should be regarded as a matter of high priority as an inability to converse in French is often an impediment to meaningful progress when doing business in Africa.

Besides business opportunities, French is useful for a career in medicine, the South African Diplomatic Service, technology, research of any kind and all sectors of the tourism and hospitality sector.

However, besides these practical aspects, the study of French has other advantages for a keen learner. There is an appreciation and joy as one begins to master this beautiful language with its rich literature and centuries of interesting and challenging philosophies! Most important of all perhaps is the gradual development of critical intellectual skills as well as tolerance of others, both qualities much needed in South Africa and the world today.

Approach and Methodology

From the first day we try to speak as much French as possible in our classes and those learners who persist and try are soon rewarded by being able to have a fairly substantial conversation about themselves in French!

Most of our work is text-based so that language is not studied in isolation and our learners are able to apply skills we teach them; application skills are highly prized once one leaves school.

From Grade 10 on, French learners are encouraged to take the internationally recognised DELF examination which is set and monitored by the French government. We have noticed this gives them a sense that French is 'real' and of value in their world.

So, why study French?

In the global village where linguistic diversity is prized and valued, speaking French can only be a regarded as yet another advantage and stepping stone to success for our young people, the hope of the future.

Marianne Scholtz
Head of Subject: French
January 2009