Following on from our last blog post about tips for making languages easier to learn, today we’re going to be visiting several of the top ten easiest languages for English speakers to learn. Just think – if you choose one of these languages and then apply the tips we offered earlier in the last post, you could be holding conversations in your language of choice in no time!
‘Amelie’ To Go To Broadway
The highly acclaimed French language film ‘Amelie’ is to be adapted as a musical for the stage and brought to Broadway in New York. The 2001 film starring French actress Audrey Tautou tells the story of a waitress in Paris who sets out to make it her mission to make other people happy.
Bilingualism Is In Decline In Canada
Bilingualism is in decline in Canada. Canada has always had a strong stance when it comes to ensuring that both French and English are spoken by its inhabitants. French and English have been the two official languages in Canada since 1969. According to the country’s statistics agency, bilingualism in the Francophone province has increased slightly during recent years. This could partly be due to the increase in the number of immigrants who moved into this area. However, the number of Canadians who can hold a conversation in both French and English has declined for the first time in 50 years, outside Quebec.
Huge Success For French Movies … In Britain
Attendance for French language and French-made movies rose dramatically last year … in Britain. It seems that us Brits just can’t get enough of all films French which is proving a huge boost to the French cinema industry. Unifrance, which promotes French films overseas, says that the rise in attendance for French films in the UK is not down to just one film but to several films and a growing appetite for French films, in the UK.
Graphology And The French
Graphology, or the analysis of handwriting, is still used widely by companies in France during the recruitment process of potential employees. In addition to the CV, personality tests and the interview, a potential candidate also has their handwriting analysed by professional graphologists. It is thought that a combination of these give a clear picture about the candidate and whether they are right for the job.
Journée Internationale de la Francophonie – 20th March
With over 200 million French-speakers around the world, International Francophonie Day or Journée Internationale de la Francophonie, is a great chance to shout out about the French language! Every year on the 20th March, this day celebrates and promotes cultural diversity and the French language. Events take place around the world to encourage people to learn the French language further and to champion its culture with concerts, exhibitions, talks and forums.
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New Year Review! BBC Active Quickstart French
Going to France this year? Or, another French-speaking country? We asked one of our volunteer reviewers, Becky Delalandre, to review the BBC Active Quickstart French language course. Becky had some knowledge of the French language from her school days but wanted to brush up on her skills to help her feel more confident speaking French during trips to France. So, we introduced her to the BBC Active Quickstart French language course and, this is what she had to say>>
BBC Active Quickstart French Language Course Review
An independent language advantage course review by Becky Delalandre – Worcester, UK
I have some knowledge of the French language from school and I also did a recreational GCSE French course around 8 years ago. I wanted to brush up on my skills and to gain confidence to speak more French while in France. I tried the BBC Active Quickstart French language course and think that it is good value for money at £13.99. As a beginner, I found the course easy to follow. Each section used reflective learning methods where a conversation took place in French, after an introduction in English. This conversation was then broken down into multiple sections and there was time for you to repeat each sentence and to answer the questions relating to the phrases.
WE LOVE MUZZY! Muzzy Review Coming Soon!
We love Muzzy. We really do and it seems that so do many of you as the famous BBC Muzzy is still one of the best and most innovative language courses for kids on the market today.
Just put on the DVD and see your young kids captivated by their new language. This could be the most important gift you ever give your child. And, what’s more, we have a young mum trying out this BBC muzzy course on her two little boys as we speak. Her review will be coming soon!
Le Quatorze Juillet
Bastille Day, known in French as le quatorze juillet or Fête Nationale, is a French National holiday held on the 14 July each year. It was on this day in 1789 when hundreds of Parisians stormed the Bastille Prison in Paris starting the French Revolution and bringing about the end of the monarchy. [Read more…]