Why take French?
1-Knowing French will allow you to compete in the global economy. It will increase your job opportunities and salary potential.
Knowledge of a second language is essential in over 60 occupations. Think about the many job opportunities with the airlines, import-export companies, and other international businesses. In addition, when you know French, you could become a French teacher, an interpreter, or a translator.
2- Studying French increases your appreciation of other people and their cultures.
French is spoken by 200 million people in over 55 countries around the world.
3- Knowing French will help improve your vocabulary in English.
Over 50% of English vocabulary comes from French. The study of French also enhances your grammar skills in English, which will improve your scores on the verbal section of the SAT and the ACT.
4- Learning a new language develops your critical and creative thinking skills.
It will also increase your problem-solving skills and improve your memory, self-discipline, and self-esteem.
5- Proficiency in French will significantly improve your chances of being accepted to a university and graduate school.
In many scientific fields at the graduate level, most American institutions require a reading knowledge of French or German in order for scholars to be able to conduct research. France continues to be a leader and innovator in science and technology. Civil engineering (the Chunnel and the TGV), space/aeronautics (the Concorde and the Ariane rocket), medical technologies (isolation of the HIV virus), and telecommunications are just a few areas in which the French play an important role.
6- Using French enhances your travel abroad to Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa, and also opens up unlimited electronic communication opportunities.
France is the second most visited tourist destination in the world. Paris was recently named by Fortune Magazine as one of the top “global cities.” When you speak French, you can be an educated tourist, ask for directions, order food correctly, get your own hotel room, or tell a French friend about the United States. The Internet, Facebook, YouTube, etc, provide a rich resource for polishing your French skills.
7- French is the language of culture, opening your door to art, music, dance, cuisine, cinema, and fashion.
France is one of the most prolific producers of international films. When you understand French, you don’t have to rely on subtitles to enjoy a French film. Art exhibits in U.S. museums often showcase French masterpieces such as Monet, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Degas. Cordon Bleu cooking schools are expanding throughout the USA. Haute couture continues to be centralized in Paris (i.e. Chanel, YSL, Louis Vuitton , Jean Paul Gaulthier, and Marc Jacobs.
8- French is the language of many great literary masterpieces.
People around the world are familiar with Les Misérables, The Three Musketeers, 20,000 Leagues under the Sea, The Little Prince, and The Stranger. In fact, France has won more Nobel prizes for literature than any other country. The French are also admired for their great writers/philosophers, such as Descartes and Pascal, Rousseau, Voltaire, Camus, Sartre, and Hugo, among many others. When you read French, you can enjoy these works and authors in the original version.