Back to School: French Class

School is starting again - time to start dusting off your old French notes and figuring out whatever happened to that beat-up old dictionary. To help you get back into the French mood - pun intended - here are some pages of general information about French, lessons, online resources, and recommended tools and supplies. Whether you need to start thinking about a formal evaluation of your French level, figuring out what kind of job you can use your French in, or upgrading to a bigger dictionary, this page has everything you need to get back into French.

French Proficiency Test
See where you stand with this test on French vocabulary and grammar.

Introduction to French
If you've ever wondered where French came from and how it fits in with other languages, or what exactly a Romance language is, here is some basic information.

What is French?
How many French speakers are there? Where is French spoken? In which international organizations is French an official language? Read this introduction to some facts and figures about the French language.

Why learn French
There are all kinds of reasons to learn a foreign language in general, and French in particular.

Spanish is Easier than French... Not!
There is a common myth among English speakers that Spanish is much easier to learn than French. When asked for more information, perpetrators of this urban legend invariably mention how difficult French pronunciation and spelling are, in comparison to Spanish. While there is some truth to this, there are also things in Spanish that are more difficult than French. Read this detailed comparison and decide for yourself.

French in English
The English language has been shaped by a number of other languages over the centuries, but a lot of people don't realize how much the French language has influenced English vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar.

Jobs Using French (or other languages)
Do you love language and know that you'd like to find a job where you can use it, but aren't quite sure what that job might be? Read this introduction to some of the many jobs to consider.

What is Fluency?
One of the questions that I get asked all the time is "How long will it take me to speak French fluently?" Unfortunately, the answer to this question is difficult for several reasons. Read this article to learn the "what, where, when, and why" of fluency.


French Lessons and Tips

Accents
There are four different meanings of "accent" which are relevant to anyone studying French: the accent marks on letters, non-native accents, regional accents, and the accentuation of French words. This page on French accents includes links to resources pertaining to all of these meanings.

Audio Lab
Is your French ear rusty? Get it back into shape with some French sound files.

Beginning French
Everything for the beginning French student: French grammar, vocabulary, verb, and pronunciation (with sound) lessons; study tips; practice ideas; and other helpful information.

Daily French
Daily practice is the key to rapid improvement.

Dictionaries
Save money by using online dictionaries and word lists! They're free and they come in all shapes, sizes, and varieties. Check this page for French monolingual, bilingual, specialized, and slang dictionaries.

Differences between French and English
Introduction to some of the key differences between French and English.

Find it!
Find lessons and articles on every aspect of French with these resources: indices, Q+A, search help, and more.

French Class Phrases
Use more French in the classroom: here is a list of essential words and phrases related to comprehension and typical classroom requests, with sound files.

French Toolbar
Install this free French toolbar in your internet browser for easy access to useful French tools like the verb conjugator, a French dictionary, and codes for typing accents.

Homework Help
Resources to help you with your French homework: lessons, links, quizzes, and activities to help you learn, practice, remember, and use French.

Learn French
Learn French basics in 7 days with this e-course.

Learn French Fast
Tips on making the most of your French studies. These techniques will make your language study more efficient and thus help you to learn French more quickly.

Proofreading and Editing Tips
Whether you're checking over homework, proofreading a paper, or verifying a translation, there are certain key problem areas to watch out for, often caused by differences between French and English.

Teaching Resources
An extensive assortment of tools for French teachers, including general and specific information about the French language, teaching tools, games, project ideas, and more.
 

French Tools and Supplies
~ Beginning French tools ~ Intermediate tools ~ Advanced French tools ~ French learning software ~ Beginning French readers ~ Kids' French ~ French verb books ~ French verb conjugator ~ French verb deconjugator ~ French subjunctivator	~ French audio tools ~ French grammar books ~ French teachers' tools ~ French browser toolbar ~ Choosing a French dictionary ~ Bilingual dictionaries ~ Monolingual dictionaries ~ French dictionary software ~ French translators' tools ~ Online French translator
Fun Stuff
* Books: French Culture * Books: Fiction Set in France * Books: Non-Fiction about French + France * Books: French Slang	* Books: French Food * French Travel Guides * Movies: Comedy * Movies: Romantic