Learning Languages In France!

FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN MY COUNTRY - FRANCE

Introduction

The purpose of this report is to comment on the way that foreign languages are taught in France and to recommend changes that could improve learning.

The languages learned in France

As far as I know, three foreign languages are systematically taught from middle-school onwards. Every student has to choose two languages English, German or Spanish. In some academies, they also have the possibility to choose Italian, Arabic, Chinese and so on, but all of them are optional and not very popular. Most of the time, the only people interested in learning a new language are students, not only because they have to but also because they want to. They need languages to find an international job or to apply to good universities.

Where the languages are studied

These languages used to be studied at school. However, nowadays, we can notice that students are increasingly deciding to live, for at least 6 months, in another country with the intention of improving their language skills. This seems to prove that the education system in France is not performing strongly enough for them to acquire a good level in the languages they study.

Recommended changes

Firstly, I strongly recommend reducing the number of students in a foreign language class to have more time to practise speaking skills. Furthermore, I would suggest reviewing the entire learning process which does not seem to match students’ expectations. Finally, I would increase exchanges with foreign students. This would have the effect of boosting student’s levels in foreign languages.