Learning French

Language Classes

In consonance with its mission to promote French language and culture, the majority of the Alliances Françaises in the United States provide French language classes for their members. Smaller AFs may offer only conversation hours or Saturday classes for children. Larger AFs generally have a broad range of offerings.

Adult Classes

    AF French classes follow the teaching philosophy of the Alliance Française in Paris with its focus on learning to use the language, rather than learning about the language.

Alliance Française Teaching Philosophy The teaching philosophy of the Alliance Française is based on the following precepts:
  • Classes are taught in French using the "direct method" - that is, the entire class period is an immersion experience in the French language.
  • Emphasis from the outset is on interpersonal communication - that is, students are encouraged to express themselves in French. Grammar is a tool, but not a goal.
  • Teachers are native speakers of French, from France or French-speaking areas of the world. Therefore, students are always in contact with authentic French and excellent pronunciation.

    • Most language classes use teaching materials developed in France for the teaching of French as a foreign language. These usually include audio CDs for home study as well as contemporary video segments which present the new language in its cultural context.

    Students are placed according to level in beginning, intermediate and advanced French classes. The emphasis is always on making the acquisition of French an enjoyable and enriching experience.

    Children's Classes The nature and structure of children's classes varies greatly from Alliance to Alliance but all follow the same basic philosophy.
    Young children, as research shows, have the mental flexibility to acquire a new language with a native or near-native accent, provided that they have native teachers as models. At the same time, children have a rather short attention span and learn best when they are actively involved in physical activities.

    The teaching philosophy of the Alliance Française children's classes is based on the following precepts:
  • Classes are taught in French using songs, stories, and movement - that is, the entire class period is an immersion experience in the French language.
  • Emphasis from the outset is on comprehension - that is, students are encouraged to participate by interacting with stories, performing hand movements with songs, and acting out commands, for example, in games like "Jacques a dit..." (Simon Says).
  • Classes are structured to include a variety of activities so that the children are constantly stimulated and alert. For children to become engaged, classes must be fun and fast moving.
  • Activities are selected to appeal to different learning styles: listening to stories, coloring pictures, manipulating objects, mimicking and acting out songs, playing language games, identifying flash cards, and (for older children) learning to read and write.
  • Teachers are native or near-native speakers of French who enjoy working with children. This means that the children are always in contact with authentic French and excellent pronunciation, presented in a warm participatory environment.
    • Children's classes incorporate a wide variety of teaching materials ranging from songs and stories to flash cards, puppets, and art projects. Older children use age-appropriate French textbooks and worksheets.

    The local environment often determines the nature of the children's classes.

    Among the more common options are:
  • Saturday classes for children, divided by age group.
  • Saturday classes for parents and toddlers.
  • Late afternoon classes at the AF or an off-site location.
  • Classes taught by AF teachers at a local school or pre-school as part of an enrichment program.
    • Some Alliance Française chapters organize summer children's camps. During these "immersion weeks" all activities are conducted in French.

    Other AF Language Offerings     In addition to traditional language classes, the Alliances Françaises in the United States offer a broad variety of French courses which vary greatly from chapter to chapter. AF language offerings may include the following:

    Theme classes These are advanced language classes on specific topics, such as:
  • Business French
  • Contemporary France
  • French literature
  • French history
  • French cinema
  • Pronunciation
  • French cooking
  • Yoga in French
  • Acting in French

    • Conversation hours and reading groups
      Alliance Française chapters of all sizes often organize conversation hours and/or reading groups for their members.

    Immersion days
      On AF immersion days, students spend an entire Saturday speaking only French. Activities and themes vary according to the linguistic level and the interests of the participants. Food usually has a French flair: coffee and croissants in the morning, a light French lunch, and perhaps a wine and cheese reception at the end of the day.

    Teacher workshops
      Some AFs organize day-long workshops for local French teachers. These immersion days often include language activities, cultural information, and pedagogical presentations. They may be co-sponsored by the local chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French and may carry "points" or credits for on-going state certification.

    Private lessons
      Most AFs offer their members private lessons with native-speaker teachers.

    Off-site classes
      Some AFs have arrangements with business or local associations to offer French lessons for their employees. These lessons are usually given at the client's workplace. Several AFs have satellite locations in a library, community center, or other rented space.

    ESL for francophones
      Some AFs offer instruction in English as a Second Language to French speakers in their community. The clients are often newly-arrived French citizens who want to improve their English skills and learn about local American culture. Teachers are native speakers of English who are also competent in French.