French 101 Documentation

French 101 Documentation Release 1 Kyann Brown, Alex Kirkpatrick, Justin Hovey December 14, 2016 Contents 1 The Alphabet - L’Alphabet 3 2 Com...
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French 101 Documentation Release 1

Kyann Brown, Alex Kirkpatrick, Justin Hovey

December 14, 2016

Contents

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The Alphabet - L’Alphabet

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2

Common Words

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Conversation Questions

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4

French Culture

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5

Directions and Advice

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6

Countries That Speak French

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Introductory Phrases

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8

French Numbers

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9

Places to Visit in France

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10 Traveling Tips

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11 Words to Know for Specific Locations

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Contents:

Contents

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Contents

CHAPTER 1

The Alphabet - L’Alphabet

The French alphabet consists of 26 letters. The letters are the same as they are in English, but they have a different pronunciation. Letter A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Name A Bé Cé Dé E Effe Gé Ache I Ji Ka Elle Emme Enne O Pé Qu Erre Esse Té U Vé Double Vé Ixe I Grec Zéde

Pronunciation ah beh seh deh euh eff zheh ahsh ee zhee kah ell em en oh peh kuh air ess tay ooh veh doo bleh veh eeks ee greks zed

1.1 Accents In the French language, there are five different accents. They are not different letters but could change the sound of the letter they are on. • The Aigu Accent ( ´ ) = This marking only appears on an e, and makes the ay sound

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• The Grave Accent ( ‘ ) = This mark can appear over any vowel but only alters the pronunciation of e. • The Circonflexe Accent ( ) = This accent does not change the sound of any letters but still must be included in writings. • The Cedilla (ç) = This accent is the little tail on the c, and only appears on this letter. It makes an s sound. • The Tréma = This mark is two little dots over the top of a vowel. When two vowels are put back to back, the Tréma means the second one should be pronounced separately.

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Chapter 1. The Alphabet - L’Alphabet

CHAPTER 2

Common Words

2.1 First person je nous tu vous il elle ils elles

I we you you he, it she they they

first person second person singular plural third person third person third person third person

2.2 French articles – le – the; him, it – la – the; her, it – l’ – the – les – the, them – au – at the, to the, in the – aux – (a+ les) of the – un – a, an, one – une – a, an, one – des – some, any – du – some/any – de la – some/any

2.3 Conjuctions – mais – but – ou – or

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– et – and – donc – thus, therefore – or – now, yet – ni – neither – car – for, because

2.4 Nouns un homme – man – noun – une femme – woman, wife – noun – le temps – weather, time, times – noun – la vie – life, lifetime, existence – noun – le jour – day, daytime – noun – personne – anyone, anybody – indefinite pronoun, noun – un père – father – noun – une fille – daughter, girl, gal – noun – le monde – world, people – noun – un ami – friend, friendly – noun, adjective – besoin – need, demand, necessity – noun – monsieur – gentleman, Mr. – noun – madame – madam, Mrs. – noun – enfant – child, infant – noun – mère – mother – noun – maman – mummy, mama, mom – noun – maison – house, home – noun – nuit – night – noun – peur – fear, fright – noun – problème – problem – noun – argent – silver, money – noun

2.5 Verbs – être – to be – avoir – to have – faire – to do, make – dire – to say, tell – aller – to go 6

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– voir – to see – savoir – to know – pouvoir – can, to be able to – falloir – to be necessary – vouloir – to want – devoir – to have to, must – venir – to come, occur – suivre – to follow – parler – to speak, talk – prendre – to take, get – croire – to believe, think – aimer – to love, like, be fond of – passer – to pass, go by, cross – penser – to think – laisser – to leave – arriver – to arrive – donner – to give, give away – regarder – to look at, watch – appeler – to call, ring – rester – to stay, remain

2.5. Verbs

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Chapter 2. Common Words

CHAPTER 3

Conversation Questions

3.1 Introduction Having trouble starting a conversation? No worries! This guide will help you so that native French speakers can at least start somewhere with you. Here are a couple ice-breakers to get you on your merry way! Comment ça va? How are you? Comment t’appelles-tu ? What’s your name? Quel âge as-tu? How old are you? Quand est ton anniversaire? When’s your birthday? Comment est ta soeur/frère ? How is your sister/brother? Comment sont tes parents ? How are your parents? Qu’est-ce que tu fais en hiver/été/automne/printemps ? What do you do in the winter/summer/fall/spring? Quelles musiques aimez-vous ? What music do you like? Quels sont tes films favoris ? What are your favorite films? Quelle est ta couleur préférée ? What is your favorite color? Need more help? Don’t hesitate to visit our other pages: Common Words Alphabet Conversation Questions Culture Directions French Speaking Countries Introductory Phrases Numbers Traveling Tips Words for Locations Pro tip: Don’t rely on Google translate. It’s usually inaccurate, and French people will have no idea what you’re trying to say if you translate word for word. Once you get a better understanding of the French language, you’ll understand why!

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Chapter 3. Conversation Questions

CHAPTER 4

French Culture

4.1 School Before university, children go to l’école maternelle (similar to preschool) and then l’école primaire from 3 to 5 years old and 6 to 10 years old. Then, children to go collége (a false cognate that actually means middle school) and then lycée (high school) from 11 to 14 years old and 15 to 18 years old. In France, unlike America, the school system is laïque which means no form of religion whatsoever. In the United States, however, schools must incorporate all religions. School is also mandatory but free. In France, like in the United States, there are also private schools, or des établissements privés. Unlike Americans, the French have to pass what’s called le baccalauréat in order to go to university. This is kind of like a diploma at the end of high school graduation. The difference? In America, we have a graduation ceremony; in France, they don’t. Once a student enters college, they choose une filière, or a major, in humanities (history, pschology, English, German, etc.), medicine or pharmacy, economic and social science, law or commerce and marketing. Students do not choose their courses. Campus life is also different. In France, people go to college solely for academics. In America, stress is placed more on the social aspect nowadays.

4.2 Food

Fig. 4.1: Crepe by Kyann Brown French cuisine is the country’s staple, and it’s become a world treasure. The French pride themselves in their food as it remains a prevalent part of their identity. Here are some popular foods that come from France:

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– crêpes – baguettes – coq au vin – chocolate mousse – èclair – crème brûlée – quiche – blanquette de veau – soupe à l’oignon – soupe de Poisson à la rouille – bœuf bourguignon

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Chapter 4. French Culture

CHAPTER 5

Directions and Advice

The four basic cardinal directions are: to the North au nord to the West à l’ouest

to the East à l’est to the South au sud

Other commonly used directions: À gauche to the Left

Tout droit Straight

À droite to the Right

5.1 Direction Questions There are many times that you may need to ask for directions. Some phrases that you should know: • Excusez-moi Excuse Me • s’il vous plaît Please • Où est ____ ? or Où se trouve ______ ? Where is ____ ? • Où puis-je trouver ______ ? Where can I find ______ ? There are many places that you could be looking for, and it is always a good idea to know what they are called beforehand. Here is a brief list of places, or things, you might be looking for. • l’aéroport - The airport • le métro - The metro, and underground train • l’hôtel - The hotel • restaurant - Restaurant • la banque - a bank

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• le musée - a museum • le cinéma - a movie theater • le théâtre - a theater • L’hôpital - the hospital • le commissariat - a police station • le W.C. - the bathroom • rue - Street • la carte - The map • un taxi - A taxi • la boîte de nuit - the dance club • le-centre ville - downtown • la bibliothèque - the library • la pharmacie - the pharmacy • le centre commercial - the mall (shopping center) You’ll want to be able to recognize these words on any signs you may come across: • Arrêtez Stop! • Attention Warning!

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Chapter 5. Directions and Advice

CHAPTER 6

Countries That Speak French

There are currently 29 countries that have French as an official language. Of these 29, there are 16 were it is a coofficial language, meaning it exists as the official language alongside another. The other 13 have French set as their only official language.

6.1 Countries • Belgium - Also has Dutch and German as official languages • Benin • Burkina Faso • Burundi - Also has English and Kirundi as official languages • Cameroon - Also has English as an official language • Canada - Also has English as an official language • Central African Republic - Also has Sango as an official language • Chad - Also has Arabic as an official language • Comoros - Also has Comorian and Arabic as official languages • Democratic Republic of the Congo • Djibouti - Also has Arabic as an official language • Equatorial Guinea - Also has Spanish and Portuguese as official languages • France • Gabon • Guinea • Haiti - Also has Haitian Creole as an official language • Ivory Coast • Luxembourg - Also has German and Luxembourgish as official languages • Madagascar - Also has Malagasy as an official language • Mali • Monaco

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• Niger • Republic of the Congo • Rwanda - Also has Kinyarwanda and English as official languages • Senegal • Seychelles - Also has English and Seychellois Creole as official languages • Switzerland - Also has German, Italian, and Romansh as official languages • Togo • Vanuatu - Also has Bislama and English as official languages

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Chapter 6. Countries That Speak French

CHAPTER 7

Introductory Phrases

Welcome to our introductory phrases guide! Beginning to learn a new language starts with the basics. These phrases are intended to help you start a conversation and break the ice should you find yourself in a foreign country that speaks French. Any comments or questions? Let us know.

7.1 Get Started Don’t be a stranger. Say hello! Bonjour Hello This phrase, when translated literally, means “good day.” It is a formal salutation used among strangers and acquaintances. It’s also a more respectful way of saying hello. For less formal greetings, you can use “salut” or “ça va.” Comment vous appelez-vous? What’s your name? The best way to ask someone his/her name is to use this phrase. It literally means “What do you call yourself?” Whomever you are speaking to will likely ask you the same question, so be prepared. Respond with “Je m’appelle ‘___.’ J’apprends le français mais je ne suis qu’un débutant. I’m learning French, but I’m only a beginner.

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When learning French as a second language, natives are usually understanding, as they adore (that’s French, for your information) an American accent. But they also love their language. To show that you’re at least attempting to speak their tongue, say that you’re trying but your level is not proficient. They’ll get a good chuckle out of it. Je ne comprends pas. I don’t understand. Admit it. You don’t know it all – especially when you’re just starting out. When learning French, it’s easier to read than to hear the language being spoken. If you don’t understand something, simply ask for the speaker to repeat him/herself by saying, “Pouvez-vous répéter s’il vous plaît ?” Est-ce que tu me comprends? Do you understand? Conversely, you are likely not to understand what the French native is saying because they are 1. speaking too fast or 2. using slang you might not be familiar with. Comment dit-on ‘___’ en français ? How do you say ‘___’ in French? Because English is so prevalent in Europe, there’s a considerable chance the person you are speaking to knows what you are trying to say. Or, if you’re with a French professor on a trip but you don’t want to break out into English just yet, ask for a hint. Pardon Sorry This is often used when interrupting a conversation to ask for help or bumping into someone. Qu’est-ce qui se passe? What’s happening? You’re in a new place. You’re in an entirely different culture. You don’t know what’s happening. No worries. Be in the know with this phrase. Other useful phrases: Je viens de... I come from... J’habite à... I live in...

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Chapter 7. Introductory Phrases

CHAPTER 8

French Numbers

8.1 Basic Numbers One of the basics that you need to know to speak French is their number system. This will be useful for getting directions with distance, house or hotel room numbers, as well as well asking for the price of souvenirs, food or tours. The first ten numbers in French, as well as zero, are: English Spelling Zero One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten

French Spelling zéro un deux trois quatre cinq six sept huit neuf dix

Number 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Further numbers that you should know would be the numbers between 0 and 100. Many numbers become a sum of their parts. For example, twenty one is 20 and one. Some strange numbers to be aware of for this pattern are 70, which is 60 and 10, 80, which is four 20’s, and 90, which is four 20’s and ten.

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English Spelling Eleven Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Fifteen Sixteen Seventeen Eighteen Nineteen Twenty Twenty One Thirty Forty Fifty Sixty Seventy Eighty Ninety One hundred One hundred and one Two hundred One thousand

French Spelling onze douze treize quatorze quinze seize dix-sept dix-huit dix-neuf vingt vingt et un trente quarante cinquante soixante soixante-dix quatre-vingts quatre-vingt-dix cent cent un deux cents mille

Number 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 101 200 1000

Most numbers become combinations of previous numbers that make sense when you see them. For example, 21 is vingt et un (twenty and one) and 31 is trente et un (thirty and one). There are some interesting phrasings in the French numbers, specifically 70, 80, and 90. 70 is soixante-dix, which translates to sixty-ten. 80 is quatre-vingts, which is four-twenties and 90 is quatre-vingt-dix, or four-twenties-ten. However, the good new is that once you know these, the numbers above follow the standard number names - for example, 81 is quatre-vingts un (eighty one). For 70 and 90, instead of 10, use the -teen number that would be appropriate, ie. 92 is quatre-vingt-douze, or four-twenty twelve or eighty twelve. For audio pronunciation of these numbers and more: Quizlet

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Chapter 8. French Numbers

CHAPTER 9

Places to Visit in France

There are several places that you will want to visit when or if you go to France.

9.1 The top Four Places to Visit: • The Eiffel Tower, Paris - The Eiffel Tower, built in 1887 - 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, is one of the most well-known monument in France. The tallest structure in Paris, and the second tallest in France, the Eiffel Tower offers an amazing view from the third level, which can be accessed either by stairs or elevator.

Fig. 9.1: Eiffel Tower, by Kyann Brown • The Arc de Triomphe, Paris - The Arc de Triomphe, at almost 200 years old, was built to honor the soldiers who fought for France, especially those that fought during the Napoleonic Wars. The Arc de Triomphe also holds the Memorial Flame, which has remained burning since it was first lit on November 11, 1923, 93 years as of this November.

Fig. 9.2: Arc de Triomphe, by Kyann Brown • The Louvre, Paris - The Louvre is the world’s largest museum and is located in Paris, France. Several key items to see in the Louvre include the Mona Lisa painting, the Venus de Milo statue, the Great Sphinx of Tanis, and the Liberty Leading the People painting.

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Fig. 9.3: Louvre, by Kyann Brown

Fig. 9.4: Mona Lisa, by Kyann Brown • The Pont Saint-Bénézet, Avignon - Also known as the Pont d’Avignon, it is almost a thousand year old medieval bridge that connects Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and Avignon. The bridge was used as inspiration for the Sur le pont d’Avignon song, and is also considered a landmark of Avignon.

Fig. 9.5: Venus de Milo, by Kyann Brown 22

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Fig. 9.6: Great Sphinx of Tanis, by Kyann Brown

Fig. 9.7: Pont d’Avignon by Alex Kirkpatrick

9.1. The top Four Places to Visit:

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Chapter 9. Places to Visit in France

CHAPTER 10

Traveling Tips

Traveling can be intimidating, especially if it’s to a new country and one that speaks a language you do not. Below are some tips on how to go about your trip, guide you, keep you aware, and help you have the best time possible. Some of these are broad travel recommendations, while others are specific to taking a trip to France.

10.1 10 things to keep in mind while traveling 1. Keep extra cash on you, hidden, in case of any sort of emergency. 2. Distribute the money you do have between different spots and pockets. 3. If you are bringing a laptop, smartphone, or other electronic device, backup the files. 4. Keep an eye out for sketchy or potentially dangerous situations, but don’t let that become the focus of your trip. 5. Don’t over plan, leave time for exploring 6. Get travel insurance, as eventually (especially if you are doing a lot of traveling) something bad will happen. 7. Walk between places and be open to diversions. 8. In France, to call for an emergency, call 112 (the European equivalent to 911). Or call 15 for an ambulance and medical help, and 17 for police. 9. Be aware that in Europe, dates are written Day/Month/Year, and they use a 24-hour clock. 10. Be careful of what you use free, public Wi-Fi for.

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Chapter 10. Traveling Tips

CHAPTER 11

Words to Know for Specific Locations

When traveling, you may want to know words related to the location you are in. Places such as museums, restaurants, or airports all have words specific to them that you’ll want to learn in order to navigate the location successfully. There are many more to learn, but here are a few to get you started. To learn more French, please check out our other pages such as Common Words or Introductory Phrases. The italics words are in French.

Fig. 11.1: A Museum, by Kyann Brown

11.1 Museum - Musée • Art Gallery - Galerie d’art • Artwork - Oeuvre • Artist - Artiste • Statue - Statue • Map - Carte • Study - Étude • Book - Livre • Tour - Tour • Display - Afficher

11.2 Restaurant - Restaurant • Food - Nourriture • Meal - Repas

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• Dinner - Dîner • Lunch - Le Déjeuner • Menu - Le Menu • Drink - Boisson • Water - Eau • Bathroom - Salle de Bains • Table - Table • Chair - Chaise • Cost - Coût • Thank You - Je Vous Remercie

11.3 Airport - Aéroport • Plane - Avion • Air - Air • Landing - Atterrissage • Take off - Décoller • Bag - Sac • Luggage - Baggage • Time - Temps • Arrival - Arrivée • Escalator - Escalier Mécanique

11.4 Store - Boutique • Money - Argent • Clothes - Vêtements • Shirt - Chemise • Pants or Trousers - Pantalon • Shoes - Chaussures • Cash Register - Caisse Enregistreuse

11.5 Hotel - Un Hôtel • Room - Chambre • Bed - Lit • Pillow - Oreiller 28

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• Television - Télévison • Breakfast - Déjeuner • Elevator - Ascenseur • Stairs - Escaliers

11.6 On The Streets • Car - Voiture • Road - Route • Street - Rue • Travel - Voyager • Bicycle - Bicyclette • Building - Bâtiment Welcome to French 101, the site that will give you a quick introduction to the French language, as well as culture and travel advice! For those new to this site, or to the French language in general, the best pages to start on would be the Alphabet page and the Number pages. These pages help with the basics sounds of the French language, and basic and more complex numbers. For those who already know some of the basics of the French language, the Conversations, Common Words or Introductory Phrases pages would be a great place to begin. These pages will cover different aspects of general conversations. If you are looking for some travel advice, check out the Places to Visit or Traveling Tips pages. You may also want to look at the Directions and Advice or Specific Locations pages, so that you can confidently ask for help finding where you are going next, or to find the nearest restroom, hotel, or airport. If you are looking for French culture, such as schools, differences in the way of life, and foods, then you should try the Culture page. Or if you are looking for other countries that you could visit that also speak French, try the French Speaking Countries page. These are countries that have French listed as their, or one of their, official language(s).

11.6. On The Streets

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