FRENCH LANGUAGE

The French language, or “Français” in French, is a Romance language that originated in the region of France and is spoken as the official language of France and many other countries around the world. It is a prominent international language, used by millions of people as either a first or second language.

Learning French can be a rewarding experience, and it offers access to a vast cultural heritage and an opportunity to communicate with people from diverse regions around the globe. Whether you’re interested in literature, history, art, or international affairs, knowing French can open up many doors in both personal and professional settings.

In the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is a widely used standard for assessing language proficiency, A1 (Beginner) is the lowest level.

A1 Level

In this level learners are considered beginners with minimal or no previous knowledge of the language. At this stage, individuals can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases aimed at meeting immediate needs. They can introduce themselves and others, ask and answer simple questions about personal details, and interact in a basic way as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly. A1-level learners typically have a limited vocabulary and rely on simple sentences.

A2 (Elementary) level

At this level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), learners have progressed beyond absolute beginner status but are still considered at a basic level of proficiency in French. At the A2 level, individuals can:

  1. Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance (e.g., basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
  2. Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information.
  3. Describe aspects of their background, immediate environment, and matters related to their basic needs.
  4. Handle simple, routine interactions in a French-speaking environment, provided the other person is willing to speak slowly and clearly.

A2-level proficiency indicates a slightly more developed language skill compared to A1, with learners able to engage in basic conversations and navigate simple everyday situations.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a standardized system used to assess language proficiency in various languages, including French.

B1 level

This level in French represents an intermediate level of proficiency. At this level, a language learner is expected to be able to

  1. Understand the main points of clear, standard input on familiar matters encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
  2. Deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken.
  3. Produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
  4. Describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions, as well as briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

In summary, a B1 French language learner has a basic command of the language and can communicate effectively in everyday situations. The CEFR scale ranges from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient), with B1 falling in the intermediate range.