If This Is French, Then What Did I Learn in School?

Abstract

Despite its emphasis on oral proficiency, the current teaching of French generally fails to take into account the changes that accompany the shift from the written language to its spoken form. The divergence can be so severe in the case of certain fundamental structures that it leads to critical gaps in oral communication. This article advocates at least some exposure to New French at all levels of study. We focus on the modifications most problematic for students and suggest ways to introduce them in the classroom.