Discover the Best French Classes in Los Angeles
French is one of the most popular Romance languages and the fifth most used language in the world. French is the first language of over 97 million people, and it’s estimated that 120 million people are learning French in some capacity today. The language itself is rooted in Latin and can be traced back to the 9th century. It became more widely used thanks to its refined image as the language of the aristocracy in the 12th and 13th centuries. French was further spread throughout the world because France colonized regions in Africa and Southeast Asia.
Romance languages share vocabulary and some grammar rules, so French is often a second or third language of Italian, Spanish, and other Romance language speakers. English speakers also quickly recognize the grammar structure and some English vocabulary in French, which makes this an ideal language to learn for people who speak English as a first language too.
At one point French was the second most spoken language in Los Angeles. There was a large French colony in LA in the 19th and 20th centuries who had immigrated to the US, specifically California, because of its land that was ideal for vineyards, and the promise of the Gold Rush. This community opened restaurants and stores in what became known as Frenchtown. Unfortunately, the construction of Union Station in the 1930s destroyed both Frenchtown and the original Chinatown. Many Chinese immigrants and Chinese Americans were pushed toward Frenchtown, and the area became today’s Chinatown.
The influence of French immigrants on LA can still be seen. French Los Angeles is considered to start in Little Tokyo. You can see where French hotels, bakeries, and restaurants once stood in the area. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the French in LA, consider taking a local French class. Your instructor may be able to provide you with some history during your lessons.
Why You Should Learn French in Los Angeles
Learning a new language requires you to learn new vocabulary and grammar rules. This challenges your brain and can improve your memory. You’ll also improve your ability to communicate and your decision-making skills. When speaking a new language, your brain will work hard to understand how vocabulary and grammar work in particular contexts.
It’s believed that learning a second language as an older adult can slow the development of dementia. There’s a pervasive belief that adults can’t learn a new language, but this is a misconception. Because adults have wider vocabularies than children and understand how to study, learning a new language as an adult can be easier than you think.
French is the fifth most spoken language in the world and one of the most used languages online. Learning French will therefore give you the ability to communicate with more people. French is also one official language of the UN, NATO, and EU. Knowing French may help you understand the news better. Likewise, if you work for the federal government, being fluent in French may open you up to more career opportunities.
In-Person French Classes in Los Angeles
If you’d like to learn French in a formal setting, there are in-person French classes offered in and around Los Angeles. In-person classes are taught by fluent instructors who will guide you through lessons and encourage you to work on your confidence in speaking a new language. Taking an in-person class with others will also provide you with valuable speaking experience, which can help you work on pronunciation.
For anyone looking to take an introductory class, Coucou Los Angeles, located in Hollywood, offers an Intro to French class. You don’t need any prior experience with French to take this class. Content for this beginner-level class included basic vocabulary, simple phrases, and French pronunciation. This class can also serve as a crash course if you’re planning to travel to France or another francophone country.
Exercise enthusiasts might be interested in Coucou Los Angeles’ class, French Workout. An experienced instructor will guide you through exercises that are appropriate for your fitness level. As you exercise, you’ll learn French workout vocabulary. This high-energy, immersive learning method is a great way to make connections between what you’re doing and the language. This method has been shown to help with language retention.
If you have prior experience with French, Coucou Los Angeles also offers intermediate and advanced-level French classes. The advanced classes will help you master French grammar and the fluidity of your speech.
Virtual French Classes
If you can’t make an in-person French class, no worries. There are online French classes available to you on CourseHorse.
Online classes are a great option if there are no in-person classes scheduled near you, or if you can’t commute to an in-person class. If you have an interruption-free environment and a stable internet connection, you can take a virtual French class. Your class will be led by an expert instructor who will guide you through class content and provide you with feedback.
For anyone at the beginner level, Fluent City offers an online introductory French class. You’ll work on confidently speaking French with your classmates as you build on your foundational understanding of the language. Fluent City offers a series of French classes that you can work your way through. Once you’ve reached an intermediate-level understanding of French, sign up for their French Meetup. This class is aimed at making you comfortable speaking conversational French with intermediate and advanced speakers.
If you’re nervous about speaking French in front of a whole class, you can take a private French class. Before your first session, you’ll have a free 10-minute consultation with the instructor. They’ll assess your knowledge and discuss your goals for the class. The benefit of private classes is that you’ll receive one-on-one instruction and prompt feedback.
For a crash course in French, sign-up for ABC Languages’ Intro to French. This class is ideal for travelers and anyone trying to figure out if they’d like to commit to taking French classes.
Private Group French Classes in Los Angeles
Are you planning a trip to France with a group of friends? It’s always helpful to know the main language of a country when visiting. Your group can reach out to CourseHorse now to discover what online private French classes they can deliver to you.
You can contact CourseHorse through the contact form located on their website to discuss course options and other important information, like group size and goals your group has when taking a French class. CourseHorse accommodates both large and small groups. You can book a group with the minimum group size to hold your date, and then finalize your headcount later.
For an additional fee, you can book a 20-minute class demo. This will allow you to get an idea of how your French class will go. You can also pay an additional fee to customize your class. Common customizations include the inclusion of games to make the class more engaging and fun.
CourseHorse does not charge booking fees and allows free cancellations up to two weeks out from your class. Their classes can be taken using Zoom, Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, or WebEx. Zoom is the recommended platform.