Say Bonjour to French at the Alliance Francaise de Sarasota
Things To Do
SRQ DAILY THURSDAY FAMILY AND RECREATION EDITION
THURSDAY FEB 16, 2023 |
BY LAURA PAQUETTE
Hobbies, like learning a new language, represent an opportunity to learn, grow and push past the boundaries of one’s comfort zone. Since 1983, the Alliance Francaise de Sarasota, a chapter of the larger global Alliance Francaise, has opened the doors to the French language for countless students, helping them have fun while developing an exciting new skill.
The Alliance Francaise conducts classes and hosts events for Francophiles, from novices to native speakers. Beginner, intermediate and advanced courses offer a variety of choices to match learner needs. For those saying “bonjour” to the language, three beginner levels build a solid foundation based on studying grammar, pronunciation and other important elements of French, like verb conjugation. As students progress, they enhance their conversational skills. The intermediate and advanced courses focus on speaking and encouraging spirited class discussions. Depending upon the course level, students may choose to take it online via Zoom or in person.
Advanced students can partake in special thematic classes like the Un Certain Regard course, which will explore the work of four French female filmmakers. These courses offer learners a chance to explore the intersection of language and culture using real-life materials, such as films. Students seeking to prepare for the immersive experience of traveling to a Francophone country enjoy the French for Travelers entry-level course, which helps them create connections with locals while abroad.
While people often feel intimidated by new languages, Patricia Anderson, the president of the Alliance Francaise de Sarasota, says that “there’s no reason for students to feel intimidated, they just need go into it with an open mind.” Over the course of their studies, students become friends and bond over a shared enthusiasm for French. “We have many students who are visiting us from Canada that take our courses, then continue them with us online when they go back home,” Anderson adds.
The goal of fostering relationships between all French speakers and Francophiles also guides the events and programs hosted by the Alliance Francaise, including Zoom lectures, book clubs, conversation clubs, discounted outings to local performances of French theater and music and more. The monthly Apero, or French happy hour, allows Francophiles to mix and mingle together in English and French. Most of the events are exclusive for members, and membership is available for an affordable fee. In addition to special events, membership also provides access to an extensive physical library of French books and online resources updated on a regular basis by the global Alliance Francaise institution.
French learners benefit from their study of the language by becoming more global citizens. “Learning French makes you and your life more interesting,” says Anderson, passionate about the way that language learning expands students’ worldviews. “Not everyone in the world speaks English, and if you travel abroad and speak French, you never know what might happen,” she adds.
The Alliance Francaise de Sarasota welcomes all to enroll in their upcoming session, with new classes beginning as soon as next week. To get more information about courses, enroll or become a member, visit afsarasota.org. Alliance Francaise de Sarasota, 715 N. Washington Blvd., Ste. C, afsarasota.org.
Pictured: Madame Sandrine Berger leads a French class at the Alliance Francaise de Sarasota. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.
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