Imagine that you have been practicing your French in Canada and think about going to France soon. But you want to know if what you have learned is enough. Is it easy to make yourself understood with your Canadian French? Will you be able to understand a conversation in European French? Will you be able to adapt to European French if you learn Canadian French? Let's find out together!
Although French is one of the official languages of Canada, this language will vary depending on the country and the region where it is spoken. Being an ex-pat in a country where the currency is different, where the social rules are different, and where the system works differently could be a significant challenge. However, although the French of France and the Canadian vary in pronunciation, vocabulary, accent, and expressions, the truth is that both share the same grammatical structure.
Perhaps at first, it will not be easy to understand a word of French French on the street, but we assure you that having a base of French and knowledge of its grammar rules will make your life easier. For example, understanding the directions on the street or in the subway will not be a problem for you. Also, it will be easier for you to understand all the paperwork and written procedures that must be done to survive in French territory. Remember that having the experience of living in another country will always bring you great personal rewards and even more so if you can identify different types of French in the end. Cheer up! What is life if you don't take risks?
Differences between French Canadian and European French
Canadian French differs from European French primarily in vocabulary, pronunciation, idioms, cultural references, and expressions. We could say that Canadian French is as different from European French as Canadian English is from British English. It is not that you will not understand any of the European French when you speak Quebecois; however, both have significant differences. However, although they are usually quite different, if you read a paragraph in French, it will be challenging to determine if the author is Canadian or French.
Let's get to know some of their differences!
- Pronunciation: We find different accents and intonations between Canadian and European French. Its nasal sounds characterize European French. But Quebecois French is much more nasal in vowel sounds than European French. Believe it or not! For example, the pronunciation of personal pronouns is also different. "Je suis" (I am) in France is pronounced as "Je suì", while in Quebec, it is pronounced like "Y scui".
- Formality: European French uses VOUS while talking to work colleagues, superiors, and older people. But also in France, especially in Paris, you have to refer to any person you don't know through VOUS, even if they may seem the same age as you. In Canada, people generally prefer a more horizontal relationship, so the TU is more common. As a recommendation, you should always wait for the other person to tell you if they prefer you to refer them to VOUS or TU.
- Vocabulary: Of course, we could not fail to mention that vocabulary is one of the most different factors between both types of French. For example, the word "car" is said, "voiture" in European French and "char" in Canadian French. Even in this example, you can see that "char" is very similar to "car," showing the significant influence that English also has on Canadian French. Just a coincidence? We don't think so!
Get to know some European French expressions.
Below you will find some expressions of the French of France that we consider curious and will help you get along better with French from France:
- "Coup de foudre": This expression is used when you fall in love with someone at first sight.
- "Avoir la pêche or la patate": is used to say someone is happy and full of energy.
- "Prendre la tête": when something or someone is irritating you or when you can't wait to be done with it.
- "En avoir marre": when you've had enough of a situation.
- "Avoir du pain sur la planche" means you have much to do.
Would you like to study in France?
If one of your dreams is to study in France, perhaps it is a good idea to focus on finding the best study program in French. Now, if French is not your mother tongue and you have been studying it for a while, you can even find taught programs in both English and French. Immersion in a different culture will always be the best way to acquire language skills quickly. Remember that there are many possibilities, but you just need to find the right path for what you are looking for.
To discover all the programs in French that France offers, we recommend you visit the Campus France site. As you have undoubtedly heard, Campus France is the only operator at the service of promoting French higher education and welcoming international students.
On the website, you will find a catalog with more than 1600 study programs from which you can choose the degree level you are looking for: undergraduate education, master's degree, MBA, short and professional courses, or even summer courses. Campus France offers degrees in various fields such as Business and Administration, Sciences, Agriculture, Mathematics, Engineering, Law, Economics, Humanities, Architecture, Arts, Design, and Fashion.
It's important to remember that the French education system is often different from the Canadian education system. If you want to recognize your academic and professional degrees, we recommend you visit the ENIC NARIC page. Here you can obtain a certification of recognition of your Canadian diploma that you can use to apply to any French university and continue your studies. Are you ready to give it a shot?
Improve your French in France!
Are you already thinking of studying in France? Are you dying to eat your croissant with your jus d'orange during your petit dejeuner every morning? If so, we recommend that you immerse yourself in the grammar of the French language and improve your oral expression as soon as possible! The more French skills you have, the better off you will be, even if you have learned French Canadian. Learning a language will always be a gratifying experience, but studying the French language or a degree in France will make your understanding much more straightforward.
In Canada and France, you can improve your French with the Alliance Française, which are private institutions teaching French as a foreign language, through FLE (Français langue étrangère) programs.
Another superb and friendlier option to practice French in France is the Cours d'Adultes de Paris which offers a wide variety of language courses aimed at foreigners and all levels (A1 to advanced levels). You will also find how to prepare for DELF and DALF certification and even plastic arts workshops. Now you have no excuse not to improve your French!
Brush up your French skills ASAP!
If you want to improve your French as soon as possible, have you not thought about looking for a private teacher? With a private tutor, you can make rapid progress in French and develop a good foundation of grammar that will always be of great use in France. You could even find an expert teacher from France and start getting familiar with European French expressions, pronunciation, and accents.
And do you know where to find the best private tutors? Find the best private teachers worldwide and where you can find excellent private classes to improve your European French, Canadian French, Mandarin Chinese, and even Russian! Nothing more and nothing less than with Superprof!
Superprof's private tutoring will be able to help you with any difficulties you have with the language, such as its conjugations, which are complex both in Quebec and in Paris. Find the best French teacher through Superprof!
How does Superprof work?
But the most important of all, how exactly does Superprof work?
- First, go to the official Superprof website and type that you want to learn "French."
- Enter your address or the Canadian province you live in.
- Select if you want face-to-face lessons or online classes.
- You will have access to thousands of French tutors located all over Canada!
- Visit each tutor's profile on the platform and verify that they match what you are looking for. Such as professional and academic experience, which level of French they taught, and what they expect from you!
- To choose the perfect tutor, you can check other students' opinions about each tutor and make the right decision.
- Select your ideal teacher, and don't forget to book a class!
- Enjoy your French learning journey, and be ready to conquer France!
Find the best French teacher in Canada with Superprof! Are you ready to start? Get the best French online courses in Canada!
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