French Facts
Along with English, French is the most-used language in the European Commission
Once the most universal language in the world, the influence of French diminished in the early 20th century to make way for English
It is the official language of 41 countries, most of which form the community of French-speaking nations the French call La Francophonie
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Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695) est sans aucun doute lauteur de fables le plus connu en France. Parmi ses 243 uvres, on peut citer: "La Cigale et La Fourmi", "Le Lièvre et la Tortue", "Le Rat des Villes et Le Rat des Champs" ou encore "Le Corbeau et Le Renard".
Les fables de La Fontaine fascinent et amusent à la fois, et font le bonheur des petits comme des grands. Elles sont ancrées dans l’éducation : pas un écolier ne passe sa scolarité sans réciter une fable de La Fontaine.
Les fables de La Fontaine mettent en scène des personnages, animaux ou plantes caractéristiques, qui ont bien souvent des attitudes caricaturées.
Chaque fable est accompagnée d’une morale, c’est à dire une vérité universelle ou un conseil dicté par le bon sens. Par la morale, l’auteur s’appuit sur l’expérience et l’autorité des anciens pour affirmer ses intentions éducatives auprès des plus jeunes et des moins expérimentés.
La fable est le corps, la morale est l’âme.
Maître Corbeau, sur un arbre perché,
Tenait en son bec un fromage.
Our native-speaking qualified French teachers can guide you and your group at your work or at home, at a time convenient to you. Classes can take place on any day of the week - even weekends - morning, afternoon or evening. If needs be, if meeting at your office or home is not suitable, you can take your lessons at the trainer's office. Study materials are supplied for you.
Book now / EnquiryThose who would benefit the most from these French tutorials are those who feel they need to learn French to help them out in their business lives. For starters, learning salutations and business etiquette is integral; once these have been practiced then reading and writing courses can start. Typical studiers have been those involved in international import/export, negotiations and acquisitions, those in multinational companies requiring another language, and those working in any way with international governments and relevant administration. Just our simplest course for beginners will have students finishing the lessons with basic telephone and e-mail French, as well as survival French should a visit to the country be necessary.
Book now / EnquiryFrench courses of this type are broader and are aimed towards students with a variety of requirements. While all beginner level students will cover survival French - needed for short visits to countries where English isn't widely spoken, or if you wish to 'go local'; those studying French usually go in different directions at this point, depending on what they need. Those who have benefitted from these French classes have been those investing in or buying property overseas, those married to overseas nationals, people setting off on a round-the-world trip, enthusiasts in French culture, and those enthusiastic to pass a specific exam in French.
Book now / EnquiryCourses in French are also accessible for 2 or more studying in tandem (Two-to-One French Course or Small Group In-Company French Course). All those involved must have around the same experience of the language, similar needs of areas of proficiency, and must be able to work at the same time and place. Bookings must be made for all students at the same time. Listen & Learn do not advise classes of more than 6-8 people, although In-Company Taster French sessions can be run with as many as 12 people.
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York
A city in North Yorkshire with a population of around 140,000, York's economy is based mostly on tourism, science and service-based industries - a far cry from its position as a chocolate manufacturer and railway town up until the middle of the 20th century. However, the city is still home to the headquarters of several confectionary brands: Nestlé Rowntree, who create the KitKat, Smarties and eponymous "Yorkie" bar, and up until recently, Terry's chocolate factory. The city also has many historical points of interest: featuring many museums and a veritable plethora of churches and pubs, some of which date back to the medieval period.
French Testimonials
"Our native speaker qualified French language teachers can train you and your colleagues at your office or home at a time to suit you. Classes can be any day of the week (even weekends) in the morning."