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Fast Facts

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  • Over 76 million native speakers worldwide
  • One of the United Nations Official Languages
  • Official language in 32 countries.
  • In the U.S., French is the number four native language and the second most taught second language after Spanish.
  • About 170,000 native French speakers in New England, with the greatest population density in Aroostook County, Maine.

Essential Learning Targets

CULTURES
Is skilled at identifying countries and regions in which the target language is spoken. (8)
Is skilled at using basic language in a manner that is appropriate to the target cultures. (8)
Understands unique products and practices of the target cultures. (8)
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Is skilled at communicating on familiar topics using a variety of words and phrases that have been practiced and memorized. (6, 7, 8)
INTERPRETIVE COMMUNICATION
Is skilled at recognizing some letters and characters. Can understand some learned or memorized words and phrases. (6, 7, 8)
Is skilled at understanding familiar words, phrases and sentences within short and simple texts. (8)
Understands some spoken familiar words and phrases. (6, 7)
Understands spoken words, phrases and simple sentence related to everyday life. (8)
Understands pieces of information and the main topic of what is being said. (8)
PRESENTATIONAL COMMUNICATION
Is skilled at presenting information about self and other familiar topics using single words or phrases (6, 7)
Is skilled at writing familiar words and phrases and categorizing learned vocabulary. (6, 7, 8)
Is skilled at presenting information about self and other familiar topics using a variety of words, phrases and expressions. (8)
Is skilled at presenting information on a range of familiar topics using a variety of phrases and simple sentences. (8)
Is skilled at writing familiar words and phrases and categorizing learned vocabulary. (8)
Is skilled at writing short messages and notes on familiar topics related to everyday life. (8)

 

Francophone World

francophone world map

 

  Regions where French is the main language.

 Regions where French is an official language.

 Regions where French is a second language.

 Regions where French is a minority language.


Map via Wikimedia Commons.