The official language of India, as stated in its Constitution, is Hindi. It also boasts 22 official languages. These languages are called scheduled ones, meaning it has official recognition. English is also a critical language dating back to the colonial era. The French language in India is also a remnant of colonial times.
In this article, we take a look at learning French in India today.
Learning a new language
February 21st is International Mother Language Day, established by the United Nations (UN) and annually observed to promote multilingualism. It is also to celebrate global linguistic and cultural diversity. The benefits of learning a new language are manifold. It is a gateway to a new culture and improves your communication skills. It can bridge cultural gaps and inspire solidarity, tolerance, and understanding.
Learning new languages in India
French has been touted as the most desirable foreign language to learn in India. It is also one of the best languages to learn in corporate India. Many international companies based in India use French as their working language. This includes education, retail and finance. French already forms part of school and tertiary education curriculums in India. It is estimated that 100 000 students study French in Delhi alone. French is a top choice among Indian students as it contributes over 50% of original words to the English language. This has been suggested to make it relatively easier to learn.
Language Learning habits in India
Indian youth between 17 and 25 years old had the most interest in learning new languages. Duolingo’s Marketing Manager in India, Karandeep Singh Kapanay, said they would design courses to satisfy this support for language learning to make online learning more effective. The reframing of language learning as something that supports interests has also helped. India has seen significant growth in consuming Korean culture by listening to K-pop. The report stated that pop culture, like watching foreign movies, also influenced Indians to learn a new language.
French, English, and Spanish are the top languages on Duolingo that Indians are now learning. A poll in the report stated that over 40% of respondents were busy learning a new language. Having access to better career choices was also listed as a motivating factor. These trends have been seen across India in urban and rural settings. This was followed by an interest in a different culture and a new hobby. Online learning has also taken precedence over traditional classroom settings. The poll respondents also said learning a new language in the comfort of their homes was the best way for them to learn.
Is French easy to learn in India?
Aside from online learning apps available, French organisations teaching French can be found across India. There are 13 Alliance Francaise across India. They are also linked to the French Embassy. The French Institute in India also promotes French in the country. The JNU – Jawaharlal Nehru Academy of Foreign Languages in Delhi offers French certificate and diploma level courses. The School of Foreign Languages and the University of Delhi provide a certificate, diploma, and PhD programmes in French.
Learning French in India has been suggested to be less complicated. It is also easier to achieve fluency in it. Since English and French share a standard alphabet and vocabulary, it is familiar to Indians. If you have fluency in English, French becomes easier to learn. English is less consistent with pronunciation than French. Many new French language learners find the gendered aspects of French complex. It is, however, no more complicated than English nouns that are tied directly to the biological aspects of the noun. It is essential to go slow and be consistent in your lessons when learning French.
The accessibility of learning French in India has become more accessible through online learning. A vested interest in French from a cultural standpoint also helps pick up the language without much difficulty.
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