Learning French

French is one of Canada’s two official languages. Newfoundland and Labrador is a primarily English-speaking province, however, knowing how to communicate in French in addition to English can be beneficial to a newcomer for many reasons, one of them being increased employment and career opportunities.

For details on French education for school-aged children, please see ‘Information for Parents, Children and Youth: Schools – Language’ section of this Guide.

Here are some French learning options for adult newcomers in NL:

Association Communautaire francophone de Saint-Jean

The ACFSJ offers French courses from Beginner 1 to Advanced Conversation level during the fall, winter and spring. The ACFSJ has about 200 active members. It offers many services including: a community access centre and book and audio-visual library, and organizes many events and activities, such as the Festival du Vent, youth activities, Francophone film screenings, shows, and more. The ACFSJ works hard to develop and carry out socio-cultural community programming.

NLESD

The English School District offers a variety of French programs to help students achieve the ability to know a second language. These programs range from common classroom french classes to full French immersion.

French immersion students follow the same curriculum as their peers in an English program; however, some subjects are taught in French. It is based on the idea that students learn more French when they are required to use it to complete authentic tasks (i.e. Mathematics and Science

Conseil scolaire francophone provincial de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador (CSFP)

Responsible for teaching French as a first language in the programs of the provincial education ministry, from kindergarten to grade 12.

Duolingo

Duolingo is a free website and mobile application offering numerous language courses in a virtual environment with fun game-like and social network elements. Courses are offered in various combinations. For example, there is a French course for English speakers, a French course for Chinese speakers, etc.

Additional Options

Read newspapers, magazines and books in French. Watch French movies and television programs, or listen to French radio stations. Contact local Francophone organizations to find out about other opportunities to learn or practice French, such as social conversation groups.