Courses in French Language Offered by DHC: Basic, A1 and A2

Basic French Course Overview

A Basic French Course is designed to introduce beginners to the French language. It typically covers essential vocabulary, simple grammar, pronunciation, and common expressions used in everyday situations. The goal of such a course is to help students understand and communicate at a basic level in French, laying the foundation for more advanced learning.

Key Elements of a Basic French Course:

1. Vocabulary:

   • Greetings (e.g., Bonjour, Salut, Comment ça va?)
   • Numbers (1-100)
   • Days of the week, months, seasons
   • Family members, common nouns (e.g., table, chair, book)
   • Basic verbs (e.g., être – to be, avoir – to have)
   • Simple adjectives (e.g., grand, petit – big, small)

2. Grammar:

   • Introduction to sentence structure (Subject + Verb + Object)
   • Basic present tense conjugation of regular verbs (-er, -ir, -re)
   • Gender of nouns (masculine and feminine)
   • Articles (definite and indefinite – le, la, un, une)
   • Simple questions (e.g., Où est… ? – Where is…?)

3. Pronunciation:

   • French alphabet and sounds (e.g., nasal vowels, silent letters)
   • Basic accent marks (é, à, è, etc.)
   • Pronouncing words and phrases accurately.

4. Practical Phrases:

   • Asking for directions
   • Ordering food at a restaurant
   • Introducing yourself (e.g., Je m’appelle… – My name is…)

5. Cultural Context:

   • Introduction to French culture (e.g., greetings, polite expressions)
   • Awareness of French-speaking countries around the world

French A1 Course Overview

A1 is the first level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which defines proficiency levels for language learners. At the A1 level, learners are considered beginner and can understand and use basic expressions in French.

Key Skills at A1 Level:

1. Listening:

   • Understand familiar words and basic phrases when people speak slowly and clearly.
   • Comprehend simple conversations on everyday topics, such as shopping, greetings, or basic personal information.

2. Speaking:

   • Introduce yourself and others.
   • Ask and answer simple questions about personal details (name, age, nationality).
   • Use basic expressions in familiar contexts (e.g., in a café, at the station).

3. Reading:

   • Understand short, simple texts like signs, advertisements, and menus.
   • Comprehend personal information in written forms (e.g., forms, postcards).

4. Writing:

   • Write short, simple notes and messages (e.g., a postcard).
   • Fill out basic forms with personal details (e.g., name, nationality).

Grammar & Vocabulary at A1 Level:

• Regular and irregular verbs in the present tense
• Personal pronouns (je, tu, il/elle, nous, vous, ils/elles)
• Simple sentence structure (affirmative and negative)
• Numbers, days, and times
• Asking and answering questions with “est-ce que” (e.g., Est-ce que tu parles français ?)
• Basic possessive adjectives (mon, ma, mes – my)

French A2 Course Overview

A2 is the second level of the CEFR, which is still considered elementary, but with a wider range of language use. Learners at this level can handle simple communication in most everyday situations.

Key Skills at A2 Level:

1. Listening:

   • Understand simple conversations related to familiar topics, such as shopping, work, or travel.
   • Comprehend short, clear announcements, and instructions.

2. Speaking:

   • Express simple opinions, preferences, and needs.
   • Participate in simple social exchanges and handle short social interactions with some fluency.
   • Make simple requests or invitations (e.g., “Je voudrais…” – I would like…).

3. Reading:

   • Read short texts on familiar topics, including advertisements, brochures, and simple instructions.
   • Understand basic written information, including messages, postcards, or simple letters.

4. Writing:

   • Write simple personal letters or messages.
   • Write short descriptions of people, places, or things.
   • Complete simple forms with more detail (e.g., addresses, hobbies).

Grammar & Vocabulary at A2 Level:

• The past tense: passé composé (e.g., J’ai mangé – I ate)
• Future plans using the near future (e.g., Je vais étudier – I am going to study)
• Comparisons (e.g., plus… que – more… than, moins… que – less… than)
• Indirect object pronouns (e.g., lui, leur – to him/her, to them)
• More detailed vocabulary related to travel, shopping, and everyday routines.

Conclusion

• Basic French Course is a foundation-level course that introduces the very basics of the French language, suitable for absolute beginners.
• A1 Level is for beginners who can use simple expressions and phrases in everyday situations.
• A2 Level is for elementary learners who can manage basic communication on a broader range of familiar topics and situations.

At each level, learners build on their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The progression from A1 to A2 involves expanding vocabulary, mastering more complex sentence structures, and gaining more confidence in communication. If you’re just starting with French, a Basic or A1 course would be the right place to begin!