The “Why” of Learning French
I’ve been studying French intermittently for the last seven years. A friend and colleague introduced me to the Duolingo app in 2018, and I embraced it enthusiastically. Over time, I tried other apps and programs, and eventually, I started studying formally. I continued learning.
But, strange as it seems, the question that kept coming back to me was, “Why am I doing this?” I felt driven to climb the French language-learning mountain, but I couldn’t easily explain why to myself or others. Why spend time learning a language when I could be doing other things? Especially when, trust me, not everyone in my immediate vicinity embraces anyone learning French. Some resent that French was thrust upon them in school, and they openly (and some not so openly) wonder why I am spending time on a language that others frankly resent.
I read online about all the reasons others have—travel, useful for new work opportunities, exploring new cultures. Yes, but all that did not really resonate with me. There was something more. So, after a fair amount of thought, here are some reflections on the “why” of learning French for me.
Adapting to a New Environment: As an American, fairly newly married, and now living in Canada, part of my desire to learn a language was simply to fit into a bilingual country. Seeing road signs and products in both English and French, while also trying to navigate the nuances of my adopted country, was a bit stressful. By learning French, I found I was gradually becoming more comfortable with the environment around me. Maybe I wouldn’t understand the French on the road sign or the translation on the Costco product immediately, but someday I would! (I wasn’t going to cave to just understanding the English.)
Personal Empowerment: Perhaps it was also the desire to have something I could own. I moved into a country that was not my own, into a house that was not my own, into a new family (a second marriage for my husband, a first for me), and even the cat was fairly new to me. French was something that belonged to me, a steady island in the face of a lot of turbulence.
Mindfulness and Healing: Learning a language was also, I found, a form of mindfulness. After my mother died in 2017, French was a way to focus on something other than my grief while still allowing myself to process the grief. It was a way to step back, to step away, to embrace a new way of thinking and speaking. It was also a way to process the grief of what was happening in the United States, and it continues to be helpful in that regard.
Expanding Horizons: A form of escapism? I don’t think so. Instead, I find that I am becoming more outward-focused, seeing globally rather than locally. And being part of group classes through a language school, with teachers and students from all over the world, is intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling. Kind of free travel to countries all over the world, meeting new people, learning new things. We are on a journey together, learning together, and that’s really great.
Connecting with Others: It is a way to connect with others outside of the classroom as well. I can practice French with family members, with friends and colleagues willing to go on the adventure with me. And, of course, there are the French movies, songs, books…
Living with Integrity: Learning French also fits in with my values of love of beauty, desire for excellence, and love of learning. In that way, I live in integrity with my values.
Challenging Myself: It is an opportunity to challenge myself. It is truly like climbing a mountain. The higher I go, the farther I progress, the more I need to remind myself that this is not about perfection, it’s not about getting a good grade. I will never learn all the words in the French language, I will improve over time with grammatical accuracy. It is—and I am—a work in progress.
Balancing the Brain: Learning French just feels good. It uses the right brain, which is a breath of fresh air to me. I’ve always been a right-brain person in an often left-brain world and culture. This provides a balance.
Learning as a State of Being: Learning, to me, is a state of being—a way of expressing joy through learning something new. It is living—like a flower blooms, learning a language helps me flourish. It is the way of life. The flower closes, the flower opens…
Moving Forward in Uncertain Times: And now, in these uncertain times, learning a language is an affirmation of hope, belief in human connection, an act of faith in the future, and a way of moving forward. It is also a way to embrace our global humanity. Truly, it seems that learning a language for me is a way of growth, of outward-looking, of outward-seeking, of learning to be comfortable and rejoice in who I am, as well as experiencing the joy of being in connection with others.
Concluding Thoughts: Language learning is more than just acquiring a new skill; it’s a powerful tool for personal growth, empowerment, and connection. For women, especially in uncertain times, taking steps to move forward in mindful and hopeful ways can be transformative. You might consider language learning as one way to explore new cultures, connect with others, and strengthen your resilience. It’s an affirmation of hope, a way to build bridges, and a testament to your courage and determination.