Did you know that French is spoken in many countries around the world, not just in France? French is an official language in 29 countries and is spoken by over 300 million people globally! Today, let's take a virtual trip to some exciting French-speaking countries. This can be a fun way to inspire your child's interest in learning French and show them how this beautiful language opens doors to diverse cultures and experiences!
Explore the World: Spotlight on French-speaking Countries and Fun Activities!
1. Canada (Québec)
- Interesting Fact: Québec is home to North America’s only ice hotel. It’s built entirely out of ice and snow each winter and features ice sculptures, ice furniture, and even ice slides!
- Activity: Watch a video about the ice hotel and imagine what it would be like to stay there. Watch here.
2. Belgium
- Fun Fact: Manneken Pis is a small statue of a boy peeing and one of the most famous landmarks in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. It’s often dressed in different costumes and even has its own museum!
- Activity: Visit the La GardeRobe MannekenPis website and choose your favourite outfit! Visit here.
3. Switzerland
- Fun Fact: Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Each region of the country primarily speaks one of these languages.
- Activity: Learn how to say “Hello” in all four languages:
- German: Hallo!
- French: Bonjour!
- Italian: Ciao!
- Romansh: Allegra!
4. Senegal
- Fun Fact: Lake Retba, also known as Lac Rose, is a pink lake in Senegal. Its unique colour comes from the high salt content and the presence of a type of algae.
- Activity: Learn about the science behind Lac Rose and try making your own salt crystal experiment at home: Watch here.
5. Morocco
- Fun Fact: Moroccan pastries are famous for their unique flavors and ingredients, such as honey, almonds, and orange blossom water. Popular treats include baklava, chebakia, and gazelle horns (kaab el ghazal).
- Activity: Take your chef hat and bake chebakias while learning about ingredients in French! Recipe here.
Why Learn About These Countries?
Learning about different cultures where French is spoken can broaden your child’s understanding of the world and show them the practical benefits of learning the language. It also adds a fun and educational element to their French learning journey.
Do you have a favourite French-speaking country? Do not hesitate to contact us to let us know and tell us more about your experience there!