How English Appears to Monolingual French Speakers: A Unique Perspective
To monolingual French speakers, English can appear quite different from French in various aspects such as the alphabet and script, phonetics and pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and syntax, and cultural references. While the basic visual and written aspects of English may not be intimidating due to the shared Latin alphabet, the pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammatical structures present significant challenges.
Alphabet and Script
Both English and French use the Latin alphabet, so the basic letters are familiar to monolingual French speakers. However, the phonetic differences can make English words look unusual. For example, the letter 'w' in French is pronounced like 'v', and 'h' in French words is often silent, differing greatly from their English counterparts.
Phonetics and Pronunciation
English has many sounds that do not exist in French. The 'w' sound, for instance, is pronounced like 'v', and the 'h' sound is often silent. In English, words with 'ng' like 'singing' have a different pronunciation compared to French. Additionally, English has several dialects, each with its own unique features. Londonian accent sounds forced and fast, often with a lack of breath, whereas American accents can sound sing-songy or overly stressed.
Vocabulary
English and French share many cognates, words that look and sound similar due to shared Latin roots. However, English also has a significant number of words derived from Germanic origins. These can seem quite foreign to French speakers. Furthermore, idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs in English do not translate directly, making them challenging for monolingual French speakers to understand.
Grammar and Syntax
English syntax can be quite different from French. For example, English typically uses a subject-verb-object word order, while French allows for more flexibility. The use of auxiliary verbs in English, such as 'was', 'could', and 'would', is another area where French speakers may struggle. The frequent use of inverted word order in questions (e.g., 'Do you want to go?') can also confuse French speakers.
Cultural References and Slang
English texts often include cultural references that may be unfamiliar to French speakers, such as nuances in vernacular expressions and idioms that do not directly translate. Slang and informal language, in particular, can be opaque and vary by region, making casual conversations or contemporary media challenging to comprehend. Classical references might not be as well-known as in French, such as the British monarchy or specific historical events.
A Personal Story
My personal experience living in Brittany, a region of France, provides a unique perspective on how English appears to monolingual French speakers. In Brittany, both French and Britton, a Celtic language, are spoken. My older brother, who had learned English from a young age, participated in an exchange program with a school in Cardiff, Wales. This exposure to different English dialects, combined with the local culture and language, further emphasized the differences between English and French.
When the Welsh student from Cardiff spoke English, I found it challenging to understand. However, what was very amusing was how he pronounced Britton/Welsh with a highly tonal and expressive accent. This interplay between languages and accents deepened my understanding of the differences and similarities between English and French.
While English is undoubtedly the most useful language on Earth, its tonal variations, including the frequent use of 'w', 'th', and 'ng', can make it sound unpleasant for monolingual French speakers, especially when compared to the softer, more melodic French pronunciation. Understanding and pronunciation remain the primary challenges for monolingual French speakers learning English.