LECTURE MATERIAL

First Semester

COURSE COORDINATOR:
PROF. MUFUTAU TIJJANI

UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA
GST 211 FRENCH COURSE MATERIAL

Prepared by:

Mufutau Tijani, PhD (Besançon)

Professor of French & Applied Linguistics
Department of Linguistics & African Languages,
Faculty of Arts,
University of Abuja

1
 COURSE CONTENT

Week Topic Communicative objectives /

Learning outcomes
1 General Introduction to French Students should be able to:
Language Study  List the importance of French language
 List some similarities and differences between French
and English
 Say the French alphabet
2 Greetings  Greet and respond to different forms of greetings

3 Self-introduction  Introduce self (name, town of residence, profession,

nationality, state of origin, marital status, hobbies, etc.)
4 Introducing someone  Introduce someone (a friend, family member,
colleague, etc.)
 Saying someone’s name, town of residence,
profession, nationality, state of origin, marital status,
hobbies, etc.
5 Days of the week and Months  List the days of the week
of the year  List the months of the year
 Saying the month of birth
 Saying the days of the week
6 Saying numbers  Say numbers
 Count in French
 Ask about and tell the date
 Talk about one’s birthday date
7 Telling the time  Ask about and say the time
8 Telling the age  Ask about and tell one’s age
 Ask about and tell someone’s age
9 Professions and daily chores  Talk about one’s profession
 Mention someone’s profession Talk about one’s daily
activities
 Talk about one’s daily activities
10 Talking about the family  Describe one’s family (place of residence, number and
sex of children, age, profession, etc.)
 List family members
 Talk about family members’ place of residence, age,
profession, hobbies, etc.)
11 & 12 Revision & Examinations

2
 WEEK ONE

INTRODUCTORY NOTES ON THE STUDY OF FRENCH LANGUAGE

1. REASONS FOR LEARNING FRENCH

As mentioned earlier, French is a major diplomatic language. You are bound to find speakers
almost anywhere in the world. In addition to these societal reasons, there are hundreds of famous
French novels and nonfiction works in a wide variety of subjects. Because much can be lost in
translation, the best way to read these works is in the original language. Advice on studying French
Main article: How to learn a language French tends to have a reputation among English speakers
as hard to learn. While it is true that it poses certain difficulties to native English-speakers, it may
be noted that English is also considered 'difficult' to learn, and yet we learned it without the benefit
of already knowing a language. In fact, the French language can be learned in only 10 months
(http://web.archive.org/web/20071211081522/http://en.wikinerds.org/index.php/Learning_French_in_10_
months)

Any way you look at it, learning any new language requires a long-term commitment.
Remember, that like any skill, it requires a certain amount of effort. And it is likely that if you do
not practice your French regularly, you will begin to forget it. Try to make French practice a part
of your routine; even if it's not daily, at least make it regular. Also remember that you are learning
a new skill. Try to master the simple lexis and expressions before moving on to the more complex
concepts. We all have to add and subtract before we can do calculus.

2. UNDERSTANDING BASIC SIMILARITIES BETWEEN ENGLISH AND

FRENCH LANGUAGES

1. The first thing to be mentioned is the fact that both English and French have the same Latin
origin. This explains why the two languages have the same 26 alphabet and mode of writing
when compared with Arabic or Chinese languages, for example.

2. Bye virtue of their common Latin origin, it is common to see some words having the same
spelling in the two languages even when they differ in pronunciation. Such works include:
president, constitution, situation, formation, restaurant, social, etc.

The same Latin origin explains why it is easy for a person with a good knowledge of English
language to understand the meaning of some French works even when such works are not
spelt exactly like their English equivalent. For example, French words such as directeur,

3
 professeur, secrétaire, administrateur, parti politique are easily understood without being
translated.

3. Also, like the English language where we have American English, British English, Pidgin
English, etc., French language also has its varieties such as France French, Canadian
French, African French, Pidgin French, etc. I will teach the French as spoken in France.

4. Because of the closeness of both languages as well as interaction among language users, the
two languages have over the years engaged in what is called “borrowing’’ of lexis and
expressions from one another.

In English for instance, the following French words are usually used : vis-à-vis, tête-à-tête,
coup d’état, fait accompli, laissez-faire, rendez-vous, souvenir, aide-de-camp, crème de la
crème, RSVP (Répondez s’il vous plaît), etc.

In the same vein, many English words have been incorporated into French language. Such
words include: weekend, parking, scanner, fast food, football, basketball, cocktail, tee-shirt,
email, etc.

3. UNDERSTANDING MAJOR DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ENGLISH AND

FRENCH LANGUAGES

1. A fundamental difference between the two languages is that of word genders. While English
has only one gender, French has two (the masculine and feminine genders).
For instance, in English, we say: a boy / the boy, a girl / the girl, a bag / the bag, a table / the
table, etc. But in French, there is need to identify and differentiate masculine words from
feminine words.
In French we will say un garçon / le garcon ; une fille / la fille; un sac / le sac ; une table / la
table. While garçon (boy) and sac (bag) are masculine words, fille (girl) and table (table) are
feminine words.
As a matter of fact, this gender difference constitutes a major source of difficulties for French
language learners. The difficulty is aggravated by the fact that there are no clear cut rules that
can enable one to identify masculine nouns from feminine ones. Consequently, learners are
often advised to try as much as possible to master or memorize French words and their genders.
In the course of my lectures I will always emphasize this issue of gender in French.

4
2. Another important aspect that differentiates French from English is the use of ‘’Tu’’ and
“Vous’’ in French. “Tu’’ refers to “You” second person singular in English, while “Vous “
is used either to refers to “You” second person plural or to express a form of respect.
For instance, the statement “Tu es étudiant?” meaning “Are you a student?” will be addressed
to a colleague or to a person who is junior in age to the person asking the question. While,
“Vous êtes étudiant?” will be addressed to a stranger person, a person one is not familiar with
or somebody who is older in age than the person asking the question. Another example of the
difference in the use of “you” in French can be seen in the questions: “Comment t’appelles-
tu?” And “Comment vous appellez-vous?”.

3. In French language classes, learners’ attention is also drawn to what is commonly referred to
as “Faux amis”, that the problem of “wrong matching” of English and French words as a
result of their seeming similarities in spelling.
Examples: chat (to chat / cat in French); to abuse (to insult / to take advantage of someone in
French), agenda (agenda of a meeting / diary in French), to assist (to help; to give a helping
hand / to attend something, to attend an event in French); to command (to give an order / to
order for service or a product in French); to rest (to stay in French), etc.

4. Another problem often encountered by English or Anglophone learners of French is the

problem associated with the spelling of French words with identical meaning in English but
with slight difference in spelling.
Examples: address / adresse, annual / annuel; bank / banque; envelop / envelope

5. In the area of sentence structures, French is different from English from the perspective of the
need for an Agreement or “Accord’’ between the various elements in the sentence.
Examples: A little boy = un petit garçon / a little girl = une petite fille noire

6. Another difference related to sentence structures is seen in the order of words with qualifying
adjectives. Examples: Political party = parti politique ; Federal Government = gouvernement
federal .

5
7. In the area of pronunciation, a common feature of French language is what is often referred to
as linkage or “liaison’ of the last consonant of a word with the vowel of the next word.
Examples: mon ami (my friend); mon école; mes amis, etc.

In the coming weeks, I will refer to these differences a lot in the course of my explanations.

4. FRENCH ALPHABET (L'ALPHABET FRANÇAIS)

Aa like a in father /a/

Bb like b in may"be /be/

Cc before e and i: like c in center before a, o, or u: like c in cat /se/

Dd like d in dog /de/

Ee approx. like u in burp** /ə/

Ff like f in fog /ɛf/

Gg before e and i: like s in measure before a, o, or u: like g in get /ʒe/

Hh aspirated h: see note below* non-aspirated h: not pronounced*** /aʃ/ Ii like ea in team /i/

Jj like s in measure /ʒi/

Kk like k in kite /ka/

Ll like l in lemon /ɛl/

Mm like m in minute /ɛm/

Nn like n in note /ɛn/

Oo closed: approx. like u in nut open: like o in nose /o/

Pp like p in pen* /pe/

Qq like k in kite /ky/ see 'u' for details

Rr force air through the back of your throat near the position of gargling, but sounding soft /ɛʀ/

Ss like s in sister at beginning of word or with two s's or like z in amazing if only one s /ɛs/

Tt like t in top /te/

6
Uu Say the English letter e, but make your lips say "oo". /y/

Vv like v in violin /ve/

Ww Depending on the derivation of the word, like v as in violin, or w in water /dubləve/

Xx either /ks/ in socks, or /gz/ in exit /iks/

Yy like ea in leak /igrək/

Zz like z in zebra /zɛd/

Note : Final Consonants In French

Certain consonants are silent when they are the final letter of a word. The letters p (as in 'coup'), s
(as in 'héros'), t (as in 'chat'), d (as in 'marchand'), and x (as in 'paresseux'), are generally not
pronounced at the end of a word. They are pronounced if there is an e letter after ('coupe', 'chatte',
'marchande', etc.) Dental consonants

The letters d, l, n,s, t, and z are pronounced with the tip of the tongue against the lower teeth and
the middle of the tongue against the roof of the mouth. In English, one would pronounce these
letters with the tip of the tongue at the roof of one's mouth. It is very difficult to pronounce a word
like 'voudrais' properly with the d formed in the English manner.

b and p : Unlike English, when you pronounce the letters 'b' and 'p' in French, little to no air should
come out of your mouth. In terms of phonetics, the difference in the French 'b' and 'p' and their
English counterparts is one of aspiration. Fortunately, in English both aspirated and unaspirated
variants (allophones) exist, but only in specific environments. If you're a native speaker, say the
word 'pit' and then the word 'spit' out loud.

Aspirated vs. non-aspirated h : In French, the letter h can be aspirated (h aspiré), or not aspirated
(h non aspiré), depending on which language the word was borrowed from. What do these terms
mean?

Ex.: the word héros, (hero) has an aspirated h, because when the definite article le is placed before
it, the result is le héros, and both words must be pronounced separately. However, the feminine
form of héros, héroïne is a non-aspirated h. Therefore, when you put the definite article in front of
it, it becomes l'héroïne, and is pronounced as one word.

7
 WEEK TWO
GREETINGS (SALUTATIONS)

LET US START WITH A PRACTICAL DIALOGUE

Alice: Bonjour, je m'appelle Alice Good morning; my name is Alice

Paul: Bonjour Alice, je m'appelle Paul. Hello Alice, my name is Paul.
Alice: Paul, comment allez-vous? How are you, Paul?
Paul: Très bien, merci. Very well, thank you.
Enchantée de faire votre connaissance.
Alice It’s nice meeting you.

Paul Enchanté Nice meeting you

Alice:: A bientôt. Au revoir, Paul. See you soon. Goodbye, Paul.
Paul: Au revoir, Alice. Goodbye, Alice.

HERE ARE SOME COMMON GREETINGS IN FRENCH

1. Bonjour! – Hello! (Also, Good Morning!)
2. Bonsoir – Good evening
3. Salut! – Hi!
4. Ça fait longtemps, dis donc – Long time, no see
5. Allô? – Hello?
6. Quoi de neuf? – What’s up ?
7. Ça va? – How are you?
8. Tu vas bien? – How are you doing?
9. Comment vas-tu ? / Comment-allez-vous ? How are you doing ?
10. Je vais bien – I am doing fine
11. Nous allons bien – We are doing fine
12. Enchanté – It is a pleasure / Nice to meet you
13. Comment va la famille ? / Et la famille ? - How is the family ?

14. Comment va le travail ? / Et le travail ? - How is work ?

15. Bon weekend - Have a nice weekend

8
 16. Bon appétit - Enjoy your meal

17. Bon voyage - Safe trip / safe journey

18. Bon séjour - Have a nice stay

19. Bon rétablissement - (I wish you) speedy recovery

20. Bonne année - Happy New Year

21. Bonne journée - Have a nice day

22. Bonne nuit - Good night

23. Bonne soirée - Have a pleasant evening

24. Bonne chance - Good luck

25. Bonne fête - Happy celebration

26. Bonnes vacances - Have a nice vacation

27. Bienvenu / Soyez la bienvenue / Sois le bienvenu - Welcome

28. Félicitations - Congratulations

29. Du courage! - Keep it up / cheer up

30. Amuse-toi bien - Enjoy yourself

31. Amusez-vous bien - Enjoy yourself

32. À vous de même - Same to you / i wish you the same

HERE ARE SOME EXPRESSIONS WHEN YOU ARE LEAVING SOMEONE

33. Au revoir! – Goodbye!
34. À tout à l’heure! – See you later !
35. A plus tard! - See you later!
36. A bientôt! - See you soon!

9
 37. À plus tard! (À plus!) – (See you) later!
38. À demain! – See you tomorrow!
39. À lundi! - See you on Monday!
40. À la prochaine ! - Till next time !
41. À la semaine prochaine!- See you next week!
42. Je suis désolé(e), mais je dois aller – I’m sorry, but I have to go

ORAL PRACTICE
Copy then paste any of the following links to listen to and practice how to greet in French

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd0_GZHHWeE
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhUUXZxglG4
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9JaRy7iPf0
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xw6oEp9SWI

10
 WEEK THREE
SELF INTRODUCTION (SE PRESENTER)

Let us start with the conjugation of commonly used French verbs in the present tense
Note:
Je = I Tu = you (singular person)
Il = he Elle = she
Nous = we Vous = you (plural)
Ils = They (male / masculine) Elles = they (female / feminine)

« Etre » = to be
Je suis un homme
Tu es une femme
Il est étudiant
Elle est étudiante
Nous sommes nigérians
Vous êtes nigérians
Ils sont étudiants
Elles sont étudiantes

« Avoir » = to have
J’ai une maison
Tu as une un livre
Il a un cours de linguistique
Elle a un cours de français
Nous avons cours
Vous avez une maison
Ils ont un frère
Elles ont un frère

11
 « Aller » = to go
Où vas-tu ? = Where are you going ? (Familiarity)
Où allez-vous ? = Where are you going ? (Formal / with respect)

Je vais à Kaduna
Tu vas à Kano
Il va à l’université
Elle va à l’école
Nous allons au marché
Vous allez au supermarché
Ils vont à l’école
Elles vont à la bibliothèque

« Venir » = To come from

Je viens de Kano
Tu viens de Bayelsa
Il vient de l’université
Elle vient de l’école
Nous venons du marché
Vous venez du supermarché
Ils viennent de l’école
Elles viennent de la bibliothèque

Now, let us learn some expressions on how to introduce self

Je me présente Let me introduce myself

Saying your name

Je m'appelle Maryam My name is Maryam
Je suis Mariam
Mon nom est Maryam

Saying your nationality

Je viens du Nigeria I am from Nigeria
12
Je suis nigérian (M) I am a Nigerian
Je suis nigériane (F)

Saying your State of origin

Je viens de l’Etat de Kano I am from Kano State
Je suis de l’Etat de Kano
Je suis originaire de Kano

Saying where you live (reside)

J’habite à Abuja I live in Abuja

Saying your profession

Je suis étudiant (M) I am a student (M)
Je suis étudiante (F) I am a student (F)
Je suis professeur I am a teacher

J’étudie à l’université d’Abuja I am studyng at the University of Abuja

Je suis étudiant à l’université d’Abuja (M) I am a student at the University of Abuja

Je suis étudiante à l’université d’Abuja (F)

J'apprends le français I am learning French

J’étudie le français I am studying French

Saying where you work

Je travaille à Abuja I work in Abuja

Saying your marital status

Je suis célibataire I am single/ a bachelor
Je suis marié I am married
Je suis mariée

Saying your hobbies

Un de mes loisirs est le voyage One of my hobbies is travelling

J'aime écouter de la musique. I enjoy listening to music.

J’aime regarder la télévision I love watching television

J’aime chanter I love singing

J’aime le football I love football

13
GETTING TO KNOW SOMEONE

Here are some questions you can ask when you meet someone and wish to know more about him
or her.

NB. In the examples below, take note of the use of ‘tu” that expresses familiarity and ‘’vous’’
that indicate respect to the person you are talking with.

Comment t’appelles-tu? What is your name?

Comment vous-appellez-vous? What is your name?

Qui es-tu? / Qui êtes-vous ? Who are you ?

Où habites-tu ?/ Où habitez-vous ? Where do you live ?

Tu es de quelle nationalité ? What is your nationality ?

Vous êtes de quelle nationalité ? What is your nationality ?

Tu es de quel pays ? Which country are you from?

Vous êtes de quel pays ? What is your nationality ?

Tu es de quel Etat ? / Tu viens de quel Etat ? What is your State of origin?

Vous êtes de quel Etat ? / Vous venez de quel Etat ? What is your State of origin?

Quelle est ta profession? / Quelle est votre profession ? What is your profession ?

Que fais-tu dans la vie ? / Que faites-vous dans la vie ? What do you do for a

living?

Quel est ton état civil ? What is your marital status?

Quel est votre état civil ?

Tu es marié ? / Vous êtes marié ? Are you married ?

Quels sont tes loisirs ? What are your hobbies ?

Quels sont vos loisirs ?

14
ORAL PRACTICE

Copy then paste any of the following links on your browser to listen to and practice how to
introduce yourself in French

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4N46dVx9nE
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaB3AbDr_e0
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC-OVm2jkE8
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swlwlQP_uTs

15
 WEEK FOUR
INTRODUCING SOMEONE (PRESENTER UNE PERSONNE)

Let us start by learning some basic words related to this topic

- the pronoun “He” is “il’ while the pronoun “She” is “elle”.

- Présenter = to introduce
- Mon = my (Masculine or feminine)
- Ma = my
- Ami = Friend (male) amie (female)
- Collègue = colleague
- Père = father /
- Mère = mother
- Frère = brother
- Sœur = sister
- Mon + masculine words = ami / amie / père /frère / collègue
- Ma + feminine words = mère / sœur / collègue
- Je vous présente …… = I am introducinhg…… to you

Now, let us learn how to introduce someone. Note the difference between introducing a male
person (il) and that of a female person (elle)

To say the person’s name

Il s’appelle Ali His name is Ali (Male)
Il est Ali
Son nom est Ali
Elle s’appelle Sarah Her name is Sarah (Female)
Elle est Sarah
Son nom est Sarah

16
To say the person’s nationality
Il vient du Nigeria He is from Nigeria (Male)
Il est du Nigeria
Il est nigérian He is a Nigerian

Elle vient du Nigeria She is from Nigeria (Female)

Elle est du Nigeria
Elle est nigériane She is a Nigerian

Saying the person’s State of origin

Il vient de l’Etat de Kebi He is from Kebi State (Male)
Il est de l’Etat de Kebi
Il est originaire de Kebi

Elle vient de l’Etat de Kebi She is from Kebi State (Female)

Elle est de l’Etat de Kebi
Elle est originaire de Kebi
Saying where the person lives (resides)
Il habite à Abuja He lives in Abuja (Male)

Elle habite à Keffi She lives in Keffi (Female)

Saying the person’s profession

Il est étudiant He is a student (Male)
Il est professeur He is a teacher

Elle est étudiante She is a student (Female)

Elle est professeur she is a teacher

Il étudie à l’université d’Abuja He is studying at the University of Abuja

17
Elle étudie ….. She is studying….

Il est étudiant à l’université d’Abuja He is a student at the University of Abuja

Elle est étudiante à l’université d’Abuja She is a student at…

Il / elle apprend le français He/ she is learning French

Il / elle étudie le français He/she is studying French

Saying where the person is working

Il / Elle travaille à Abuja He / she works in Abuja

Saying the person’s marital status

Il/ elle est célibataire He / she is single/ a bachelor
Il est marié He is married
Elle est mariée She is married

Saying the person’s hobbies

Un de ses loisirs est le voyage One of his /her hobbies is travelling
Il / elle aime écouter de la musique He / she enjoys listening to music.
Il / elle aime chanter He / she loves singing

IN SUMMARY
1. Introducing a male person
Je vous présente mon ami
Il s’appelle Musa
Il vient de l’Etat de Kano
Il habite à Kano aussi. (aussi =also)
Il ne travaille pas. (He is not working)
Il est étudiant à l’Université Bayero à Kano
Il étudie le français

18
 Il est marié
Il a deux enfants (He has two children)
Il aime le sport et le voyage

2. Introducing a female person

Je vous présente ma sœur
Elle s’appelle Ngozi
Elle est nigériane
Elle vient de Delta
Elle travaille à Benin dans l’Etat d’Edo (She works in Benin in Edo State)
Elle enseigne l’anglais à l’université (She teaches English at the university)
Elle est célibataire
Un de ses loisirs est la musique
Elle aime aussi faire la cuisine (She also loves cooking)

ORAL PRACTICE
Copy, paste and open any of the following links on your browser to listen to and practice
how to introduce someone in French
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejTzocGTbVY
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnnPwEkPcC0

19
 WEEK FIVE
DAYS OF THE WEEK & MONTHS OF THE YEAR

1. DAYS OF THE WEEK (LES JOURS DE LA SEMAINE)

1 lundi Monday
2 mardi Tuesday
3 mercredi Wednesday
4 jeudi Thursday
5 vendredi Friday
6 samedi Saturday
7 dimanche Sunday

Note : The days of the week are not capitalized in French.

HERE ARE SOME RELATED FRENCH WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS

La date = the date
Le jour = the day / un jour = a day
Aujourd’hui = today
Aujourd’hui c’est samedi = Today is Saturday
Aujourd’hui c’est mon anniversaire = Today is my birthday
Je vais au bureau aujourd’hui = I am going to the office today
Je voyage aujourd’hui = I am traveling today
Chaque jour = each day
Chaque + a day of the week = chaque vendredi (every Friday)
Tous les jours = every day
Je prie tous les jours = I pray everyday

Hier = Yesterday
Hier était vendredi = Yesterday was Friday
Hier je suis allé à la mosquée = Yesterday I went to the mosque

20
Je suis alle au marché hier = I went to the market yesterday
Hier j’ai voyagé à Kano = Yesterday I travelled to Kano
Musa a voyagé à Kaduna hier = Musa travelled to Kaduna yesterday.

Demain (deemin) = Tomorrow

Demain c’est dimanche = tomorrow is Sunday
Je vais à l’église demain = I will go to church tomorrow
Demain c’est mon anniversaire = tomorrow is my birthday
Demain c’est l’anniversaire de mon ami = tomorrow is my friend’s birthday

La semaine = The week / une semaine = a week

Cette semaine = this week
Chaque semaine = every week
Je voyage cette semaine = I will travel this week.
Mon ami arrive cette semaine = my friend is arriving this week
La semaine dernière = Last week
J’ai fini mon examen la semaine dernière = I finished my exam last week
La semaine prochaine = next week
Je vais à Lagos la semaine prochaine = I will go to Lagos next week
Je vais à Kaduna le lundi = I will go to Kaduna on Monday
Je vais à Kaduna chaque weekend = I go to Kaduna every weekend/
Aujourd'hui c’est quel jour ? = Today is what day?
Aujourd'hui c’est… = Today is [day]…
Demain c'est quel jour ? = Tomorrow is what day?
Demain c'est…. = Tomorrow is…

ORAL PRACTICE
Copy, paste and open any of the following links on your browser to listen to and practice
how to talk about days of the week in French
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx1N5ngN68o
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quCsJ88zzsY
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rim94Xp2XQ4
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc7wjOm7Anc

21
 2. MONTHS OF THE YEAR (LES MOIS DE L’ANNEE)
1. janvier January
2. février February
3. mars March
4. avril April
5. mai May
6. juin June
7. juillet July
8. août August
9. septembre September
10. octobre October
11. novembre November
12. décembre December

Note : The months of the year are not capitalized in French.

HERE ARE SOME RELATED FRENCH WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS

La date = the date une date = a date
Le mois (mwa) = the month / un mois = a month
L’année (annay) = the year une annee = a year
En janvier = In January
En décembre = In december
Chaque mois = every month
Au début de l’année = At the beginning of the year
Au début du mois = At the beginning of the month
A la fin de l’année = At the end of the year
A la fin du mois = At the end of the month
Le mois prochain = next month
Je voyage le mois prochain = I will travel next month
Le mois passé = last month
J’ai voyagé le mois passé = I travelled last month
Je suis né en avril = I was born in April
Mon anniversaire est en avril = My birthday is in April
Je fête mon anniversaire en février = I celebrate my birthday in February.

22
ORAL PRACTICE
Copy, paste and open any of the following links on your browser to listen to and practice
how to talk about months of the year in French

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAzYpgvmtII
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzbs17EVKlw
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRpwJ9jtES4
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xhxlfxW3AM

23
 WEEK SIX
CARDINAL NUMBERS (LES NOMBRES CARDINAUX)

Pronunciation
1 un Hun
2 deux Deu
3 Trois Trwa
4 Quatre Katr
5 cinq Saink
6 Six Sis
7 sept Set
8 huit Wit
9 neuf Neeuf
10 dix Dis
11 Onze Oonz
12 Douze Duz
13 Treize Traiz
14 Quatorze katooorz
15 Quinze Kainz
16 Seize Saiz
17 dix-sept dis set
18 dix-huit diz wit
19 dix-neuf diz neeuf
20 Vingt Vain
21 vingt et un vainteeain
22 vingt deux vaindeeuu
23 vingt trois vaintrwa
24 vingt quatre vainkatr
25 vingt cinq vainsaink
26 vingt six vainsis

24
27 vingt sept vainset
28 vingt huit vainwheat
29 vingt neuf vainneeuf
30 Trente Trant
31 trente et un tranteehain
35 trente cinq trantsaink
40 Quarante karant
45 quarante cinq karant saink
50 Cinquante sainkant
55 cinquante cinq sainkant saink
60 Soixante swazant
70 soixante-dix swazant dis
71 soixante onze swazant oonze
72 soixante douze swazant duz
73 soixante treize swazant traiz
74 soixante quatorze swazant katourz
75 soixante quinze swazant kainz
76 soixante seize swazant saiz
77 soixante-dix-sept swazant dis set
78 soixante-dix-huit swazant dis wit
79 soixante-dix-neuf Swazant dis neeuf
80 quatre- vingt katr vain
81 quatre-vingt-un katr vain heun
82 quatre-vingt-deux katr vain deeuu
90 quatre-vingt-dix katr vain dis
91 quatre-vingt-onze katr vain oonz
95 quatre-vingt-quinze katr vain kainz
100 Cent San
101 cent un san hhuun
105 cent cinq san saink

25
 200 deux cent deeuu san
210 deux cent dix deeuu san dis
500 cinq cent saink san
900 neuf cent neeuf san
1.000 Mille Meel
10.000 dix mille di mil
1.000.000 un million huun milliyon
1.000.000.000 un milliard hunn miliyar

NOTE:
1. For 70-79, it builds upon "soixante"
2. 21, 31, 41, 51 and 61 have "et un" without a hyphen (vingt et un, trente et un, etc.)
3. ‘’Mille’’ is not preceded by the definite article.
Ex. Mille nairas = a / one thousand naira
‘’Mille’’ never plural Ex. 10.000 = dix mille ; 100.000 = cent mille
3. ‘’Million’’ is preceded by the definite article
Ex. 1.000.000 de dollars = a / one million dollars

ORAL PRACTICE
Copy then paste any of the following links on your browser to listen to and practice how to
say numbers in French

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woqBQG7LG8s
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL42PVXEfK0
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEx2fPn-_UE

26
 WEEK SEVEN
TIME (L’HEURE)
Introduction
When talking about time in French language, there are 4 basic things to note:

1. The French word “heure” means time, hour /o’clock in English.

For example:
l’heure = the time
Quelle heure est-il? = What time is it?
What is the time?
Il est douze heures= It is twelve o’clock

2. In French when saying the time, it is necessary to add heure to the figure unlike in English.
For example:
English: 10.00 am It is 10.
French: 10.00 am Il est dix heures

3. When saying the time orally, there is need for a “liaison”, that is a linkage between the last
letter of the figure and the word “heure”.
For example:
For 3 o’clock, you will say “trois˽heures”

For 4 o’clock, you will say ‘‘quatre˽heures’’

4. In French language, there is no expression for AM and PM. Rather, hours are counted
continuously from one to 23.
For example:
2pm is 14 heures (That is 12 +2)
6 pm is 18 heures (12 + 6)

27
To ask for time you say :
Quelle heure est-il? / Quelle heure il est ? / Il est quelle heure?

When the hour is on the dot, you say:

Il est + the time. linkage
1.00 am Il est une heure n_
2.00 am Il est deux heures z_
3.00 am Il est trois heures z_
5.00 am Il est cinq heures k_
9.00 am Il est neuf heures v_
10.00 am Il est dix heures z_
12.00 noon Il est douze heures / il est midi
1.00 pm Il est treize heures z_
3.00 pm Il est quinze heures z_
5.00 pm Il est dix-sept heures t_
8.00 pm Il est vingt heures t_
11.00 pm Il est vingt-deux heures z_
12.00 midnight Il est zéro heure / Il est minuit

Note that when saying it orally, you must make the necessary linkage between the figure and
o’clock. This is indicated in red and the linking sound is written at the end for your attention.

When it is ‘’past the hour’’

- 1.05 am = Il est une heure cinq
- 2.10 am = Il est deux heures dix
- 4.15 am = Il est quatre heures quinze
Il est quatre heures et quart
- 6.25 am = Il est six heures vingt cinq
- 10.30 am = Il est dix heures trente
Il est dix heures et demie.
- 4.20 pm = Il est seize heure vingt.

28
 - 9.30 pm = Il est vingt et une heure trente
Il est vingt et une heure et demi

When it is some minutes ‘’to the hour’’

- 10.35 am = Il est dix heures trente cinq
Il est onze heures moins vingt cinq

- 5.45 am = Il est cinq heures quarante cinq

Il est six heures moins le quart

- 2.50 pm = Il est quatorze heures cinquante

Il est quinze heures moins dix.

- 6.55 pm = Il est dix-huit heures cinquante cinq

Il est dix-neuf heures moins cinq

Now, to say the time (period) of the day, here are the words and expressions

1. le lever du jour day break

2. le lever du soleil sunrise
3. le soleil levant rising sun.
4. le matin morning
5. ...du matin A.M.
6. ce matin this morning
7. hier matin yesterday morning
8. midi noon / midday
9. à midi at noon
10. après-midi afternoon
11. l’après-midi in the afternoon
12. soir evening
13. le soir in the evening

29
 14. ...du soir P.M.
15. la nuit the night
16. le coucher du soleil the sunset
17. au coucher du soleil at sunset

ORAL PRACTICE
Copy, paste and open any of the following links on your browser to listen to and practice
how to say time in French

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4aKWpm8_zk
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YARwLmdBMbY
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB6Y1DqY1rU
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctf3EppK0ms

30
 WEEK EIGHT
TELLING YOUR AGE (DIRE L’AGE)

When telling one’s or somebody’s age in French, we must take note of 3 important things.
Number 1.
In French language, the auxiliary verb “have” is used unlike in the English language where the
auxiliary verb ‘’to be ‘’ is used.
For example:
 J’ai 20 (vingt) ans.
And NOT je suis 20 ans

Number 2.
In English, when asked about one’s age, it is common to simply say, for example : ‘’I am 20’’
instead of ‘’I am 20 years old’’.
In French, however, the expression ‘’years’’ old (ans) is never dropped when mentioning age.
For example: You cannot say ‘’J’ai 20’’ for I am 20 years old. You rather say ‘’J’ai vingt ans”

Number 3
As I explained in Number 2, In French, you add ‘’ans’’ which is the English equivalent of ‘’years
old’’. While doing this orally, there is need for a linkage (called ‘’liaison’’ in French) between the
last letter of the numeral or figure and the world ‘’ans’’.
For example: 20 is vingt (orally) but spelt ‘’vingt’’, that is ending with letter ‘’t’’. So to say ‘’ I
am 20 years old’’, You will say ‘’J’ai vingt ans””, thereby linking the last letter ‘’t’’ with ‘’ans.

Now let us consider telling the age.

J’ai 18 (dix-huit) ans = I am 18 years old

J’ai dix-neuf ans
J’ai 22 (vingt-deux ans)
23 (vingt-trois ans)
24 (vingt-quatre ans)

31
 25 (vingt-cinq ans)
26 (vingt-six ans)
27 (vingt-sept ans)
28 (vingt-huit ans)
29 (vingt-neuf ans)
30 (trente ans)
J’ai 40 (quarante ans)
Il a 50 (cinquante ans)
Elle a 60 (soixante ans)

In English, when one is not willing to tell his or her exact age it is common to say ‘’I am in my
twenties “ . This could be said also in French. In this case, the French auxiliary verb to be (être) is
used.

Je suis dans ma vingtaine = I am in my twenties

Je suis dans ma trentaine = I am in my thirties
Elle est dans sa quarantaine = She is in her forties
Il est dans sa quarantaine. = He is in his forties

Je suis au début de ma vingtaine = I am in my early twenties

Je suis à la fin de ma trentaine = I am in my late thirties

Mon père est dans sa soixantaine = My father is in his sixties

Ma mère est dans sa cinquantaine = May mother os in her fifties

Il est au début de sa soixantaine = He is in his early sixties

Elle est à la fin de sa cinquantaine = She is in her late fifties

32
ORAL PRACTICE
Copy then paste any of the following links on your browser to listen to and practice how to
say your age in French

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WksvcV6vU0
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7ErW49uH7U
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY8M7RsdS00
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G971lpMxdM

33
 WEEK NINE
PROFESSIONS AND DAILY CHORES

1. PROFESSIONS (LES PROFESSIONS)

When talking about one’s profession in French, there are two basic things to note:

Firstly, the gender of the person one is referring to is taken into consideration.
For example:
Je suis étudiant ( for a male student)
Je suis étudiante (for a female student)

Note, however, that there are a few exceptions.

Secondly, unlike in English language, where the preposition ‘’a’’ often precedes the naming of
the profession, in French language, the preposition ‘’a’’ is omitted except in cases when the
profession is qualified with an adjective.

Eg. I am a teacher = Je suis professeur

(In essence, in French, one says ‘’i am teacher’’
But Je suis un bon professeur = I am a good teacher

Before we mention the professions, let us note and say these expressions :
- Je suis = I am
- Il est = he is
- Elle est = she is
- Mon père est = my father is
- Ma mère est = my mother is

Quelle est votre profession? = What is your profession ?

Quelle est ta profession? = What is your profession ?

34
Que faites-vous dans la vie ? =What do you do for a living ?
Que fais-tu dans la vie ? = What do you do for a living ?

Now, let us say some professions in French.

Firstly, the professions that are said without any change whether one is referring to a male
or a female

- Professeur = teacher
- Professeur titulaire
- journaliste = journalist
- dentiste = dentist
- secrétaire = secretary
- Artiste = artist
- peintre = painter
- Interprète = interpreter
- fonctionnaire = civil servant
- médecin = medical doctor
- architecte = architect
- ingénieur = engineer
- juge = judge
- tailleur = tailor
- menuisier = carpenter
- domestique = maid / house maid or servant
- pilote = pilote

Secondly, there are professions that are said differently for male and female professionals
Instituteur / institutrice = primary school teacher
directeur / directrice = director
acteur / actrice = actor
éditeur / éditrice = editor

35
 vendeur / vendeuse = seller
commerçant /commerçante = trader
chanteur / chanteuse = singer
danseur / danseuse = dancer
avocat / avocate = lawyer
musicien / musicienne = musician
comédien / comédienne = comedian
pharmacien / pharmacienne = pharmacist
politicien / politicienne = politician
boulanger / boulangère = baker
cuisinier / cuisinière = cook
caissier / caissière = cashier
infirmier / infirmière = nurse

Here are some expressions when talking about someone’s to profession

1. Mon père est professeur My father is a teacher
2. Ma mère est infirmière My mother is a nurse
3. Mon frère est pilote My brother is a pilot
4. Ma soeur est étudiante My sister is a student
5. Mon oncle est avocat My uncle is a lawyer
6. Mon ami est politician My (male) friend is a politician
7. Mon amie est politicienne My (female) friend is a politician

ORAL PRACTICE
Copy then paste any of the following links on your browser to listen to and practice how to
say professions in French
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmuqmsbsoY4
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hW7zo5LEbU
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApOpvOmQU9U
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGYa-NP00fA

36
 2. DAILY CHORES / ACTIVITIES (ACTIVITES JOURNALIERES)

Let us start by identifying the different parts of the day and related expressions in French

- jour = day
- le jour = the day
- tous les jours = everyday
- matin = morning
- le matin = In the morning
- chaque matin =every morning
- midi = noon
- à midi = At noon
- chaque jour à midi = every day at noon
- après-midi = afternoon
- l’après-midi = In the afternoon
- chaque après-midi = every afternoon
- tous les jours à midi = everyday at noon
- soir = evening l
- le soir = in the evening
- chaque soir = every evening
- lundi = Monday
- le lundi = on Monday
- Les lundis = on Mondays

Now let us identify some of the French verbs commonly used when talking about daily
activities. Most of the verbs are reflexive or pronominal verbs:

- Se réveiller / se lever = to wake up

- Se laver = to bath or to take a bath
- Se brosser les dents = to brush one’s teeth
- Se brosser les cheveux = to brush one’s hair
- Se peigner = to comb one’s hair
37
- S’habiller = to dress / to put on a dress
- Prendre = to take
- Prier / faire la prière = to pray
- Aller = to go
- Revenir = to return / to come back
- Commencer = to start
- Finir = to finish
- Manger = to eat
- Se reposer = to rest
- Dormir = to sleep
- Faire la cuisine = to cook
- Faire la vaisselle = to wash dishes
- Faire la lessive = to wash clothes
- Faire du sport = to engage in sporting activity
- Regarder la télévision = to watch the television

Let us talk about some activities in the morning

Chaque matin, je me lève à 6 heures. Every morning i wake up at 6
Je fais ma prière / Je prie. I pray
Je me brosse les dents. I brush my teeth
Je prends mon bain. I take my bath
Je prépare mon repas. I cook / prepare my food
Je fais la cuisine I cook
Je prends mon petit déjeuner. I take my breakfast
Je fais la vaisselle. I wash the dishes
Je m’habille. I dress up / I wear my clothes
Je quitte la maison à 7 heures. I leave the house at 7 o’ clock
Je vais au campus / à l’école à 8 heures. I go to the campus / to school at 8 o’clock
Je vais au bureau à 8 heures. I go to the office at 8 o’clock

38
L’après –midi In the afternoon
Je suis en pause à 13 heures. I am on break at 1 pm
Je prends mon déjeuner à 13h30. I take my lunch at 1.30 pm
Je finis au bureau à 16 heures. I finish my work in the office at 4. pm
Je finis mes cours à 17 heures. I finish my lectures at 5. pm
Je vais à la maison / chez moi. I go home / to my place
Je retourne à la maison / chez moi I return home / I go back to my house

Le soir In the evening

Je prends mon diner avec ma famille à 19h30. I take my dinner with my family at 7.30 pm
Je regarde la télévision. I watch the television
Je prends mon bain I take my bath
Je vais au lit I go to bed
Je dors. I sleep

ORAL PRACTICE
Copy then paste any of the following links on your browser to listen to and practice how to
talk about your daily activities in French

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgFitpV8Ixw
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1Y4kw166yU
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhHjxXG6slo
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhuDUniBYAs

39
 WEEK TEN
FAMILY (LA FAMILLE)

Let us start by learning some basic vocabularies related to talking about the family
1. La famille the familly
2. Ma famille my family
3. ma famille éloignée my extended family
4. les parents the parents
5. les grand-parents grand parents
6. la mère the mother
7. Ma mère my mother
8. la grand-mère the grand mother
9. le père the father
10. le grand-père the grand father
11. le mari the husband
12. la femme the wife
13. l’époux the spouse (male)
14. L’épouse the spouse (female)
15. L'enfant the child (m or f)
16. Un enfant a child
17. Les enfants the children
18. les petits enfants the grandchildren
19. le fils the son
20. le petit-fils the grandson
21. la fille the daughter
22. la petite-fille the granddaughter
23. le frère the brother
24. la sœur the sister
25. Les frères et sœurs the siblings

40
26. l'oncle the uncle
27. la tante the aunt
28. le neveu the nephew
29. la nièce the niece
30. le cousin / la cousine the cousin (m and f)
31. le beau-père the stepfather
32. la belle-mère stepmother
33. le demi-frère half brother
34. la demi-soeur half sister

Remember also the difference in the use of pronoun when referring to a male or female
member of your family

1. Use mon for male members

2. Use ma for female members

Examples:
Male: mon père, mon frère, mon oncle, mon époux, mon grand-père, etc.
Female : ma mère, ma sœur, ma tante, ma grande mère

Exception. Mon épouse (Because the word begins with a vowel)

To introducing some members of the family you start by saying any of these:
1. Je vous presente ma famille I present my family to you (formal way)
2. Je te presente ma famille I am introducing ma family to you (familiar
way)
3. Je vous / te présente ma mère I present / introduce my mother to you
4. Je vous / te présente mon père I present / introduce my father to you
5. Je vous / te présente mon oncle. Il s’appelle Ali. (I present / introduce my uncle
to you. His name is Ali.)

41
Now, let us look at some examples of presentations about the family.
1. Je m’appelle Maryam. Je vous présente ma famille (My name is Maryam. I present my family
to you)
2. Nous sommes cinq dans ma famille (We are five in my family)
3. Mon père, ma mère et trois enfants: deux garçons et une fille (My father, my mother and three
children : two boys and a girl)
4. Mon père a soixante ans. Il est fonctionnaire. Il travaille à Abuja. (My father is sixty years old.
He is a civil servant. He works at Abuja)
5. Ma mère a cinquante-cinq ans. Elle est comerçante. (My mother is fifty-five years old. She is
a trader.)
6. Nous les enfants nous sommes étudiants (We the children are students).
7. Nous étudions à l’université d’Abuja (We are studying at the University of Abuja)
8. Mon frère ainé a vingt-cinq ans, moi j’ai vingt-deux ans et mon petit frère a vingt ans. (My
senior brother is 25 years old, I am 22 years old and my junior brother is 20 years old.)
9. Ma famille est une famille heureuse (My family is an happy family)
10. Il y a la paix, l’harmonie et le bonheur dans ma famille. C’est pourquoi j’aime beaucoup ma
famille. (There is peace, harmony and happiness in my family. That is why I love my family
very much)

ORAL PRACTICE
Copy, paste and open any of the following links on your browser to listen to and practice
how to expressions related to family presentation French

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIy3tenYkCA
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvpVi3ytY5w
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xINk6C-DE8k
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5-3kpXaEi4

42