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Introduction: Course Philosophy (and such) What is French? A few years ago, I was visiting with a friend of my wife. He asked me what I did for a living. I told him that I was teaching French. "French," he proclaimed, "What is French?" "What?" I thought to myself! "That is about the most stupid question that anyone has ever asked me!" "It's a language, of course?" I replied, with MUCH attitude. Sensing my anger, he quickly changed the subject. That night as I lay in bed, I began to ponder his question more intently. I came to realize that there was much more to his question than I had at first noticed. "What is French?" I thought to myself. Is it only a language, a bunch of words and sounds all strung together, or is it something more? Of course it is something more, it is A LOT more. French is people, places, realities, histories. French is attitudes, thoughts, cultures, ways of living. In short, French is a myriad of things. What had seemed to me to be a frivolous question from a very silly man, was quickly becoming the basis for my preparations for teaching French to others. This Virtual Language Course reflects the new understandings that I made that evening and I will be passing them on to you. As a participant in this course, you will learn, not only the grammar of French, but you will learn about ALL of the aspects that make up the French world. My ultimate goal is that when you complete this course, you will know and be able to answer with true understanding and an air of assurance the question, "What is French?" I am excited to have you along on this adventure! Bienvenue, Monsieur B. Charon |