Alliance Française de Seattle:
The Alliance Française de Seattle is one of America's 140 chapters of the Alliance Française, the largest network of French language and cultural centers in the world. We offer a broad array of engaging French language programs in Seattle and the Puget Sound area of Washington State. Our programs are for people of all ages with any level of French language proficiency, and are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Educational Standards (CEF).
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Group, Private & Semi-Private French Language Classes for Adults:
Beginner 101:
This introductory class is for students who have no prior knowledge of French. You will learn basic language skills to introduce yourself and others, to ask and answer common questions, and to write a brief note. Guided grammar study of regular present tense verbs and common irregular verbs être (to be) and avoir (to have), as well as negation and interrogation will allow you to enjoy simple interactions in French.
Beginner 102:
You will continue building a solid foundation in the French language with situational exercises to share your interests and activities. You will learn common colloquial idioms, how to present and respond to invitations, and how to give instructions. You will continue your study of present tense irregular verbs, and learn how to express time using verb tenses of present (présent) and past (passé composé). You will be able to talk about yourself and your favorite activities and celebrations, and you'll write your opinion on a simple subject.
High Beginner 103:
As you progress in your learning, you will read and talk in more detail about your experiences and activities. You'll study the verb tenses for recent past, continuous present and simple future, and the grammatical structures to describe places and people and communicate news. You will learn basic telephone skills, how to understand a menu, and how to write a vacation letter. You're ready to travel in France!
High Beginner 104:
This class is a bridge to the Intermediate level, providing you an opportunity to reinforce the skills you have learned in previous classes. Reading and conversation will focus on presenting more detailed descriptions, expressing appreciation, explaining situations, and giving advice and recommendations. Study of prepositions, pronouns, articles, and the imperfect (imparfait) verb tense will help you perfect and broaden your communication. At this point in your learning, you'll possess the vocabulary and grammar to relate memories, compare past situations to current circumstances, and write a formal letter.
French for Business:
Being knowledgeable about customs and language can give you the successful edge in your business endeavors. This course covers general information on etiquette, introductions, common business practices, and guidelines for writing effective business letters, proposals, and typical communications. You will also converse about the latest developments in France and the world using news articles or television programs. Customized classes can be arranged to accommodate special business requirements
French for Travel:
This 5 week course is a must if you are traveling to France with no prior knowledge of French, or if you are in need of a quick review. You will be introduced to the richly diverse country of France and its customs, regions and language, so your trip will be more enjoyable and successful. Emphasis is placed on verbal communication using basic survival vocabulary. Subjects include greetings, counting, directions, reservations, transportation, restaurant and shopping skills.
Intermediate French Classes for Adults:
Intermediate 201:
As you enter intermediate level coursework, you will continue to refine and expand your language abilities with confidence. You'll learn how to characterize people and places, and talk about your relationships with friends and family. You'll review present and past tenses (passé composé and imparfait), and study indirect speech and time indicators (il y a, dans, pendant) to help you in more advanced situations such as booking hotels and restaurants, and making other travel arrangements. Your writing ability will be at the level of composing a short news article.
Intermediate 202:
During this class, you will explore a variety of French media, including newspapers, magazines, television, and film. You'll develop the ability to understand and discuss your reactions to opinions presented in newspaper articles and movie reviews. You'll learn informal and formal styles of expression, and practice business communications and formalities. You'll study grammatical structures which will help you in more complex situations such as expressing a complicated necessity or giving comprehensive advice.
Intermediate 203:
During this class, you'll deepen your understanding of French culture. You'll discuss different artistic genres and groups, and provide your opinions on past and contemporary styles. You'll learn the verb tenses and structures to express your wishes and hopes for the future (souhaiter que + subjunctive; espérer que + indicative), how to communicate cause and consequence, and how to narrate in the past tense. As you progress to full fluency, you'll be able to talk about an exceptional event and prepare a written analysis on a subject of your choice.
Intermediate 204:
You will expand your language abilities and your exploration of French life and culture through discussions and readings about politics, art, science, literature and business. You will be able to negotiate, write reports, and discuss events of the day with ease and confidence. Grammatical study in the Intermediate 205 course includes indirect speech, sequence of tenses, and comparatives. In the Intermediate 204 course, you'll continue to study similarity and contrast, as well as the uses of the conditional and subjunctive to express wish, will, obligation and feelings.
10-Week Semi-intensive - Intermediate:
By enrolling in this course you will have the opportunity to speak and hear French for 6 hours per week! This format is intended to help you build your confidence and fluency in French by conversing in French and reviewing grammar points chosen by the group. The curriculum for this longer intensive course will depend upon students' individual strengths, weaknesses, and interests.
Conversation (Intermediate 220):
Learn to easily converse in French while gaining self confidence in this fun, interactive class. You will broaden your vocabulary, improve your listening comprehension, and advance your pronunciation while learning about French life and French culture. You will also have the opportunity to discuss differences between French culture and your culture! Discover France as you've never seen it before!
Grammar & Composition I (Intermediate 215):
Strengthen and refine your skills by concentrating on the structural elements of grammar and composition through reading, writing and conversation. You will extend your language abilities by applying grammar concepts in context while also increasing your vocabulary and learning about French society.
French for Travel A & B:
You already have some knowledge of French and want to expand your skills. This class is designed to give you confidence communicating with people in everyday interactions in French. Booking a room, ordering a meal and asking for the check won't be a problem anymore!
Joie de Vivre:
This course is specially designed for adventurous seniors (62+) seeking a fun, exciting and educational way to learn French for travel, leisure and friendship. Taught in a relaxed and informal way, yet with a challenging atmosphere, this class will certainly open new vistas for you to explore.
Advanced French Classes for Adults:
- Advanced 301
- Grammar & Composition II (Advanced 315)
- Conversation (Advanced 320)
- French for Business
Exam Preparation Classes:
TEF (Test d'Evaluation du Français), TEFAQ (Test d'Evaluation du Français Adapté au Québec), DELF (Diplôme d'études en langue française), DALF (Diplôme approfondi en langue française).
