French

In a country which offers eleven languages, the question may arise as to why study a foreign language. Many people believe that learning French is a luxury and of little use in South Africa and that there are few opportunities to use it in the economic market. Nothing could be further from the truth. French is no longer simply a European language but is also an African language as more than half of Africa is French speaking. French opens up job opportunities and new horizons, and introduces South Africans to other cultures as well as literature, art and philosophy. Learning a new language helps one to think logically and critically.

It is becoming vital and useful in many professions. More and more employers are looking for people who can communicate in French and there are an increasing number of openings in companies with possibilities of travel throughout the world. There are very few careers in which French would not be advantageous. It is now compulsory for all diplomats to study French and it has also been found to be extremely useful to those practising law and even medicine.

The recent Matric French results have been excellent and the universities look favourably at an application which includes a foreign language.