The FRENCH Language:
French is the offical language of France. French is spoken as a first language by more than 70 million people, chiefly in France (55 million speakers), Belgium (3 million), Switzerland (1.5 million), former French and Belgian colonies in Africa (5 million) and Canada (6.5 million). French probably ranks next after English as a second tongue. Having served as an international language in diplomacy and commerce as well as among educated people during the last few centuries, French still enjoys great prestige culturally and is one of the languages used by the United Nations. Written French uses the Roman alphabet. French spelling, which has many silent letters, is not always a reliable guide to pronunciation. For example, final consonants are generally not sounded. French spelling, however, is closer to the pronunciation than is English spelling.

The Linguaphone Method:
The Linguaphone Method for language learning is the most natural and effective way to learn a new language.  Our method is based on two simple principles:

•  You learn faster when you enjoy what you are doing.
• You make greater progress if the language learning is useful and presented in a familiar context.

Speaking a language is an active skill--something you learn by doing, not just studying.  This is the practical approach to language learning that Linguaphone follows.  You start speaking your new language during the very first lesson.   The courses begin simply, building your confidence session by session.  Soon after, longer sentences are introduced to enable the expression of more detailed and complex thoughts.  But the course always concentrates on useful, authentic everyday words and situations.  The result is that after completing a Linguaphone course, you will have a thorough understanding of the language and be able to converse with and understand real people speaking the language. The study sequence, LISTEN, UNDERSTAND, and SPEAK, used in the Linguaphone courses is fundamental to the Linguaphone method of language learning. To learn more, click here.

If you want to improve your French language skills or bring them right back up-to-date, Daily French gives you the opportunity to learn today's French quickly and easily.

Delivered via the Internet, a six-month subscription to Daily French expands your vocabulary and tests your knowledge by teaching French via up-to-the-minute articles from French newspapers, radio and TV programs.

Using a rich interactive learning environment, Daily French is updated each morning to deliver the latest news in French direct to your desktop. Each article is complemented by a variety of learning tools - such as a vocabulary list and comprehension exercises – especially prepared for you by a team of teachers, editors and language experts.

Daily French is the award-winning and innovative language tool from Linguaphone, the world's #1 name in language learning.

TV Programs
Topical news clips from a range of French TV stations bring international and local events to life.

Radio Broadcasts
Listening comprehensions taken direct from French radio programs help you become familiar with the rhythms and sounds of the language.

Press Articles
A broad range of articles from a wide variety of French publications allow you to practice and develop your reading skills.

Exercises and Activities
All the material is accompanied and supported by the very best in language learning. Each new French article forms part of a series of specially constructed lessons, with a wide range of exercises and activities to ensure that your progress is enjoyable and fast.

System requirements:
Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT 4+/SBS, Windows 2000 or Windows XP (any editions thereof). Quicktime (5). Internet Explorer 4+, True Colour graphics. Audio support required for multimedia. Requires working Internet connection. Not Mac compatible.