Most learners of French don’t dream of vocab lists and conjugation charts. Instead, they imagine speaking their new language and exploring French-speaking culture, cuisine, music, and entertainment. Even though French is in the top five languages used on the internet, if you’re like many learners, you’d love to experience a Francophone country in-person. France is an amazing choice, as it has consistently been at the top of the list of tourist arrivals, and Paris has been the setting for many a dream destination event. But why stop there?
French is a truly international language, used in business, politics, and as a co-official language of the Olympic games. La Francophonie (the French-speaking areas of the world) extends across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and several island nations and territories. You can even visit a French research station in Antarctica. Whether for career or travel aspirations, spin the globe and you’re not far from engaging with a French dialect. But not all French dialects are the same! Discover what makes each one unique!
Make the most of your language goals with solid preparation, using Rosetta Stone’s proven methods. Instead of memorizing rules and verb endings, our Dynamic Immersion method presents you with words and images so your brain can make natural connections between them. Because you’re learning through context and reasoning, you’ll build a deeper, more enduring understanding of the language.
Learn more about French dialects below, or jump right into your first Rosetta Stone lesson today.
How many French dialects are there?
You can use your French around the world! Including those who speak French as a second language, there are around 300 million French-speakers globally. Time, distance, and influence of other languages have contributed to a proliferation of dialects. The “standard” French that is taught in most academic settings can be considered an umbrella language to these varieties. For the most part, these dialects are mutually intelligible, but they do possess unique grammatical structures, and levels of formality. Accents especially can vary between them!
Commonly recognized French dialects include (but are not limited to):
- Metropolitan French (considered “standard”)—the main dialect spoken in Paris
- Meridional French, also known as Francitan (some areas of France)
- Belgian French
- Swiss French
- Aostan French (Italy)
- Québecois French (Canada)
- Acadian French (Canada and some parts of the U.S.)
- Standard Canadian French
- Chiac (Acadian French and English combination)
- Newfoundland French
- Ontario French (North and South)
- Louisiana Cajun French
- Missouri French
- New England French
- Haitian French (not to be confused with Haitian Creole)
- Lebanese French
- Abidjan/Ivorian French
- Kinshasa French
- Cambodian French
- Indian French
- Lao French
- Vietnamese French
In addition to these French dialects are French-based creole languages, such as Haitian Creole, which is considered a separate language. Haitian Creole is distinct from Haitian French, and not mutually intelligible with Metropolitan French. Other creole languages include Antillean Creole, French Guianese Creole, Seychellois Creole, and more!
>>Say it like a local with Rosetta Stone’s TruAccent technology!
Well-known French dialects and French Creole languages
Belgian French
Belgium is a land with centuries-old abbeys and cobblestone streets, serene country landscapes, and proud chocolatiers. Today, its capital hosts a number of institutions important to the European Union—and we owe them for the gift of Magritte (the artist), the Smurfs (the cartoon), and french fries (a once exotic food turned global staple.
Most notably, Belgium is a significantly diverse locale for both culture and language.
The French language arrived in Belgium due to centuries of wars and conflicts, and has remained the language of prominence until today in the Région Wallonne (Wallonia), or southern region, which borders France. Around 4.5 million people, or around 40 percent of the total population, are members of the French Community.
The influence of Dutch language and culture gives this dialect unique characteristics in Belgium. Certain areas and communities of Belgium are only required to make announcements and provide signage in the local dominant language, so travelers would do well to know the names of destinations in both French and Dutch. It would also be good manners to use the appropriate greetings depending on the region. Un peu compliqué (a little complicated), perhaps, but language learners may see it as two languages for the price of one!
While Belgian French is not terribly different from Standard French, some vocabulary for common objects will vary, such as un essuie instead of une serviette (bath towel). The verb savoir (to know) is also used in place of pouvoir (to be able to), which can cause a bit of confusion at times. Most Standard French vocabulary will be easily understood though, since French speakers in Belgium are exposed to multitudes of Standard French on French television and radio.
Language learners will enjoy the simplified number system. Instead of soixante-dix (70) and quatre-vingt-dix (90) as in Standard French, Belgian French speakers use septante (70) and nonante (90). Meal times may get confusing, as the standard petit-déjeuner, déjeuner, and dîner (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) correspond to déjeuner, dîner, and souper (breakfast, dinner, and supper).
| Belgian French | English Meaning |
| A tantôt! | See you soon! / See you shortly! |
| Je te dis quoi. / Dis-moi quoi. | I’ll let you know. / Let me know. |
| Un GSM / Un “G” | a cell phone / mobile phone |
| Je te sonne. | I’ll call you. |
| Je vais à la toilette. | I’m going to the bathroom. |
| Il faut faire la file. | You must line up / queue / stand in line. |
| un bic | a pen |
| le déjeuner | le petit-déjeuner (Standard French) the first meal in the morning, breakfast |
| le dîner | le déjeuner (Standard French) mid-day meal Lunch, luncheon, dinner (depending on English-speaking region) |
| le souper | le dîner (Standard French) evening meal Dinner, supper (depending on the English-speaking region) |
>>Dive into our full guide on Belgian French!
Cajun French
As travelers to Louisiana meander through the streets, French words and phrases are carried through the air, interspersed in the conversation of the locals. Tempting French-sounding dishes promise to be seasoned with a unique heritage in addition to familiar spices. Signs on local businesses proudly declare, “Ici on parle français” (here we speak French). It is a realm where cultural roots run deep, and the echoes of the past harmonize with the present.
Home to its own dialect of the French language, it is an area of the United States that boasts membership in the International Organization of La Francophonie (French-speaking parts of the world). Cajun French emerged as a distinct dialect due to the historical French colonization of the region, and with the passage of time, has been influenced by various languages and ethnicities, notably the Acadians (“Cajuns”) who were long ago separated from their northern family in what is now French-speaking Canada.
The dialect has a unique character, enriched by fingerprints of multiple languages, including English, Spanish, African languages, Native American languages, archaic French words, and Haitian Creole. Rough estimates suggest 100,000-300,000 people speak a form of Cajun French, a number that organizations such as CODOFIL, le Conseil pour le développement du français en Louisiane (Council for the Development of French in Louisiana) are hoping to increase.
Learners will find plenty of similarities to Standard French, but several differences exist that make Cajun French unique. Different subject pronouns are used, resulting in a greatly simplified set of rules for conjugating verbs. Further simplifying the grammar, there is no requirement to use the subjunctive mood in informal Cajun French, and speakers often employ simpler structures such as venir de + infinitive and aller + infinitive to express past and future.
| Cajun French | English Meaning |
| cher | my dear, darling (term of endearment) |
| Comment ça s’plume? | How’s it going (lit: How’s it plucking?) |
| C’est en sirop. | It’s going really well! (lit: It’s all syrup) |
| Tracasse-toi pas. | Don’t worry. |
| Qui c’est ton nom? | What’s your name? |
| Quel âge t’as? | How old are you? |
| Qui tu fais pour la vie? | What do you do for a living? |
| Passe un bon temps. | Have a good time. |
| À r’oir | Goodbye |
| Laissez les bon temps rouler! | Let the good times roll! |
>>Dive into our full guide on Louisiana Cajun French!
Canadian French
Canada is a sprawling, warm-hearted country that you might know for its famed friendliness, impressive mountains, cosmopolitan cities, maple syrup, and love of hockey. It’s a land where vast wilderness and wildlife meets bustling modern cities. There is a rich variety of language in Canada, including several French dialects:
- Québecois
- Acadian
- Chiac
- Newfoundland
- Ontario French
Canada’s complex history with the French language began during the 1500s with Jacques Cartier’s arrival in Newfoundland. Many fur traders settled in the area, and Samuel de Champlain founded Québec in 1608. British colonization, wars, missionary activity, and further disputes over land and language resulted in a linguistically divided country. Even after French colonial rule came to an end, the French language and culture persisted.
In 1969 the Official Languages Act recognized both English and French as co-official languages and granted them equal status by law. The federal government operates in both languages, and provincial governments and territories are required to provide bilingual instruction to their students. Across the continent, over 7 million Canadians speak French as their first language. To encourage more anglophone citizens to pursue mastery of French, there are many government-sponsored scholarships and opportunities for Canadian citizens.
Canadian French evolved differently from Metropolitan French, with traces of older terms and a different level of formality. People use the more informal tu (you) instead of vous (you) much more often than in France. You’ll also notice more use of on (informal “we”) instead of nous (standard, formal “we”). In this case, verbs are conjugated like the il/elle form, so it’s a little simpler to form some sentences, too. English is also a heavy influence in Canada, so anglicismes (words and phrases influenced by the English language) are quite common, though they do not necessarily correspond with the anglicismes used in France.
| Canadian French | English Meaning |
| Bienvenue! | You’re welcome |
| Bonne journée! | Goodbye / Good day |
| des bas | socks |
| des souliers | shoes |
| la facture | a bill / check (at a restaurant) |
| le soccer | soccer, european football |
| les vidanges | garbage, trash, rubbish |
| un breuvage | a drink |
| un char | a car |
| un chum | a boyfriend |
| une blonde | a girlfriend |
>>Dive into our full guide on Canadian French!
Haitian Creole
Known as the “Pearl of the Antilles,” Haiti is home to a vibrant culture, a tapestry of traditions, unique art, music, and cuisine. Beyond the breathtaking landscapes is a community of warm and resilient people who continue to inspire the world with an enduring spirit in the face of formidable challenges. Haitian Creole, or Kreyòl Ayisyen, is a language that mirrors the nation’s legacy of strength and hope.
A creole language is formed by mixing two or more languages, maintaining aspects of both. Haitian Creole developed from a mixture of French and West African languages. Remember: This is not a French dialect! Haitian Creole and Haitian French are therefore considered two different languages, and though they have similar roots and many people may speak both, they are not mutually intelligible without specific study and effort.
Haitian Creole is a symbol of resilience of the Haitian people and resistance against the appalling context of the Atlantic slave trade and European colonialism. Enslaved Africans needed to communicate with each other, so they learned to use French vocabulary words without much formal structure. It was during this horrific time period that Haitian Creole spread to the surrounding communities and endured as one of the world’s most spoken creole languages today, if not the most widespread.
95 percent of Haiti’s population speak Haitian Creole, amounting to an estimated 12 million people in the country, as well as another 3 million people worldwide. Haitians have relocated around the world due to extreme poverty, multiple catastrophic natural disasters, violence, lack of access to healthcare and education, and political turmoil, among other reasons. Haitians, many seeking asylum and refugee status, have formed communities in the United States, Canada, and other Caribbean nations.
French learners should not be intimidated by this new language, as Haitian Creole doesn’t use any silent letters, has only one form of each verb, uses tense markers to denote the different timeframes, and greatly simplifies concepts that are tricky in French, such as possession and negation.
| Haitian Creole | Standard French | English meaning |
| Bonjou! | Bonjour! | Hello / good day / morning |
| Bonswa! | Bonsoir! | Good evening |
| Bon apre-midi! | Bon après-midi! | Good afternoon |
| Anchante! | Enchanté(e) | Nice to meet you! |
| Orevwa! | Au Revoir! | Goodbye (temporarily) |
| Dezole! | désolé(e) | Sorry! |
| Eskize m! | Excusez-moi | Excuse me! |
| Ki jan ou rele? | Comment t’appelles-tu? | What is your name? |
| Mwen rele __ | Je m’appelle ___ | My name is ___ |
| Men wi | Mais oui | Of course |
| Mèsi | Merci | Thank you |
>>Dive into our full guide on Haitian Creole!
Swiss French
Switzerland boasts breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, skiing, ziplining, hiking, world-famous cheese and chocolate, a friendly culture, and stunning cities. It is no surprise that Swiss French is the key to unlocking one of the most beautiful places on earth!
We tend to think of Switzerland as completely independent and neutral, but the history of this region was once affected by the many conflicts and changes in power that characterized Europe for centuries. The French language was already powerful in terms of literature, culture, and the arts by the 13th century, so the language was spread through books and proximity to people who could afford to travel.
French is now one of four official languages in Switzerland, spoken by about 22 percent of the population as a first language, mainly in the Romandy region. Some estimates indicate as many as 2 million people consider themselves Swiss Francophone, with many more speaking Swiss French as an additional language. Take advantage of all of the language regions by learning at least a few phrases in Swiss German, Italian, and Romansh, depending where you are, and your language skills will be appreciated by the locals!
The French spoken in Switzerland doesn’t differ too much from its neighboring version in France, but some key characteristics set Swiss French apart. Like Belgian French, the Swiss use septante (70) and nonante (90), and the Swiss also use huitante (80). Words for meals are also similar to Belgium and Québec, as the Swiss use le déjeuner, le dîner, le souper for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Swiss culture runs like clockwork, due to high importance placed on time and schedule. Their respect for the environment and concern for the well-being of humans and other animals should be the priority of the traveler as well. To make a good impression, avoid littering and sloppy dress or posture in public, and properly greet everyone in the room using formal hellos and goodbyes.
| Swiss French | English Meaning |
| adieu | Hello / Goodbye This is only said in Standard French as a farewell when you don’t expect to see the person again. |
| un bancomat | an ATM / cash machine |
| bonnard | nice (informal) |
| une bonne-main | a tip / gratuity |
| Ça joue? | How’s it going? All good? Does that work? |
| un cornet | a plastic bag (for shopping) |
| Sans autre. | No problem. |
| Santé! | Bless you! (What you say when someone sneezes) |
| Service!(shortened from À votre service.”) | You’re welcome. |
| un natel | a cell phone |
>>Dive into our full guide on Swiss French!
Explore French in every region with Rosetta Stone
The variety of regional dialects means there will always be something new to learn and explore, no matter how many adventures you check off your list! Whether your destination is in Africa, Asia, North or South America, the Caribbean, or French Polynesia, your French will take on a unique flavor. Most of the time you will be able to apply your basic conversation skills from Standard French without too much trouble, but stay curious and open to the nuances and vocabulary differences in the way French is spoken by the locals!
With Rosetta Stone, you can navigate common travel situations with ease: You’ll learn vocabulary and grammar through immersive learning that’s engaging and effective. Hear a native speaker pronounce each word and practice saying them yourself, so you’ll be prepared for any real-world encounter. Instead of merely memorizing lists of words, you’ll be ready to start making memories!
Written by Jamie Edwards
Jamie is a learner and teacher of Spanish and French. When she’s not learning new words, you’ll find her on the soccer sidelines, ski slopes, and track and field bleachers enjoying the four seasons of Western New York.
0 Commentaires