French is spoken in 53 countries, making it one of the most wide-spread languages in the world. It is estimated that the number of first- and second-language speakers of French worldwide is between 220 and 300 million people. It is an official, co-official, or de facto national of 29 countries.

Countries using French as either a first or a second language are located on four continents. Four of them are in Europe: France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. Two are in the Americas: Canada and Haiti. There are also two overseas departments of France: Martinique and Guadeloupe.

The rest are former French colonies in Africa and in the islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. French is a major second language in Arabic-speaking Algeria, Tunis, and Morocco. The dispersion of the French is due to the political, economic, scientific, and cultural influence of France. 

Yes! It is absolutely possible!

Children’s minds are more receptive to learning a new language so it will be easier for them to learn French while they’re still young. It will help them appreciate the culture and connect to their cultural background. Some parents who are partly French might want their kids to get in touch with their roots—learning French is a great way to do that. But even if you do not have any French blood in you, it would still be a good way for your kids to be exposed to French culture.

Think about the words and phrases you naturally use every day or are teaching your child.

This could include everything from your kid’s favorite food, to clothing and household words, to words you’re already teaching them in English such as the numbers one through 10.

Now get in the habit of saying them in French alongside, or instead of, English. You can use a handy French-English dictionary app to look them up—many provide an audio pronunciation alongside the definition or translation.

This will make French highly relevant to your family’s life, while naturally integrating language learning into your day.

Watching TV programs and movies is a great way for kids to learn words in any language! The visuals hold their attention while the audio immerses them in the sounds of the language.

Better yet, it’s not just for the baby. Chanting a show’s French sing-along together or watching a French movie on family movie night are enjoyable ways for everyone to learn basic vocabulary.

I’m a huge advocate of parents reading bedtime stories to their babies every night, regardless of their language goals! My mom did this with me until I was in late elementary school, and I gained a ton of educational benefits from this ritual.

Children need to hear words several times before they learn how to say them. Reading the same books over and over again helps kids develop speech skills.

Teaching your baby French isn’t supposed to be tedious or exhaustive. Establish a designated time to speak French with your child, and make it fun! Read those storybooks, watch TV and sing songs.

This way, your child will associate learning the language with quality time with a parent. It’s a great way to bond. It’ll also help build a routine for your French learning, which is important to keep both you and your kid progressing towards fluency.

So, you see, 2 years is a ripe age when kids start forming words. At this crucial time, you can absolutely instill in basic French through these tips and tricks and your kids will thank you later!

Also, read- Similarities between English and French!