The French language makes me think…
When I read, I’m used to checking the conjugation and spelling of the words I come across. Whether it’s a newspaper or a novel, I pay close attention to written French.
As I read, I stop if I don’t understand a verb agreement. I reread the sentence—often more than once—only to realize that I had simply misunderstood the meaning. For example, in the sentence: “I teach the competency to appreciate literary works to my students.” When paying attention, this sentence can raise questions on a first read. The verb “to appreciate” doesn’t agree with the word “competency.” At first, I might think it means we teach a competency that students appreciate. However, by questioning the verb form, I understood that it refers to the name of a competency to be taught—teaching the competency “to appreciate,” just like we would teach the competency “to read.”
By paying attention to how a text is written, we realize that the meaning can completely change. We often interpret based on our existing knowledge. By reading more carefully, we can learn even more. You’ll notice the word “more” here—why didn’t I write “of more”? Because the latter implies benefit or gain, while “more” simply means greater quantity, which fits the sentence correctly.
One day, while reading a novel, I came across the term “sawdust flour.” I initially thought it was a typo the editor had missed. But I also knew many people had worked on the book, so I looked it up. Sure enough, it’s a real term referring to the coarser part of bran or residue from milling grain—it can also refer to bran flour.
A valuable tip: take the time to reread your texts. Put yourself in the reader’s shoes. If they’re not familiar with your context, will they understand what you’re trying to say? Don’t hesitate to use dictionaries and grammar tools—many are available online and quick to consult. Nowadays, we rely heavily on email. Let’s take the time to express our thoughts clearly and without mistakes. Our writing reflects the company we represent.
The same applies to spoken French. I listen carefully to news anchors, journalists, and coworkers. Why did they choose that word? How do they pronounce it? What tone are they using?
Pronunciation and word choice can make a big difference in a conversation. The tone we use can lead, for example, to a positive resolution with a client who may have started off dissatisfied.
Early in my career, I received a call from a colleague and friend. When I answered, she asked, “Am I bothering you?” I said no. She replied, “You sound very busy—you’re speaking quickly.” I took note of that. Yes, I was busy—overwhelmed, even—but I was happy to take her call. That’s not how it came across. Since then, I make sure my tone doesn’t suggest I’m distracted by other tasks. I use a tone that encourages the client to speak openly—that was the purpose of their call.
A calm tone and the right choice of words rarely invite a heated response. On the contrary, they help the other person feel heard and open the door to a more constructive, respectful exchange. A calm voice invites dialogue and mutual respect.
Listening skills are a valuable asset in the workplace, and so is observing how texts are written. Knowing grammar rules is important, but reading and analyzing texts will help you better understand the French language. Use your judgment when reading and writing. You’ll discover that using French is easier than you think.
To help with your writing, I recommend the website of the Office québécois de la langue française, including the Grand dictionnaire terminologique (GDT) and the Banque de dépannage linguistique (BDL). These are valuable and easy-to-use tools.
