What are the 4 types of French? Unveiling the Variety of the Language

The Standard French (Le Français Standard)

Honestly, when most people think of French, they picture the "standard" version of the language—what you’ll hear on the news or in textbooks. It's the one we typically learn when we start studying French. I remember when I first started learning French in school, this is what I was taught. It’s the formal version, used in most media, literature, and education.

Characteristics of Standard French

Well, standard French is based on the language spoken in Paris, and it’s the most widely understood version of French. It’s used in schools, by the government, and in official communication. It’s structured, grammatically correct, and devoid of regional slang. So, it’s what you’ll hear in a classroom setting or when you’re talking to someone who is speaking professionally.

But here’s the catch: just because it’s the most common version doesn’t mean it’s the easiest to speak in everyday life. I’ve had plenty of moments when I’ve tried to use standard French while traveling, and people just stared at me, wondering why I sounded so formal!

Regional Dialects (Les Dialectes Régionaux)

Now, let’s talk about something a bit more interesting: regional dialects. These are the versions of French spoken in specific parts of France (or even in other French-speaking regions). Honestly, I never realized how many variations of French there were until I visited different regions of France. It was mind-blowing!

The Richness of Regional Dialects

In places like the south of France, you’ll hear the "Provençal" dialect, which is so different from the standard French that it sounds almost like a different language. Similarly, in areas like Brittany, you’ll hear "Breton" influences mixed with French. What’s even cooler is that these dialects sometimes incorporate words from other languages, like Occitan or Gaulish. It’s fascinating, and each dialect has its own unique flair.

When I was in Marseille, I was trying to ask for directions in standard French, and the guy behind the counter gave me a confused look. He switched to his local dialect, which sounded very different. It was a bit awkward, but also kind of charming in its own way.

French Canadian (Le Français Canadien)

Ah, French Canadian! Honestly, if you’ve never heard it, it’s a real treat. I had the chance to visit Quebec a few years ago, and let me tell you, French Canadian is something else. It’s not just the accent—though that’s definitely noticeable—it’s the vocabulary, too.

Differences from European French

French spoken in Quebec, or generally in Canada, has been influenced by the region’s history. It combines French with English influences, as well as terms and expressions from Indigenous languages. The rhythm of the language is different, too—it’s more melodic in some ways. Some words in Canadian French don’t even exist in standard French, and vice versa.

One of my favorite examples was when I tried to ask a local about the weather. In Quebec, they use the word "char" for car instead of the more standard "voiture." At first, I was really confused, but it just shows how unique this variation is. And don’t even get me started on the accent—if you’ve never heard a Quebecois say "bonjour," you're missing out.

African French (Le Français Africain)

Well, now we come to French spoken in African countries. It’s a huge variety of French that spans across multiple continents. And let me tell you, I had no idea how different it could be until I spent some time in Côte d'Ivoire.

The Influence of Local Languages

In African French, you’ll find a ton of influence from local languages. French is the official language in many African countries, but it’s often spoken alongside traditional African languages like Wolof, Bambara, or Lingala. The result? A beautiful blend of vocabulary, pronunciation, and expressions that are unique to the African continent.

I remember speaking to a local in Abidjan, and I was surprised by how many words were borrowed from Ivorian languages. For example, "coupé-décalé," which is a type of music and dance in Ivory Coast, made its way into everyday speech. It’s not something you’d hear in France, but it’s part of the cultural tapestry of African French.

How These Types of French Impact Communication

Honestly, it can be a bit overwhelming to think about how many types of French exist. The first time I encountered Canadian French and African French, I was like, "Wait, is this really French?" But after diving into it, I realized that language is constantly evolving and adapting to the culture around it.

Understanding Regional Variations

So, what does this mean for you, the learner or speaker of French? If you’re aiming to master the language, it’s good to have a grasp of these different variations. You might not need to speak Canadian French if you’re living in Paris, but understanding regional dialects or even some phrases from African French could give you a richer experience when you travel.

I’d say, take it easy. Standard French is a great starting point, but embracing the beauty of these regional varieties will make you not just a better French speaker, but also a more culturally aware one.

Conclusion: Embrace the Diversity of French

In the end, French is far more than a single language. It’s a dynamic, living entity that changes from region to region and even country to country. From the smooth rhythms of French Canadian to the street-smart slang of African French, each type of French offers something special.

If you're just starting out with French, don't stress too much about mastering every variation—focus on the basics and build your way up. But trust me, once you start noticing the different types of French, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for this beautiful language. So, which type of French will you explore first?

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.