Each day spent teaching French to new arrivals in France is an enriching adventure, a journey into the heart of lives in transition, although my goal remains to specialize in teaching for a Korean audience in South Korea. As a trainer, I dedicate myself to guiding these newcomers through the subtleties of our language, tailoring my teaching to their needs and unique contexts.
New arrivals, those individuals who cross the borders of our country in hopes of a new life, often face a considerable challenge: learning French not only as a means of communication but also as a bridge to integration into French society. It is not so much the grammar or syntax that are paramount in their learning, but the ability to be understood and to navigate daily life in their new environment.
The French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) plays a crucial role in their journey. By defining the framework of their integration, OFII also determines the volume of French learning hours they are entitled to. Depending on their situation, these hours can range from 100 to 600, a significant difference that reflects the diversity of their needs and previous backgrounds. This system aims to provide each individual with the linguistic tools necessary for effective integration, taking into account their initial level and personal goals.
In this context, pronunciation workshops and practical conversation exercises are at the heart of my teaching method. They provide a safe space where each new arrival can practice, make mistakes, and then progress. This approach, focused on orality and everyday language use, is essential for them. It aims to overcome linguistic barriers and build bridges to their new life in France.
However, time is a precious and often limited commodity. Between my personal and professional obligations, the challenge of preparing customized and dynamic group-oriented courses is constant. Despite my desire to develop unique educational materials for each individual, I often have to navigate between time constraints and the ambition to provide quality training.
Teaching French to new arrivals is a mission that goes far beyond simply transmitting a language. It is about actively participating in the integration of people into a new world, accompanying them in their discovery, and supporting them in their first steps. Every day, I recognize the importance of my role and the value of each progress made by my learners.
Gwenaëlle Wattrelos