French

FRENCH (GROUP OR PRIVATE) ALL LEVELS

Our courses are based around the DALF/DELF exam using certified CLE teaching materials. We recommend a minimum of 12 lessons to get to A1 level, though this is highly dependent on learner and out of class studying.

Why do the DALF/DELF?

  • Diplomas are awarded by the French Ministry of Education and accepted worldwide including the government of Canada.
  • Exams are held world-wide and conducted under the supervision of the French Embassy of respective countries, at accredited official examination centres.
  • The DELF-DALF structure is modeled on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which serves as an international reference in the organisation of language teaching and certification.
  • Candidates having earned the DALF are exempted from language entrance examinations in French universities.
  • Candidates having earned the DELF / DALF diplomas earn extra points for immigration to countries such as Canada and their chances of employment increase.

Source: https://pta.alliance.org.za/delf-dalf/[Accessed: 2020/07/15]

We are able to offer courses from both beginner to advanced lessons so whatever your reasons for learning French, we promise to help you achieve your language goals!

The DELF/DALF is for adults and children, as you are able to write the DELF Prim for children aged 7-12, and Junior for children aged 13 -17. The test can be applied for online, and can be done at the Alliance Francaise in Pretoria. This is an external examination. We will cover the coursework, and passing our course is a good indication that you are prepared for the DELF/DALF.

ABOUT CEFR (WHAT LEVEL ARE YOU?)

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR), is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages.

Below is the CEFR description of what a learner is supposed to be capable of at each level of progression:

Basic User
A1 – Breakthrough (or beginner)
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.

Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has.

Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

A2 – Waystage (or elementary)
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).

Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.

Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

Independent User
B1 – Threshold (or intermediate)
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.

Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.

Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.

Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

B2 – Vantage (or upper intermediate)
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation.

Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.

Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Proficient User
C1 – Effective Operational Proficiency (or advanced)
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.

Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.

Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.

Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

C2 – Mastery (or proficiency)
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.

Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.

Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Courtesy of https://www.becomeapolyglot.com/2019/04/19/how-to-measure-your-level-in-a-language/ [Accessed: 2020/07/15]