Have You Heard of Franglais? The Blend of French and English
Ever heard someone casually say bon voyage, nonchalant, or bon vivant while speaking English? These French expressions are so common that they’ve become part of everyday English. This playful mash-up of French and English is often called Franglais.
At Eton Institute, where we specialize in French language courses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, learners often discover how deeply French has influenced English vocabulary. Let’s explore what Franglais is and why it’s such a fascinating cultural mix.
How Does Franglais Work?
Franglais combines words and grammar rules from both English and French in fun and unexpected ways.
1. Adding -ing to English Verbs
French speakers often add -ing to English verbs to create nouns.
le parking = car park
le pressing = dry cleaners
2. Adding -er to English Words
English verbs are turned into French-style verbs with an -er ending:
tweeter = to tweet
liker = to like
googler = to google
3. Using Compound Words
Franglais also uses direct word combinations:
un rugby man = rugby player
une station-service = service station
Beware of “False Friends”
While Franglais can sound fun, not all phrases mean what you expect. These are called false friends:
le smoking = dinner jacket (not smoking!)
le footing = jogging
These can confuse learners, which is why structured learning with experienced instructors is so valuable.
Why Franglais Matters
Franglais reflects how languages evolve and influence each other. English borrows romantic flair from French, while French adopts English tech and pop culture vocabulary. Learning about Franglais helps language learners appreciate cultural exchange while improving fluency in both languages.
Learn French the Right Way
While Franglais is entertaining, mastering real French opens the door to culture, career opportunities, and travel experiences. At Eton Institute, you’ll learn French with interactive methods taught by qualified native instructors.
👉 Explore our French courses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and start your journey today.
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