Here in the West, French is a foreign language. More people speak German and Ukrainian in Alberta than they do French. In Vancouver, French is not even in the top five. S.R. Watkins, Okotoks, Alta.

The Tyee spoke with teachers and other experts to learn what stands in the way of more French and First Nations language teaching in B.C.’s schools, with better outcomes.

If a 40-year-old newcomer to Canada who had only just mastered English as her third language could dedicate herself to learning French as a fourth, surely I should take courage.

Find How To Learn French Latest News, Videos & Pictures on How To Learn French and see latest updates, news, information from NDTV.COM. Explore more on How To Learn French.

With it, I decided to learn French for real. My certificate gave me the right to attend francisation classes—free government-funded lessons designed to teach newcomers French.

11. When people laugh at your French, just roll with it. "I think as I went along, the atmosphere in the room changed. People were very much laughing at my pronunciation. Now it's all over Quebec!

About 400,000 people working in Quebec today do not speak French and would need between 1,000 and 1,500 hours of training to learn it. Dubreuil makes a series of recommendations.

About 400,000 people working in Quebec today do not speak French and would need between 1,000 and 1,500 hours of training to learn it. Dubreuil makes a series of recommendations.