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A2 noun #331 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

language

Top 331

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces language en 30 secondes

Explication language in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'language' is a basic word you use to talk about the communication systems you know. You might say 'I speak English' or 'What language do you speak?' You learn that different countries have different languages. It is a simple noun used to describe a subject in school or a skill you are learning. You focus on the names of languages like Spanish, French, or Chinese. You understand that language helps you ask for things and meet people. It is the most basic tool for saying 'hello' and 'thank you' in a new place. You might also learn that 'body language' means using your hands and face to show how you feel. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar rules for the word, just how to use it in simple sentences about yourself and your studies.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'language' in more varied ways. You can talk about your 'native language' and 'foreign languages' you are studying. You understand that language is not just words, but also grammar and sounds. You might describe a language as 'easy' or 'difficult.' You start to see the word in instructions, like 'Choose your language' on a website. You can use the plural 'languages' to talk about people who speak more than one. You also learn common phrases like 'sign language' or 'first language.' You are becoming aware that the way people speak can change depending on who they are talking to. You might notice that 'language' can sometimes mean the specific words someone uses, like 'rude language.' This level is about expanding your ability to describe your linguistic environment and your own learning progress.

At the B1 level, you use 'language' to discuss more abstract ideas. You can talk about the 'language barrier' when traveling or the 'language of business.' You understand the difference between formal and informal language and when to use each. You might discuss how language influences culture or how it changes over time. You are comfortable using 'language' as an uncountable noun in sentences like 'Language is essential for human society.' You also start to encounter more specialized terms like 'programming language' or 'figurative language.' You can explain your reasons for learning a language in more detail, perhaps mentioning career goals or personal interests. You are also more aware of 'body language' and how it complements spoken words. Your vocabulary is growing to include related words like 'fluent,' 'bilingual,' and 'accent.'

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At the B2 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 'language.' You can participate in debates about 'language policy' or 'language preservation.' You understand complex terms like 'official language,' 'dead language,' and 'literary language.' You can use the word to describe the specific style of an author or a legal document. You are aware of 'offensive language' and the social consequences of using it. You can discuss the 'nuances of language' and how certain meanings are hard to translate. You might use the word in idiomatic expressions like 'speaking the same language' to mean having similar ideas. You are also able to distinguish between 'language' and 'dialect' in a more sophisticated way. Your ability to use 'language' in academic and professional contexts is well-developed, and you can write essays about the role of language in identity and globalization.

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At the C1 level, you explore the philosophical and technical aspects of 'language.' You might study 'linguistics' and terms like 'syntax,' 'semantics,' and 'phonology.' You can analyze how 'language' is used to persuade, manipulate, or inspire in political speeches or advertisements. You understand the concept of 'meta-language'—using language to talk about language. You can discuss 'language acquisition' theories and the cognitive benefits of multilingualism. You are sensitive to 'gender-neutral language' and other modern linguistic trends. You can use 'language' to describe very specific registers, such as 'archaic language' or 'technical jargon.' Your mastery allows you to use the word with great precision in complex sentence structures. You can also appreciate the 'beauty of language' in poetry and high literature, recognizing how word choice and rhythm create meaning.

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At the C2 level, your understanding of 'language' is near-native or expert. You can engage in high-level academic discourse about 'universal grammar' or 'linguistic relativity.' You understand the deepest historical roots of 'language families' and how they have evolved over millennia. You can critique the 'language' used in complex legal statutes or philosophical treatises with ease. You are aware of the most subtle 'language variations' across different regions and social classes. You can use the word 'language' in highly metaphorical and creative ways in your own writing. You might even explore the 'language of the universe' through mathematics or physics. At this level, 'language' is not just a tool you use, but a vast and intricate subject that you can manipulate and analyze with total confidence and sophistication.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

language en 30 secondes

Language is the primary tool humans use to communicate thoughts and feelings through structured sounds, symbols, or gestures within a specific community.
It can refer to a specific system like English, the general concept of communication, or specialized systems like programming and body language.
Learning a language involves mastering its vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation to achieve fluency and understand the cultural context of its speakers.
The word is versatile, appearing in contexts ranging from daily conversation and travel to academic study, technology, and professional settings.

The term language refers to the complex system of communication that humans use to share thoughts, feelings, and instructions. At its core, it is a structured arrangement of sounds, symbols, or gestures that carry specific meanings agreed upon by a community. People use language in almost every aspect of daily life, from ordering a coffee in the morning to writing complex scientific papers or expressing deep affection to a loved one. It is the primary vehicle for culture, allowing traditions and knowledge to be passed down through generations. Without language, the sophisticated cooperation required for modern civilization would be impossible.

Universal Human Trait: Every human society ever discovered has developed a language, proving it is an innate part of our biological and social makeup.

She is currently studying the French language to prepare for her move to Paris next year.

In a broader sense, the word can also describe non-verbal systems, such as body language, which involves physical movements and facial expressions, or programming languages, which are used to give instructions to computers. When we talk about a 'first language' or 'mother tongue,' we are referring to the system a person learns from birth. In contrast, a 'second language' is one acquired later in life. The study of language itself is known as linguistics, which examines how sounds are formed, how words are constructed, and how meaning is derived from context.

Social Identity: The language you speak often defines your group identity and connects you to a specific heritage or geographic region.

The professor explained that language is constantly evolving as new words are added to the dictionary every year.

Furthermore, language can be formal or informal. Formal language is used in professional settings, academic writing, and official documents, characterized by complex grammar and precise vocabulary. Informal language, on the other hand, is used with friends and family, often incorporating slang, idioms, and contractions. Understanding the nuances of these different registers is a key part of becoming fluent in any language. It is not just about knowing the words, but knowing how to use them appropriately in different social situations.

Computers use a binary language consisting of zeros and ones to process data.

Cognitive Development: Learning a new language has been shown to improve memory, problem-solving skills, and even delay the onset of dementia.

Music is often described as a universal language because it can evoke emotions across different cultures.

The legal language used in the contract was so difficult that I had to hire a lawyer to explain it.

Using the word language correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility. As a noun, it can function as the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or part of a prepositional phrase. When referring to a specific language, it is a countable noun and usually requires an article or a possessive adjective. For example, 'I speak a language' or 'Her language is beautiful.' However, when discussing the abstract concept of communication, it is often uncountable: 'Language is a fascinating subject.'

Subject Position: Language shapes the way we perceive the world around us.

English is the primary language of international business and aviation.

One common pattern is the use of 'language' with adjectives to specify the type of communication. Adjectives like 'native,' 'foreign,' 'official,' 'ancient,' and 'technical' are frequently paired with it. For instance, 'Arabic is my native language' or 'They are studying a foreign language at school.' You can also use it in the plural form when talking about multiple systems: 'How many languages do you speak?' This is a standard question for gauging someone's linguistic abilities.

Object Position: She mastered the local language within six months of moving to the village.

The poet used very descriptive language to paint a picture of the autumn landscape.

In more advanced contexts, 'language' refers to the style or quality of speech or writing. Phrases like 'offensive language,' 'strong language,' or 'figurative language' fall into this category. If a movie contains 'strong language,' it means there is a lot of swearing. If a teacher asks a student to use 'more formal language,' they are suggesting the student avoid slang and use more professional vocabulary. This versatility makes 'language' a vital word for describing not just what we say, but how we say it.

The sign was written in several different languages to help tourists from all over the world.

Prepositional Phrases: The instructions were translated into every major European language.

Is there a common language that we can all use for this meeting?

The beauty of the Italian language is often praised by opera singers.

You will encounter the word language in a wide variety of real-world settings. In educational environments, it is ubiquitous. Teachers talk about 'language arts,' 'language acquisition,' and 'language labs.' If you are applying for a job, you will often see a section on the application form asking for your 'language skills' or 'language proficiency.' In these contexts, the word is used to measure your ability to communicate effectively in a professional or academic setting.

In Travel and Tourism: Airports and train stations use the word to direct passengers to information in their own language.

The museum offers audio guides in ten different languages.

In the world of technology, 'language' takes on a more specialized meaning. Software developers discuss 'programming languages' like Python, Java, or C++. When you set up a new smartphone or computer, the first thing the device asks you to do is 'select your language.' Here, the word refers to the interface settings that determine how text is displayed to the user. Similarly, in the field of Artificial Intelligence, 'Natural Language Processing' (NLP) is a major area of research focused on helping computers understand human speech and text.

In Social Science: Sociologists study how language influences social hierarchy and cultural identity.

The UN has six official languages used for its formal proceedings.

You will also hear 'language' used metaphorically in everyday conversation. Someone might say, 'We speak the same language,' which doesn't necessarily mean they both speak English or Spanish, but rather that they share the same opinions, values, or way of thinking. In sports, coaches might talk about 'the language of the game,' referring to the non-verbal cues and strategies that players use to coordinate on the field. In these instances, 'language' represents a shared understanding that goes beyond literal words.

I couldn't understand the technical language the mechanic used to describe the car's engine problem.

In Literature: Authors are often praised for their 'mastery of language' when they write particularly beautiful or effective prose.

Body language can often reveal more about a person's feelings than their spoken words.

The ancient language of Latin is still used in many scientific names today.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with the word language is confusing it with 'tongue' or 'speech.' While 'mother tongue' is a common idiom, you should generally use 'language' in most other contexts. For example, saying 'I speak the Spanish tongue' sounds very archaic and unnatural; 'I speak Spanish' or 'The Spanish language' is much better. Similarly, 'speech' refers to the act of speaking or a formal talk, whereas 'language' refers to the whole system of communication.

Countable vs. Uncountable: Mistake: 'I am learning a new languages.' Correct: 'I am learning a new language' (singular) or 'I am learning new languages' (plural).

Incorrect: He speaks the English language very well. Correct: He speaks English very well. (Usually, we omit 'language' when the name of the language is used as a noun.)

Another common mistake involves the use of articles. When you use the name of a language as a noun, you don't usually need 'the.' For example, 'I like French.' However, if you use the name as an adjective modifying the word 'language,' you must use 'the.' For example, 'The French language is beautiful.' Beginners often mix these up, saying things like 'I like the French' (which refers to the people) or 'French language is beautiful' (which is missing the article).

Confusing 'Language' with 'Dialect': A dialect is a regional version of a language. Calling a full language a 'dialect' can sometimes be seen as offensive or diminishing.

Incorrect: What is your first language? (Actually, this is correct, but 'What is your native language?' is more common in formal forms.)

Finally, be careful with the phrase 'body language.' It is a set phrase and cannot be changed to 'physical language' or 'body speech.' Similarly, 'sign language' is the correct term for the communication system used by the deaf community; calling it 'hand language' is incorrect. Precision in these collocations is what separates an intermediate learner from an advanced speaker. Always try to learn 'language' as part of a phrase rather than just a single word in isolation.

Incorrect: The computer language is hard. Correct: Programming languages are hard to learn.

Preposition Errors: Mistake: 'I wrote it with English.' Correct: 'I wrote it in English.'

Incorrect: I don't understand your language. (When referring to someone's specific words/tone). Correct: I don't like your tone/language.

Incorrect: She is a language teacher of English. Correct: She is an English teacher.

While language is the most common word for a communication system, there are several alternatives depending on the context. 'Tongue' is a poetic or old-fashioned synonym, often used in the phrase 'mother tongue.' 'Speech' refers specifically to the spoken form of a language. 'Dialect' is a variation of a language spoken in a specific area. 'Vernacular' refers to the everyday language spoken by ordinary people in a particular country or region, as opposed to a formal or literary language.

Language vs. Dialect: A language is usually a standardized system with official status, while a dialect is a regional variety. For example, Cantonese and Mandarin are often called dialects of Chinese, though they are not mutually intelligible.

The local dialect was so strong that even native speakers from the capital had trouble understanding it.

In technical or academic settings, you might hear the word 'lexicon,' which refers to the vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge. 'Lingo' is an informal word for the special vocabulary used by a particular group of people, such as 'legal lingo' or 'computer lingo.' 'Jargon' is similar but often has a negative connotation, implying that the language is unnecessarily difficult for outsiders to understand. 'Terminology' is a more neutral word for the set of technical words used in a specific subject.

Language vs. Communication: Communication is the broad act of sharing information. Language is one specific, structured tool used to achieve communication.

He struggled with the terminology used in the medical textbook.

For non-verbal systems, 'code' is often used. For example, 'Morse code' or 'binary code.' While these are systems of communication, we don't usually call them 'languages' in the human sense, except for 'programming languages.' In linguistics, 'paralanguage' refers to the non-lexical parts of communication, such as tone of voice, pitch, and speed, which can change the meaning of the words being spoken. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the most precise word for your needs.

The vernacular of the 19th-century working class is captured perfectly in the novel.

Language vs. Tongue: 'Tongue' is more biological or metaphorical. 'Language' is the standard linguistic term.

I don't understand the lingo they use in the fashion industry.

The lexicon of a three-year-old is surprisingly large.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The root 'lingua' is also where we get words like 'linguine' (pasta shaped like little tongues) and 'bilingual'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ/

US /ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ/

The stress is on the first syllable: LANG-guage.

Rime avec

sandwich (near rhyme) manage (slant rhyme) baggage (slant rhyme) damage (slant rhyme) average (slant rhyme) savage (slant rhyme) ravage (slant rhyme) cabbage (slant rhyme)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'u' as a separate syllable (lan-gu-age).
Forgetting the 'w' sound after the 'g'.
Making the final 'ge' sound like 'sh'.
Stressing the second syllable.
Pronouncing the 'n' too softly.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The word itself is easy to recognize in most texts.

Écriture 3/5

Spelling 'language' can be tricky because of the 'ua' and 'ge'.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is generally straightforward once the 'gw' sound is mastered.

Écoute 2/5

Easily distinguishable in clear speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

speak word talk name country

Apprends ensuite

vocabulary grammar fluent translate accent

Avancé

linguistics syntax semantics etymology phonology

Grammaire à connaître

Capitalization of Languages

Always capitalize 'English', 'Spanish', etc., but not the word 'language'.

Articles with Languages

Use 'the' if 'language' follows the name: 'The German language'.

Preposition 'In'

We speak or write 'in' a language, not 'with' or 'by'.

Countability

'Language' is countable when referring to specific systems: 'Three languages'.

Noun Adjuncts

'Language' can modify other nouns: 'Language skills', 'Language barrier'.

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Exemples par niveau

I speak the English language.

Je parle la langue anglaise.

Uses 'the' because 'language' follows the name.

What is your favorite language?

Quelle est ta langue préférée ?

Simple question structure.

She is learning a new language.

Elle apprend une nouvelle langue.

Present continuous tense.

Is Spanish a difficult language?

L'espagnol est-il une langue difficile ?

Adjective 'difficult' modifies 'language'.

We use language to talk.

Nous utilisons le langage pour parler.

Uncountable use of 'language'.

He knows two languages.

Il connaît deux langues.

Plural form 'languages'.

The language of this book is simple.

La langue de ce livre est simple.

Refers to the style of writing.

I love the Italian language.

J'adore la langue italienne.

Specific language with 'the'.

French is my second language.

Le français est ma deuxième langue.

Ordinal number 'second' used as an adjective.

Do you use sign language?

Utilisez-vous la langue des signes ?

Compound noun 'sign language'.

Please select your language on the screen.

Veuillez sélectionner votre langue sur l'écran.

Imperative sentence.

My native language is Arabic.

Ma langue maternelle est l'arabe.

'Native' describes the first language learned.

Body language is very important.

Le langage corporel est très important.

Refers to non-verbal communication.

They speak a different language at home.

Ils parlent une langue différente à la maison.

Indefinite article 'a' with 'different'.

I want to improve my language skills.

Je veux améliorer mes compétences linguistiques.

'Language' acts as a noun adjunct for 'skills'.

Is English an official language in your country?

L'anglais est-il une langue officielle dans votre pays ?

'Official' describes the legal status.

The language barrier made it hard to order food.

La barrière de la langue a rendu difficile la commande de nourriture.

Common phrase 'language barrier'.

Python is a popular programming language.

Python est un langage de programmation populaire.

Refers to computer communication.

He used very formal language in his email.

Il a utilisé un langage très formel dans son e-mail.

Describes the register of communication.

Language is a key part of our identity.

La langue est un élément clé de notre identité.

Abstract, uncountable use.

I don't understand the technical language in this manual.

Je ne comprends pas le langage technique de ce manuel.

'Technical' refers to specialized vocabulary.

She has a natural talent for languages.

Elle a un talent naturel pour les langues.

Plural 'languages' refers to linguistic ability.

The movie was in its original language with subtitles.

Le film était dans sa langue originale avec des sous-titres.

'Original language' refers to the source.

Try to avoid offensive language in the classroom.

Essayez d'éviter les propos offensants en classe.

'Offensive' describes inappropriate words.

The author's use of figurative language is stunning.

L'utilisation par l'auteur d'un langage figuré est époustouflante.

Refers to metaphors and similes.

We need to preserve endangered languages.

Nous devons préserver les langues en danger.

'Endangered' refers to languages at risk of dying out.

The contract was written in very dense legal language.

Le contrat était écrit dans un langage juridique très dense.

'Legal' refers to the specific jargon of law.

They seem to speak the same language when it comes to politics.

Ils semblent parler le même langage en matière de politique.

Idiomatic use meaning 'to agree'.

The study of language acquisition is fascinating.

L'étude de l'acquisition du langage est fascinante.

Academic term for how we learn language.

The software supports multiple languages and regions.

Le logiciel prend en charge plusieurs langues et régions.

Refers to localization.

His body language betrayed his nervousness.

Son langage corporel a trahi sa nervosité.

Non-verbal cues.

There is a debate about the use of gender-neutral language.

Il y a un débat sur l'utilisation d'un langage non sexiste.

Refers to inclusive linguistic practices.

The nuances of the language are difficult to master.

Les nuances de la langue sont difficiles à maîtriser.

'Nuances' refers to subtle differences in meaning.

She analyzed the political language used in the campaign.

Elle a analysé le langage politique utilisé dans la campagne.

Refers to rhetoric and persuasion.

Latin is often called a dead language.

Le latin est souvent appelé une langue morte.

'Dead' means it is no longer a native tongue.

The poem is a celebration of the English language.

Le poème est une célébration de la langue anglaise.

Expresses appreciation for the system.

He has an extraordinary command of the language.

Il a une maîtrise extraordinaire de la langue.

'Command' means a high level of skill.

The translation failed to capture the spirit of the language.

La traduction n'a pas réussi à capturer l'esprit de la langue.

Refers to the cultural essence of a language.

Linguists study the evolution of language over centuries.

Les linguistes étudient l'évolution du langage au fil des siècles.

Scientific study of communication.

The report was criticized for its use of exclusionary language.

Le rapport a été critiqué pour son utilisation d'un langage d'exclusion.

Refers to language that leaves certain groups out.

The philosophical implications of language are profound.

Les implications philosophiques du langage sont profondes.

Refers to the relationship between thought and speech.

He spoke with a level of linguistic sophistication rarely seen.

Il a parlé avec un niveau de sophistication linguistique rarement vu.

Describes highly advanced use of language.

The text explores the intersection of language and power.

Le texte explore l'intersection du langage et du pouvoir.

Sociolinguistic analysis.

Universal grammar is a theory about the innate structure of language.

La grammaire universelle est une théorie sur la structure innée du langage.

Chomskyan linguistic theory.

The poet pushed the boundaries of language to its limits.

Le poète a repoussé les limites du langage jusqu'à ses bornes.

Metaphorical use for creative expression.

The dialect is a fascinating relic of an older form of the language.

Le dialecte est une relique fascinante d'une forme plus ancienne de la langue.

Historical linguistics.

The ambiguity of the language led to multiple interpretations.

L'ambiguïté du langage a conduit à de multiples interprétations.

Refers to lack of clarity or double meaning.

Language serves as both a bridge and a wall between cultures.

Le langage sert à la fois de pont et de mur entre les cultures.

Dual metaphorical role of communication.

Synonymes

tongue speech dialect parlance lingo

Antonymes

silence non-communication

Collocations courantes

native language

foreign language

body language

sign language

programming language

official language

language barrier

figurative language

offensive language

language skills

Phrases Courantes

first language

— The language a person learns from birth.

My first language is Korean.

second language

— A language learned after one's native language.

English is my second language.

dead language

— A language that is no longer spoken as a native tongue.

Latin is a dead language but still very useful.

modern language

— A language that is currently spoken and used.

I am studying modern languages at university.

spoken language

— Language as it is expressed through speech.

Spoken language is often less formal than written language.

written language

— Language as it is expressed through writing.

The written language of Egypt was hieroglyphics.

natural language

— A language that has evolved naturally in humans.

AI researchers want computers to understand natural language.

common language

— A language used by people who speak different native tongues.

English serves as a common language in many international meetings.

language acquisition

— The process of learning a language.

Children are incredibly fast at language acquisition.

language proficiency

— The level of skill someone has in a language.

The job requires a high level of language proficiency.

Souvent confondu avec

language vs tongue

Tongue is more poetic or refers to the physical organ; language is the standard term for communication.

language vs speech

Speech is the act of talking; language is the system used to talk.

language vs dialect

A dialect is a regional version of a language, not a separate language itself.

Expressions idiomatiques

"speak the same language"

— To have similar ideas, tastes, or ways of thinking.

We both love jazz, so we really speak the same language.

informal

"mind your language"

— A warning to someone to stop using rude or offensive words.

Mind your language, there are children present!

neutral

"lose one's tongue"

— To be unable to speak, often due to shyness or surprise.

He completely lost his tongue when he met the celebrity.

informal

"on the tip of my tongue"

— When you almost remember a word but cannot quite say it.

Her name is on the tip of my tongue, but I can't remember it.

informal

"gift of the gab"

— The ability to speak easily and persuasively.

He has the gift of the gab and could sell anything to anyone.

informal

"foul language"

— Rude, offensive, or socially unacceptable words.

The movie was rated R for foul language.

neutral

"plain language"

— Communication that is clear and easy to understand.

The government should use plain language in its documents.

neutral

"the language of love"

— Non-verbal ways of expressing affection.

A home-cooked meal is her language of love.

literary

"in plain English"

— To say something simply and directly without jargon.

Can you explain the legal contract to me in plain English?

informal

"speak in tongues"

— To speak in an unknown language, often in a religious context.

During the ceremony, some members began to speak in tongues.

specialized

Facile à confondre

language vs vocabulary

Both relate to words.

Language is the whole system (grammar, sounds, words); vocabulary is just the set of words.

My English is good, but my vocabulary is small.

language vs accent

Both relate to how people speak.

Language is what you say; accent is how you sound when you say it.

He speaks the same language as me, but with a different accent.

language vs grammar

Both are part of communication.

Grammar is the set of rules; language is the entire system including those rules.

The language is easy, but the grammar is hard.

language vs slang

Both refer to ways of speaking.

Slang is informal, non-standard words; language is the broader system.

You shouldn't use slang in formal language.

language vs translation

Both involve multiple languages.

Translation is the process of changing one language to another; language is the system itself.

The translation of this language is difficult.

Structures de phrases

I speak [Language].

I speak English.

Do you speak [Language]?

Do you speak French?

[Language] is my [first/second] language.

Spanish is my second language.

I am learning [Language] language.

I am learning the Italian language.

The [Name] language is [adjective].

The Japanese language is very logical.

There is a [adjective] language barrier.

There is a significant language barrier here.

He used [adjective] language to [verb].

He used persuasive language to win the debate.

The [noun] of the language is [adjective].

The complexity of the language is overwhelming.

Famille de mots

Noms

language

linguist

linguistics

multilingualism

bilingualism

Verbes

languish (unrelated origin but similar look)

communicate

Adjectifs

linguistic

multilingual

bilingual

monolingual

language-based

Apparenté

vocabulary

grammar

syntax

dialect

speech

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high; it is one of the most essential nouns in the English lexicon.

Erreurs courantes

I speak the Spanish. → I speak Spanish.
We do not use 'the' before the name of a language when it is used as a noun.
Spanish language is beautiful. → The Spanish language is beautiful.
When you use the word 'language' after the name, you must use the definite article 'the'.
I am learning a new languages. → I am learning a new language.
The article 'a' indicates a singular noun, so 'languages' must be 'language'.
What is your mother language? → What is your native language? / What is your mother tongue?
'Mother language' is not a standard English phrase. Use 'native language' or 'mother tongue'.
He used a rude language. → He used rude language.
When referring to the quality of speech, 'language' is uncountable and does not take 'a'.

Astuces

Immersion is Key

To learn a language faster, surround yourself with it through movies, music, and books. Constant exposure helps your brain recognize patterns naturally.

Don't Fear Mistakes

Making mistakes is a natural part of language learning. Every error is an opportunity to learn and improve your communication skills.

Check Your Articles

Remember to use 'the' when you say 'the [Name] language' but omit it when just using the name of the language as a noun.

Learn Phrasal Context

Don't just learn the word 'language'. Learn collocations like 'native language' or 'language barrier' to sound more like a native speaker.

Understand the Culture

Language and culture are inseparable. Learning about the traditions and history of a language's speakers will help you understand its nuances.

Listen for Tone

In many languages, the tone of voice can change the meaning of a word. Pay close attention to how native speakers use pitch and emphasis.

Master the Basics First

Focus on the most common sentence patterns before trying to learn complex grammatical rules. This builds confidence and basic fluency.

Set Small Goals

Learning a whole language is a huge task. Set small, achievable goals like learning ten new words a day to stay motivated.

Use Apps Wisely

Language apps are great for vocabulary, but try to supplement them with real-world practice like talking to native speakers or writing journals.

Find a Partner

Practicing with a language partner makes learning more social and fun. You can correct each other and learn practical, everyday phrases.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'LANG' (long) 'GUAGE' (gauge) that measures how much you can say. A language is a long gauge of your thoughts.

Association visuelle

Imagine a bridge made of giant letters connecting two different countries. The bridge is the 'language'.

Word Web

Speak Write Words Grammar Culture Communication English Spanish

Défi

Try to name five different languages and one fact about each one in the next two minutes.

Origine du mot

The word comes from the Old French 'langage', which was derived from 'langue', meaning 'tongue'. This itself comes from the Latin 'lingua'.

Sens originel : It originally referred to the physical tongue and the act of speaking with it.

Indo-European (Latin branch).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using terms like 'dialect' or 'slang' as they can sometimes imply a language is 'lesser' than a standard version.

In English-speaking countries, there is often a high value placed on 'plain English' in government and law to ensure accessibility.

The Tower of Babel (Biblical story about the origin of different languages). George Orwell's '1984' (concept of Newspeak, a language designed to limit thought). The movie 'Arrival' (about how learning an alien language changes human perception).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

School/Education

language class
study a language
language requirements
learn a new language

Travel

language barrier
local language
common language
translate the language

Technology

programming language
select language
language settings
machine language

Business

language of business
professional language
language skills
official language

Socializing

body language
rude language
speak the same language
mind your language

Amorces de conversation

"How many languages do you speak fluently?"

"What is the most difficult language you have ever tried to learn?"

"Do you think body language is more important than spoken words?"

"If you could instantly master any language, which one would it be?"

"How does your native language influence the way you think?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time when you experienced a language barrier and how you handled it.

Why is learning a new language important to you personally and professionally?

Reflect on how your 'body language' changes when you are nervous versus when you are confident.

Write about a word in your native language that is impossible to translate perfectly into English.

How do you think the world would change if everyone spoke only one common language?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is both. As a noun, it refers to the language or the people of England. As an adjective, it describes things from England. Context tells you which one is meant.

We use 'language' metaphorically here because body movements have a structure and meaning that people can 'read' and understand, much like spoken words.

A lingua franca is a common language used for communication between people who do not share a native language. English is the most common lingua franca today.

While animals communicate, linguists usually reserve the word 'language' for human systems because human language has complex grammar and can express abstract or future ideas.

In a technical sense, yes. It has syntax and semantics used to communicate instructions. However, it is an artificial language, not a natural one spoken by humans.

A first language is learned from birth (native). A second language is any language learned after the first one is already established.

No. Just like spoken languages, sign languages vary by country. American Sign Language (ASL) is different from British Sign Language (BSL).

It is a polite way to tell someone to stop swearing or using rude words. It is often said by parents to children or in formal settings.

Yes, but it is a 'dead language' because it has no native speakers. It is still studied and used in science, law, and the Catholic Church.

There are approximately 7,000 living languages, though many are spoken by only a small number of people and are at risk of disappearing.

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