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The English language is like a rich stew; it is comprised of a variety of distinct ingredients that, together, make a meal. These ingredients that I speak of are other languages. Of course, English is an independently recognized language, but that doesn’t mean that it lacks influence. In fact, the language is actually composed of approximately 350 other tongues, making up about 80% of its vocabulary. According to experts in science, business, politics, and international relations, this is one of the many reasons why English has become the lingua franca that it is today (yes, “lingua franca” is one of those ingredients that I just mentioned–an Italian one, actually).

One of the many languages that English borrows words from is French. In fact, it borrows so much vocabulary from it (and other languages that French borrows from, too) that about 60% of vocabulary in the French language is shared with English. This means that despite the grammatical and pronunciation differences between the two tongues, English is found cognitively simpler to learn for French-speakers than speakers of other languages. This goes the other way around as well, making French simpler to learn for those who speak English.

To get a better idea of this concept, here is a list of 5 French words that are commonly used in North American English when talking about the home.

CUL-DE-SAC (pronounced “CUHL-duh-sack”)

Literally, this French word translates to English as “ass of bag.” Despite its vulgar wording, it is actually used as a standard term in English to refer to a residential road that is shaped like a circle and has no thru exit. In English, there is no vulgar connotation.

FACADE (pronounced “fuh-SAWD”)

From the French word, façade, this vocabulary term has a couple definitions in English:

1. the front side of a building

2. a deceitful appearance: a metaphorical “mask” that hides the truth

EXAMPLES

1. “The facade of my house is way nicer than its back. It is sided with stone from the river, has lots of huge windows for letting in the light… It has a great, big, red front door that opens to a front veranda that is framed by white columns and covered by beautiful wisteria. The front yard always being cleanly manicured really complements the facade. There is plenty of green grass, full flowerbeds, a few shady trees, and green hedging that surrounds the property. The back, on the other hand, is just ugly. There is no stone, just paint-chipped siding, one window, one brown door… Even the backyard is ugly; it’s just a bunch of dirt.”

2. “Unfortunately, many politicians around the world do not tell the truth. Instead, they put up a facade to convince citizens that they will do what they promise, even though they have no intention of doing so. This is a prime example of corruption.”

FOYER (pronounced “FOY-yay”)

This is an example of a French word that the English language has borrowed and has changed the meaning of. In North American English, a “foyer” (noun; countable) is the front entrance area of a building.

When you walk through the front door of a house, there is often an area where you can take off your outdoor clothes (your jacket/coat, shoes/boots) and store them in a closet, on a hanger or coat rack. There is often a staircase in this area. Sometimes a foyer is a designated room, while other times it is the front end of a hallway.

In public places, such as office buildings, hotels, banks, etc., the front entrance leads to a small, enclosed room that often has nothing in it apart from a rug, some windows and another door. This is a foyer (also known as a vestibule). The other door in this foyer leads to the interior of the building, like to the lobby, reception area, waiting room, etc.

CHAISE LONGUE (pronounced “SHEZ-LOWNJ”)

Literally meaning “long chair”, this French word (also known as “chaise lounge” in English) is the standard term in English to describe an armchair whose seat extends forward to support a person’s legs like an ottoman or stool. This type of furniture is often found in living rooms.

ARMOIRE (pronounced “ARM-wawr”)

While most people in North America have closets to store their clothes and possessions in, some also use armoires, a furniture type that is often made of wood and can store hung and folded clothing, as well as any other item you wish to put in there (e.g. towels, blankets, board games, etc.). Armoires typically have doors and drawers.

Did you know any of these French words? Which of these vocabulary terms could you use in your life? Practice your English by letting me know in the comments below.