Image 1 of 1
Comment est-on passé du latin « aqua » à « eau » ? De « lactem » à « lait » ? Pourquoi le français contient-il toutes ces lettres que l’on ne prononce pas ? Pourquoi les francophones disent-ils tantôt « Je sais pas ? » et tantôt « Je ne sais pas ? » – et depuis quand ? À quoi ressemblera le français en 2100 ? Pour connaître les réponses à ces questions (et bien plus), ce cours d’histoire de la langue française est pour vous. Pendant huit semaines et à partir de textes d’époque, nous allons nous plonger dans la fascinante évolution du français au fil des siècles jusqu’à aujourd’hui afin de découvrir ce qui a fait du français ce qu’il est.
How did we go from the Latin aqua to eau? From lactem to lait? Why does French contain all these letters that we don't pronounce? Why do French speakers sometimes say "Je sais pas" and other times "Je ne sais pas"—and since when? What will French look like in 2100? To find the answers to these questions (and many more), this history course on the French language is for you. Over eight weeks and using period texts, we will dive into the fascinating evolution of French over the centuries up to the present day, in order to discover what made French what it is.
This French history class is suitable for intermediate learners at the B1 level and up. The class will meet for eight weeks beginning July 8, 2026. It will meet every Wednesday from 9:00am to 11:00am with Martin. This class will take place strictly remotely on Zoom. Tuition is $304, which comes out to $19 per hour of instruction.
To Enroll
If you are not sure what your level in French is, we recommend that you take our placement test before enrolling. This will ensure that you are placed in an appropriate class for your level.
If you are new to the Alliance Française de St. Louis, or your annual membership has lapsed, you will need to purchase a membership to enroll.
When you are ready to enroll, simply add this class to your cart and check out. Please see the class schedule below to know when the next term begins.
2026 Adult Class Schedule
Term 1: January 5 - February 28
Term 2: March 2 - April 25
Term 3: April 27 - June 20
Summer Break (Closed): June 22 - July 4
Term 4: July 6 - August 29
Term 5: August 31 - October 24
Term 6: October 26 - December 19
Winter Break (Closed): December 21 - January 2, 2027