Learn to speak French Audio CD Language Learning Books

For the period up to around 1300, some linguists refer to the oïl languages collectively as Old French (ancien français). The earliest extant text in French is the Oaths of Strasbourg from 842; Old French became a literary language with the chansons de geste that told tales of the paladins of Charlemagne and the heroes of the Crusades.

By the Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts in 1539 King Francis I made French the official language of administration and court proceedings in France, ousting the Latin that had been used before then. With the imposition of a standardised chancery dialect and the loss of the declension system, the dialect is referred to as Middle French (moyen français). The first grammatical description of French, the Tretté de la Grammaire française by Louis Maigret, was published in 1550. Many of the 700 words of modern French that originate from Italian were introduced in this period, including several denoting artistic concepts (scenario, piano), luxury items, and food.

Following a period of unification, regulation and purification, the French of the 17th to the 18th centuries is sometimes referred to as Classical French (français classique), although many linguists simply refer to French language from the 17th century to today as Modern French (français moderne).

Book French Course CDs Audio and

Berlitz Basic French 136 page fully illustrated course book and 6 Audio CDs Other Learn to Speak French Audio click here Berlitz Basic French - Course Book and 6 Audio CDs Brand New : 6 CDs * Audio CDs that play on Car/Home/Portable CD Player * Compatble with iPOD and mp3 devices * Go online for free additional materials Learning French is now made even simpler with Berlitz Basic French the affordable self-study audio course using the Berlitz conversational approach lauded by millions. For years the way to learn a language was through repetition and grammar drills - but current research shows that people learn best and retain more when engaged in meaningful real-life conversations. Berlitz B find out more.....

Reference Time drive Learn Drive you CDs - French

Drive Time French Learn French while you Drive Reference Guide and 4 CDs Get Other French Language Learning click here Drive Time French - Reference Guide and 4 Audio CDs - Learn to speak French Brand New (still shrink wrapped): Reference Guide and 4 CDs Now anyone can learn a foreign language while commuting to work running errands or even taking a trip with the family. The new all-audio Drive Time series starts with an ingenious "On-Ramp" CD that eases language learners into French with simple practical expressions and engaging warm-up exercises. Three additional CDs contain 18 lessons that cover all of the essentials-vocabulary pronunciation grammar and basic conversation. Drive Time also find out more.....

French Book for CDs speak

French for Children Activity Book Kids CDs and Parents CD Other Childrens Language Learning Audio click here Other Learn to Speak French Audio click here French for Children Activity Book 2 Program Audio CDs 1 Parents Audio CD Brand New Includes A Full Color Activity Book (80 pages)- A complete Language Course A wide range of Activities Games French-language songs the cartoon adventures of Superchat Stimulating Program CDs - Numerous -activities drawn from the activity book additional activities created especially for the CD the songs for all the units each exciting episode of Superchat. Parents/Instructors CD - Tips for helping children get the most out of the program Additional games and a more details.....

to Dummies Learn - For Speak CD Audio and French Book French

French for Dummies 3 Audio CDs Book Our Complete Range French Audio Language Learning click here for individual titles: Pimsleur French click here - Pimsleur Conversational French click here Michel Thomas French click here Learn French for Children click here French for Dummies - 3 Audio CDs and Book The fun and easy way to communicate effectively in a new language! Want to speak French? Don't have a lot of time? This practical audio set is designed to help you learn quickly and easily at home or on the road. From basic greetings and expressions to grammar and conversations you'll grasp the essentials and start communicating right away! Plus you can follow along with the handy 96-page portab more details.....

French

Michel Thomas Speak French Get Started Kit Other Learn French Audio Book CDs Click here for other Michel Thomas Audio Language Learning click here Michel Thomas Speak French Get Started Kit- 2 Audio CDs : Brand New : 2 Audio CDs No passport required! The world’s greatest language teacher is at your side. "There's no such thing as a bad student--just a bad teacher." --Michel Thomas No books. No writing. No drills. And nothing to memorize--ever! With his patented method Michel Thomas has taught languages to top celebrities and--through his bestselling audio programs--more than a million everyday learners around the world. At the end of this five-CD advanced program you will have acquire more information.....

NEW French CDs Instant Immersion 8 Audio

Instant Immersion French 16 Audio CDs - play in your car - portable CD player - or at home - (they are not computer software) Get Other French Language Learning click here Instant Immersion French 16 Audio CDs - Learn to speak French Brand New : 16 CDs From Provence to Paris now you can join the conversation with Instant Immersion French the dynamic audio language learning system on 8 compact discs. Providing effective progressive instruction in all the basics of structure syntax and grammar Instant Immersion French for Travelers emphasizes the building blocks of proper speech and conversational skill-building all set to a lively lesson plan of practical French vocabulary. Not a phrase book more here.....

French in - - Learn 9 Complete Audio Course Car Your

Learn in Your Car French - The Complete Language Course 9 Hours of Audio - Level I II and III The complete Course - French Level 1 2 and 3 is available click here Get Other French Language Learning click here Learn in Your Car - French - The Complete Language Course - 9 Audio CDs Brand New : 9 Audio CDs - plus three listening guides plus zippered carry case plus bonus DVD This exciting new edition includes a 60-minute Travelogue DVD of the relevant destination countries for each language. This added feature will enrich the learning experience and add that extra stimulus to motivate users with their studies. New material in this second edition includes a variety of internet and digital media/ more information.....

French - - - player a Nano into iSync lab iPOD

iSync French Turn your iPod or iPhone into a language lab Get Other French Language Learning Audio Books click here Get Other iPOD mp3 Language Learning Audio Books click here iSync French 5 hours - 1600 words and phrases - iPOD iPhone mp3 Brand New With iLearn Anywhere iSync Italian - play watch listen: in flight on the street and even while chatting in Italy Always ready anytime anywhere! With this handy mobile format you can listen pause resume or navigate thru Italian lessons to desired content... * Audio and Visual based learning format * All spoken text appears on player screen for easy reference. Easily navigate to desired content through menu. * Native speakers teach over 1 more details.....

French -Discount Pimsleur - Speak Basic AUDIO CD's Learn French 5 to Language

Pimsleur Basic French Totally Audio - only 30 minutes a day 5 CDs Brand New - Latest Pimsleur Release Get Other French Language Learning click here Pimsleur Basic French 5 Audio CDs - Learn to speak French Brand New : . 5 CDs The Pimsleur Method provides the most effective language-learning program ever developed. The Pimsleur Method gives you quick command of French structure without tedious drills. Learning to speak French can actually be enjoyable and rewarding. The key reason most people struggle with new languages is that they aren't given proper instruction only bits and pieces of a language. Other language programs sell only pieces — dictionaries; grammar books and instructions; more here.....

Book Learn -

Pimsleur Conversational French - Audio CD 8CDs 16 Lessons Audio CDs play on Car/Portable/Home CD player Other French Audio Language Learning click here Other Pimsleur Audio click here Pimsleur Conversational French - Audio CD - Learn to Speak French Brand New : 8 CDs HEAR IT LEARN IT SPEAK IT The Pimsleur Method provides the most effective language-learning program ever developed. The Pimsleur Method gives you quick command of French structure without tedious drills. Learning to speak Italian can actually be enjoyable and rewarding. The key reason most people struggle with new languages is that they aren't given proper instruction only bits and pieces of a language. Other language programs s find out more.....

Michel French CDs Audio Discount 5 to

Michel Thomas Speak French Advanced Other Learn French Audio Book CDs Click here for other Michel Thomas Audio Language Learning click here Michel Thomas Speak French Advanced - 5 Audio CDs : Brand New : 5 Audio CDs No passport required! The world’s greatest language teacher is at your side. "There's no such thing as a bad student--just a bad teacher." --Michel Thomas No books. No writing. No drills. And nothing to memorize--ever! With his patented method Michel Thomas has taught languages to top celebrities and--through his bestselling audio programs--more than a million everyday learners around the world. At the end of this five-CD advanced program you will have acquired: A powerful more information.....

French & CD

Teach Your Baby French Audio CD and teaching guide Get Other French Language Learning click here Teach your Baby French - Audio CD and Teaching Guide Brand New : . 1 CD Teach Your Baby French helps your child learn more than one language during the crucial window of opportunity: The first three years of life! Teaching counting colours body parts animals clothes and more Teach Your Baby French focuses on concepts and objects which infants can comprehend instead of abstractions like time or social greetings. Teach Your Baby French helps stimulate a baby's neural pathways build vocabulary and develop innate grammar understanding - in more than one language! Children learn multiple languages mor extra info.....

Yourself CDs and Teach Beginners Audio French

Teach Yourself Beginners French Cover all the Basics Get Other French Language Learning click here Teach Yourself Beginners French Book and 2 Audio CDs Brand New - 2CDs and Book cover all the basics go at a steady pace build your confidence to speak Teach Yourself Beginner’s French is the right course for you if you really want to learn French but are daunted by the prospect of complicated grammar classes and coursebooks. This book starts right from the beginning and explains everything in simple English. There are hints throughout to make learning easy and you can learn at your own pace with plenty of practice of each new point. It is a friendly introduction to the language which will more information.....

Audio Speak French to CDs Learn 10 Michel Discount - Thomas speak - French

Michel Thomas Speak French for beginners Other Learn French Audio Book CDs Click here for other Michel Thomas Audio Language Learning click here Michel Thomas Speak French - 10 Audio CDs : Brand New : 10 Audio CDs Learn French with Michel Thomas--no passport required! No books. No writing. No drills. And nothing to memorize--ever! With his unique audio program Michel Thomas taught French to celebrities corporate leaders and schoolchildren around the world. Now you can enjoy the same immediate and amazing results. You will go from the basics to fluency in no time with this complete course. The premium method fit for a princess . . . and you! Stars and Heads of State who have used Thomas's me more here.....

Book Instant Audio French Teach and CDs

Teach Yourself Instant French By Elisabeth Smith 35 Minutes a Day - in Six Weeks you will speak French Get Other French Language Learning click here Teach Yourself Instant French Book and 2 Audio CDs Brand New Book and 2CDs 35 minutes a day in 6 weeks you'll speak french! Teach Yourself Instant French is the book for you if you want to speak basic French immediately or if you have tried other courses without success. The carefully structured method targets only the most important vocabulary and grammar and gets you speaking straight away. The special learning programme takes only 35 minutes a day for six weeks and has fewer than 400 words for you to learn. The grammar is explained in a no-no find out more.....

CDs 15 FRENCH - Speak and Book Minute Learn Audio French - 2 to

15 Minute French DK Eyewitness Guide by Caroline Lemoine A complete course with Book and 2 60 minute CD's Get Other French Language Learning click here 15 Minute French Book and 2 Audio CDs - Learn French in 15 minutes a day Brand New Book and 2CDs Parlez-vous Francais in just 15 minutes! What can you do in fifteen minutes?...Wait in a supermarket queue? Flick through the latest celebrity magazine? Now with this revolutionary new system for learning a language you can learn French in just 15 minutes a day and speak and understand the language with confidence. This unique visual approach makes learning quick easy and fun. No homework no writing no fuss. Practice just 4 times a week for 3 mont extra info.....

Vocabulary Learn French to Michel -Discount Audio speak - - 5 Thomas Builder French Speak -

Michel Thomas Speak French Vocabulary Builder Other Learn French Audio Book CDs Click here for other Michel Thomas Audio Language Learning click here Michel Thomas Speak French Vocabulary Builder - 5 Audio CDs : Brand New : 5 Audio CDs No passport required! The world’s greatest language teacher is at your side. "There's no such thing as a bad student--just a bad teacher." --Michel Thomas In just six hours you can enrich your French vocabulary with the Michel Thomas™ method You already know and trust the Michel Thomas method™ for learning a new language--no books no writing no drills. And nothing to memorize--ever! Now the next generation of Michel Thomas-method teachers is more information.....

-Edition -20 Listening - CDs French -mp3s Flashcards Special guides - Audio 9

French Special Edition Deluxe Language Course 20 Audio CDs Flashcards 9 listening guides and more... Get Other French Audio Language learning Audio click here French Special Edition Deluxe Language Course 20 Audio Cds and more - Learn to Speak French Brand New : 20 Audio CDs and more Global Access Special Edition is a comprehensive beginner through advanced language learning program designed for travel business and personal enrichment. This 20 CD program begins with 1 60-minute audio CD of survival words and phrases needed for travel. Next 9 audio CDs feature beginning intermediate and advanced grammar concepts essential for language mastery. Then test your comprehension with 3 immersion aud extra info.....

Travel and Book - Phrase CD Audio Pack French

Berlitz French Travel Pack 224 page phrase book and Audio CD Get Other French Audio Language learning Audio click here Berlitz French Travel Pack 1 Audio Cd and Phrase Books - Learn to Speak French Brand New 1 Audio CD 224 page Phrase Book This travel pack offers a fast and effective way for travellers to learn basic words and phrases. Based on the Berlitz listen-and-repeat approach the CD features more than 300 essential expressions while the book contains more than 1200 words and phrases. * 1 200 words and phrases * sections color-coded by topic * easy-to-understand pronunciation * dictionary * menu reader * emergency expressions * CD includes more than 300 useful words and expressions * l more here.....

French Car Level - in Audio 3 1 - Your Learn CDs -

Learn in Your Car French Level 1 The complete Course - French Level 1 2 and 3 is available click here Other Learn French Audio Book CDs Click here Learn in Your Car French - 3 Audio CDs : Brand New : 3 Audio CDs plus a full Text Listening Guide The Learn in Your Car French is the first system ever designed to teach a language in your car...or anywhere...without a textbook. Simple and effective you can learn to converse in another language while driving walking or doing tasks around the house. Each course is organized the way you learn best - by learning words and phrases - and building these into sentences and clear conversations. Arrange hotel accommodations order in restaurants change mon extra info.....

Learn 2

Learn in Your Car French Level 2 The complete Course - French Level 1 2 and 3 is available click here Other Learn French Audio Book CDs Click here Learn in Your Car French Level 2 - 3 Audio CDs : Brand New : 3 Audio CDs plus a full Text Listening Guide The Learn in Your Car French is the first system ever designed to teach a language in your car...or anywhere...without a textbook. Simple and effective you can learn to converse in another language while driving walking or doing tasks around the house. Each course is organized the way you learn best - by learning words and phrases - and building these into sentences and clear conversations. Arrange hotel accommodations order in restaurants ch more here.....

Car Your 3 Learn - Audio CDs

Learn in Your Car French Level 3 The complete Course - French Level 1 2 and 3 is available click here Other Learn French Audio Book CDs Click here Learn in Your Car French Level 3 - 3 Audio CDs : Brand New : 3 Audio CDs plus a full Text Listening Guide The Learn in Your Car French is the first system ever designed to teach a language in your car...or anywhere...without a textbook. Simple and effective you can learn to converse in another language while driving walking or doing tasks around the house. Each course is organized the way you learn best - by learning words and phrases - and building these into sentences and clear conversations. Arrange hotel accommodations order in restaurants ch more information.....

Childrens Teach French Me French - learning

Teach Me French - Deluxe A Musical Journey through the Day Get Other French Language Learning Audio Books click here Teach Me French - Audio CD and teaching guide Brand New 1 CDs Booklet and teaching guide The Teach Me... series includes a delightfully illustrated book with song lyrics and translations in English. For children ages 2 and up. 21 Favourite Songs Including: -Are You Sleeping -Twinkle Twinkle Little Star -The Wheels on the Car -Dinner is Delicious -Days of the Week -Head Shoulders Knees Toes ...and many more! Since 1985 the Teach Me... series has been embraced by teachers parents and children alike because of its innovative inviting and fun approach to foreign language learning. more information.....

French- Child First in Baby's

Baby's First Words in French Teach Your Child French Get Other French Language Learning click here Baby's First Words in French - Book and CD - Newborn to 2 Years Expand Your Child's Mind and Horizons with a Second Language! Reccomended for babies and toddlers up to 2 years of age. Brand New - Still shrinkwrapped Before they focus in on their native language babies have an amazing ability to hear and absorb sounds that adults unconsciously block out like the subtleties of a foreign language. "Baby's First Words in French" is an introduction to the sounds of French and locks in a child's ability to learn these sounds. Created by linguistic experts "Baby's First Words in French" is more here.....

Planet - - Talk Audio French Lonely Fast

Lonely Planet - Fast Talk Audio - French Other Language Learning French Audio Book CDs Click here Lonely Planet - Fast Talk Audio - French Brand New - CD and Book Fast Talk Audio - French is a pocket-sized phrasebook and CD companion packed with key phrases for short trips. Read and listen to all the language you need for sightseeing shopping eating drinking and more. Lonely Planet's Fast Talk with Audio series gives you all the basics you may need for an easy and hassle-free short trip away. This practical pocket-sized phrasebook and CD companion is your best bet to laughing eating and telling it like it is - in a way that even locals will understand! Includes an easy pronunciation more information.....

Teach France visit 2 - Yourself CD Complete - Audio and Book French

Teach Yourself Complete French Book and 2 Audio CDs Gaelle Graham Get Other French Audio Language learning Audio click here Teach Yourself Complete French - Learn to Speak French - Book and 2 Audio CDs Brand New : Book and 2 Audio CDs - 523 page book Are you looking for a complete course in French which takes you effortlessly from beginner to confident speaker? Whether you are starting from scratch or are just out of practice Complete French will guarantee success! Now fully updated to make your language learning experience fun and interactive. You can still rely on the benefits of a top language teacher and our years of teaching experience but now with added learning features within the cou more information.....

1 - -

Teach Me Everyday French Volume 1: Written by Judy Mahoney illustrated by Patrick Girouard Other Childrens Language Learning Audio click here Teach Me Everyday French - Volume 1 - Judy Mahoney - Book and Audio CD Brand New Teach Me Everyday is the newest title available from the award winning Teach Me series. Kids love to learn a new language! And what better way than through the joy of song! Teach Me Everyday contains a 32 page hard cover book beautifully illustrated helping to capture your childrens attention and feed there imaginations! Accompanied by an Audio CD full of popular childhood songs. All songs are professionally recorded in French . The colour book contains full lyrics and tra find out more.....

Activity Audio - - the CD Language Learn Fun

Learn French the Fun Way Lyric Language Live CD DVD and Book Value pack Other Childrens Language Learning Audio click here Other French Language Learning Audio click here Lyric Language Live - Learn French the Fun Way - Audio CD DVD and Activity Book Brand New The Multiple Award Winning Lyric Language series is one of the most successful audio and video language programs available. It teaches foreign languages to children through music and delightful bilingual lyrics. It's also perfect for ESL students! Includes a 70 minute DVD video with a full colour Lyric Book an audio CD containing 21 bilingual songs About the French Language For the period up to around 1300 some linguists refer to the o find out more.....

French 1 CD Pimsleur - - Discount 16

Pimsleur Comprehensive French Level 1 Get other Pimsleur Comprehensive French click here Get other French Language audio click here Comprehensive French I includes 30 lessons of essential grammar and vocabulary -- 16 hours of real-life spoken practice sessions -- plus an introduction to reading. Upon completion of this Level I program you will have functional spoken proficiency with the most-frequently-used vocabulary and grammatical structures. You will be able to: * initiate and maintain face-to-face conversations * deal with every day situations -- ask for information directions and give basic information about yourself and family * communicate basic information on informal topics and par more here.....

2 Level French Audio Discount CD - - Comprehensive

3 CD -

Pimsleur Comprehensive French Level 3 Get other Pimsleur Comprehensive French click here Get other French Language audio click here Comprehensive French III includes 30 additional lessons (16 hrs.) plus Readings which build upon the language skills acquired in Levels I and II. Increased spoken and reading language ability. Level III will increase your vocabulary and grammatical structures and triple your spoken proficiency. Upon completion of a level III you will be able to: * participate in most informal and some formal discussions on practical social and some semi-professional topics * form longer sentences while maintaining the target language syntax * be understood even by native speaker find out more.....

Learn

Play and Learn French Hardcover book with 1CD Get other French Language AudioBooks click here Get other Children's Language AudioBooks click here Play and Learn French - Learn to Speak - Audio Book CD Brand New (1 CD - 1 hour): About Play and Learn French The fun easy and natural way to get kids started in learning French Young children have an amazing capacity for picking up new languages and every parent is a natural-born language teacher. Now Play and Learn French introduces a unique approach to getting kids started in French that is as fun as it is easy. Instead of drills and boring grammar exercises you get loads of fun games activities and songs that let you seamlessly integrate the more information.....

Beginners

- - Language Kids AudioBook

French Language Pack - Berlitz Kids Get other Children's Language AudioBooks click here French Language Pack - Berlitz Kids - Audio Book CD Brand New : Story book and CD Picture Dictionary and Parents Guide About French Language Pack Designed for families with children ages 5 and up Berlitz Kids Language Packs provide a complete enjoyable introduction to language learning. Each language pack comes with the critically lauded The Missing Cat storybook and CD with lively drawings by award-winning illustrator Chris L. Demarest and First 100 Words a vocabulary building book that features more than a hundred humorous illustrations. Listen to the story then sing along to children's songs. Also incl extra info.....

Study Vocabulary French

French Vocabulary Quick Study Get other French laminated study guides click here Contains 3 double-sided pages. For everyday French! About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE LANGUAGES that descend from Latin the language of the Roman Empire. Historically it is the language of northern France: it became France's national language and spread to many other parts of the world with French conquest and trade. The Celtic-speaking inhabitants of Gaul were among the first non-Italians to take a full part in the culture of the Roman Empire. Not surprisingly there are Celtic loanwords in Latin and in all the Romance languages. There are a few documents and religious texts in French of the 10th and 11th centuries but the first real flowering of French literature is in epics the first and greatest being the Chanson de Roland `Song of Roland' of around 1200. They were recorded in manuscript form for oral recitation. From this beginning French poetry soon be¬came more varied and more more details.....

Cuthbertson

The Cuthbertson Verb Wheel - French Stuart Cuthbertson French Audio and Book Language Learning click here 1x French verb wheel About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE LANGUAGES that descend from Latin the language of the Roman Empire. Historically it is the language of northern France: it became France's national language and spread to many other parts of the world with French conquest and trade. The Celtic-speaking inhabitants of Gaul were among the first non-Italians to take a full part in the culture of the Roman Empire. Not surprisingly there are Celtic loanwords in Latin and in all the Romance languages. There are a few documents and religious texts in French of the 10th and 11th centuries but the first real full details

NEW Audio CDs French Immersion

Instant Immersion French 8 Audio CDs - play in your car - portable CD player - or at home - (they are not computer software) Instant Immersion French 8 Audio CDs - Learn to speak French Brand New : 8 CDs From Provence to Paris now you can join the conversation with Instant Immersion French the dynamic audio language learning system on 8 compact discs. Providing effective progressive instruction in all the basics of structure syntax and grammar Instant Immersion French for Travelers emphasizes the building blocks of proper speech and conversational skill-building all set to a lively lesson plan of practical French vocabulary. Not a phrase book not a translation guide Instant Immersion French is the speedy sophisticated route to proper French for all non-native speakers on the go. Follow the audio lesson plan at your own pace! CD 1: Alphabet; Sounds CD 2: Greetings; Days of the week; Weather CD 3: Numbers; Time/hours; Telephone numbers; Corr come here

France

Cycling France Lonely Planet Guidebook Bike Touring in France by Ethan Gelber French Audio and Book Language Learning click here Travel guides for France click here Bien sûr you know how beautiful France is. Well consider this: it looks even lovelier when seen from two wheels. The soaring Alps...the château-dotted Loire…even surprisingly cycle-friendly Paris - no wonder cyclotouristes have been coming here since the 19th century. Whether you want a gourmand's tour through vineyard and farmland or to conquer the principal climbs of the Tour de France in the High Alps this guide gives you the best of France on two wheels. * Itineraries to suit all fitness levels * Elevation charts and detailed maps * Comprehensive listings for sleeping eating and more data

by Kids French Beth

Magic French for Kids by Beth Manners Other Childrens French Audio and Book Language Learning click here Audio CD Stories • Games • Songs Created especially for 2-6 year olds - the best age to learn languages. Magic French for Kids teaches over 100 French words and phrases and conjugates verbs. Developed with the help of parents French teachers and young children this child-tested audio really teaches and is fun. What you will hear: Young children love to learn languages and "Magic French" sends them on a magical adventure with little Bobby and his French speaking friend Marie. When they encounter the mysterious Madame Magique - "a secret lady with magic powers " they ask her to use her powers to transport them to France! Bobby and Marie arrive in Paris... and see Notre Dame the Eiffel Tower and the Seine. They meet a French-speaking cat who informs them that Madame Magique has lost her magic powers so they must go to Versailles click on

Phrasebook

French Phrasebook - Lonely Planet Other French Dictionaries and Phrasebooks click here Paperback 258 pages 130 grams Phrasebook in hand bus ticket secured you discover the bus driver shares your passion for ball games and brie. He invites you to meet his family over a game of pétanque and a long lunch. Enrich your travel experience with easy access to thousands of words and phrases. Our phrasebooks give you a comprehensive mix of practical and social words and phrases in more than 120 languages. Chat with the locals and discover their culture - a guaranteed way to enrich your travel experienc About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE LANGUAGES that descend from Latin the language of the Roman Empire. Historically it is the language of northern France: it became France's national language and spread to many other much more info

Steves' Italian Book French German Rick Phrase

Rick Steves' French Italian and German Phrase Book Rick Steves French Audio and Book Language Learning click here Other French Dictionaries and Phrase Books click here 520pp Ordering cafe au lait in Paris calamari in Venice or bratwurst in Munich it helps to speak some of the native tongue. Rick Steves bestselling author of travel guides to Europe offers well-tested phrases and key words to cover every situation a traveler is likely to encounter. This handy guide provides key phrases for use in everyday circumstances complete with phonetic spelling; an English-French/Italian/German dictionary; the latest information on European currency and rail transportation and even a tear-out cheat sheet for continued language practice. Informative concise and practical Rick Steves' French Italian and German Phrase Bookis an essential item for any traveler's backpack. About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE here

English

French-English - Anglais-Francais Dictionary French Audio and Book Language Learning click here Paperback 400 pages 300 grams This all-new dictionary is a concise reference for the core vocabulary of French and English. With 40 000 entries and 50 000 translations it meets the speaking and writing needs of students travelers and members of the bilingual community More than 40 000 entries English to French and French to English Features Canadian terms Special sections include Conjugation of French Verbs. Perfect for home school and office. Features: Bidirectional (English to French and French to English) Conjugation of French verbs Common French abbreviations French numbers Pronunciation symbols Hundreds of terms unique to French-speaking Canada Softcover 374 pages. About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE LANGUAGES that descend from Latin the language of the Roman Empire. Historically it is the language of northern France: it became France's national language and spread to many other parts of the world with French conquest and trade. The Cel more information.....

Dictionary Bilingual French English

French English Bilingual Visual Dictionary Other French Dictionaries and Phrasebooks click here Paperback 360 pages 540 grams The DK Bilingual Visual Dictionaries introduce the vocabulary of the modern world in thematic order using full-colour artworks and photographs to display and label all the elements of everyday life - from home and office to sport music nature and beyond - with additional panel features on key associated nouns verbs and phrases. Every item shown is labelled or annotated with the translation of each term given directly below. This creates a colourful and stimulating learning resource for the foreign-language and EFL/ESL student. The illustrations in the Dictionaries not only provide a quick and intuitive route to language learning and vocabulary ref more.....

Essential Grammar Seymour

Essential French Grammar Seymour Resnick French Audio and Book Language Learning click here Other French Dictionaries and Phrase Books click here 145pp This is the first French grammar designed specifically for adults with limited learning time who wish to acquire a knowledge of simple everyday spoken French and who have no need of all the archaic highly literary and seldom used forms that must be covered in a conventional grammar. It is not a simplified study but a selective grammar that points out many time-saving short cuts. About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE LANGUAGES that descend from Latin the language of the Roman Empire. Historically it is the language of northern France details

Rick

Rick Steves French Phrasebook and Dictionary Other French Dictionaries and Phrasebooks click here Rick Steves Travel Guidebook to France is here making it easier to travel through France Paperback 272 pages 140 grams # After 30 seasons of close-to-the-ground travel through Europe Rick Steves has learned which French words and phrases are important for independent travelers — and which ones are worthless outside of four-star hotels. This pocket-sized volume is packed with practical words and phrases designed to help you enjoy a better trip. # You'll find key French words and phrases covering: # Travel in France by train and/or car # Shopping money entertainment # Sleeping eating sightseeing # Travel talk making friends health love naughty words # French tongue twisters and gestures # A detailed French-English and English-French traveler's dictionary # More pages but thinner paper for better "pocketability" # Instructions for using French telephones # A multi-page French menu decoder # Maps to aid in conversations # Phrases for reserving a room by phone # Enough words for a meaningful discussion of life more details.....

GR WalkingFrench Guide by Pyrenees

The GR10 Trail by Paul Lucia Guidebook Walking the Pyrenees in France French Audio and Book Language Learning click here Travel guides for France click here The GR10 is one of a number of official long-distance paths (Grandes Randonnees) in France. This classic long-distance walk across the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean takes about 50 days to complete but the author divides it into sections conveniently tackled in a fortnight's holiday with details of accommodation and transport. This classic long-distance walk across the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean takes a lower route than the more arduous Pyrenean High Route. Nevertheless it passes through striking mountain country and gorge scenery. The easy ascent of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau is described as an excursion. The route takes about 50 days to complete but the author divides it into sections conve click

French Text Parallel Stories

Parallel Text - Short Stories in French Penguin French Audio and Book Language Learning click here Other French Dictionaries and Phrase Books click here 214pp This new volume of twelve short stories with parallel translations offers students of French at all levels the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of contemporary literature without having constantly to refer back to a dictionary. Written by authors from Quebec as well as France the majority of these stories have been published in the last decade and reflect a rich diversity of styles and themes from Daniel Boulanger's exploration of revenge and the desire for recognition to Alain Gerber's brief and poetic 'You Never Die' and the sardonic tales of Frederic Fajardie and Sylvie Massicotte. Complete with notes the stories make excellent reading in either language. About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE LANGUAGES that descend from Latin the language of the Roman Empire. Historically it is the language of northern France: it became France's national language and spread to many other parts of the world with French conquest and trade. The more information.....

French iSync

iSync French - download to iPod or other portable media players Audio and visual language learning based on our best -selling audio program - Learn in Your Car - and formatted for instant download to an iPod portable media player or MP3-compatible CD player! A truly innovative program iSync recognizes both the technological and learning demands of business people travelers and students of foreign languages. The iSync series provides comprehensive grammar and vocabulary essential to language learning. Key words and phrases appear on alternating colored screens as they are heard distinguishing the English from the Italian. The bookmarkable format allows you to stop and resume even in the middle of a lesson! Listeners learn pronunciation vocabulary basic grammar and conversation. For increased comprehension and vocabulary building over 750 here

CD French Comprehensive Level Pimsleur Audio Discount

Travel Guide France

Rick Steves France 2011 Guidebook French Audio and Book Language Learning click here France is Europe's most diverse tasty and in many ways exciting country to explore. It's a multifaceted cultural fondue. France is nearly as big as Texas with 61 million people and more than 400 different cheeses. Diversité is a French forte. This country features three distinct mountain ranges (the Alps the Pyrenees and the Central) the different-as-night-and-day Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines cosmopolitan cities (such as Paris Lyon and Nice—all featured in this book) and sleepy villages. From its Swiss-like Alps to its molto Italian Riviera and from the Spanish Pyrenees to das German Alsace you can stay in France feel like you've sampled much of Europe and never be more than a short stroll from a good vin rouge. In Rick Steves' France you'll find in-depth Rick-tested information on trip planning hotels restaurants tourist further data

French by Cat inHat Seuss

Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss in English and French Bilingual Other Childrens French Audio and Book Language Learning click here Hardback - 63 pages Cat lovers and francophiles rejoice"--The Cat in the Hat in English and French "is back in print! Perfect for teaching beginning readers simple conversational French or English the story is here on each page in the language the reader already knows to guide him or her in the language they are learning. The repetition makes it ideal for learning new words and the hilarious plot makes it easy to read again and again. Learning a new language has never been so much fun! One wet rainy day while mother is out a boy and a girl sit dejectedly in their chairs watching the rain beat against the window. They're bored. Su more info

French With

Little Pim - Fun With Languages French for Babies Toddler and Preschoolers French Audio and Book Language Learning click here Other Children's Learn to Speak French click here 6 Disc Set Your children will love Little Pim an animated panda bear who is the series' teacher as he and real kids laugh play and learn together. This groundbreaking DVD series is specifically designed for babies toddlers and preschoolers. Little Pim provides the basic language blocks of a second or third language and is fun for the whole family. Disc 1 : Eating and drinking Disc 2 : Wake up smiling Disc 3 : Playtime Disc 4 : In my home Disc 5 : Happy sad and silly Disc 6 : I can count! About the French Language French is the most northerly of t click here

you drive Reference while Time

Drive Time French Learn French while you Drive Reference Guide and 4 CDs Drive Time French - Reference Guide and 4 Audio CDs - Learn to speak French Reference Guide and 4 CDs Now anyone can learn a foreign language while commuting to work running errands or even taking a trip with the family. The new all-audio Drive Time series starts with an ingenious "On-Ramp" CD that eases language learners into French with simple practical expressions and engaging warm-up exercises. Three additional CDs contain 18 lessons that cover all of the essentials-vocabulary pronunciation grammar and basic conversation. Drive Time also includes a 64-page reference guide for anyone who would like to see spellings or read dialogues as a review-from the passenger seat of course! About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE LANGUAGES that descend from Latin the language of the Roman Empire. Historically it is the language further data

BBCFrench Intermediate Complete Experience Pack

The French Experience 2 Complete Intermediate Level Pack Get other BBC French Experience click here 5x 70 minute Audio CDs and 224 pp Book The highly successful course has now been revised and updated for this new edition to include the euro and other key changed in France and French life. The French Experience 2 is a multi-media course for intermediate learners of French. It is designed for those who have a basic knowledge of French and is ideal for anyone who followed the successful French Experience1 or any other beginners' French course. The course book and five CDs constitute a complete self-contained coures with an easy to follow approach. Each of the ten units contains dialogues authentic texts explanations of key language and a wide variety of activites including extended reading and listening passages. You'll be able to expand your ability to speak understand read and write French in a wide range of useful everyday settings. About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE LANGUAGES that descend from Latin the language of the Roman Em click on

Picture Book Word French First Board

First Picture Word Book in French by Jo Litchfield Other Childrens French Audio and Book Language Learning click here Hardback - boardbook - 16 pages * Delightful first French word book for very young children. * Contains over 150 words arranged thematically and illustrated with photographs of Jo Litchfield's charming models. * Each double page illustrates the words for a different topic including animals vehicles homes and the body. * Additional pages show numbers shapes and colours. * Children can listen to all the words on the Usborne Quicklinks Website. About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE LANGUAGES that descend from Latin the language of the Roman Empire. Historically it is the language of northern France: it became France's national language and spread to many other find out more.....

Book Dictionary

French at a Glance Phrase Book and Dictionary French Audio and Book Language Learning click here Other French Dictionaries and Phrase Books click here 299pp Designed primarily for international business and vacation travelers this language phrasebook presents more than 1 500 words and expressions in both English and French. Phrases are the kind to help travelers make themselves understood in hotels airports train stations restaurants shops and other places they are likely to visit as tourists or international business travelers. All of the newly revised "At a Glance" phrasebooks have useful city maps updated information on train systems and timetables availability of ATMs and faxes in major foreign cities and towns and of course countless helpful words and phrases in both languages click

French Flashcards Usborne Everyday Words French Audio and Book Language Learning click here Other Children's Learn to Speak French click here Everyday Words French Flashcards are a great way to help your child learn simple French vocabulary. There are 50 cards each with a word and picture on one side and the same word alone on the other. You can use the cards to play games for self testing or just prop them up around the house or classroom as a reminder. About the Designer and Modelmaker Jo Litchfield After studying Graphic Design and Illustration at Derby University I went to work for Usborne Publishing. There I designed and created my first major modelmaking project a picture book called ‘Everyday Words’ which sold over a million copies within its first 18 months of publication and has been translated into over 35 languages worldwide. The majority of my work to date has been illustrating children’s books including: ‘Fairy Tales’ ‘Jobs People Do’ and ‘First Dinosaurs’ (Usborne Publishing). Other types of commissions have included museum exhibits and pieces for marketing and advertising. I now work from my studio click the link

Audio French CD Level Discount

Pimsleur Comprehensive French Level 2 Get other Pimsleur Comprehensive French click here Get other French Language audio click here Comprehensive French II includes 30 additional lessons (16 hrs.) plus Readings which build upon the language skills acquired in Level I. Increased spoken and reading language ability. Level II will double your vocabulary and grammatical structures while increasing your spoken proficiency exponentially. Upon completion of a Level II you will be able to: * engage in fuller conversations involving yourself your family daily activities interests and personal preferences * combine known elements into increasingly longer sentences and strings of sentences * create with language and function in informal situations * deal with concrete topics in the past present and future * meet social demands and limited job requirements * begin reading for meaning. Note: In order for the Pimsleur Method to work correctly you must first complete the Level I language program before proceeding to the Level II language program. About the French Language French is a Romance language originally spoken in France Belgium Luxembourg and Switzerland and related info

Pronounce It Perfectly in French Second Edition French Audio and Book Language Learning click here 3 Audio CDs and 224 pp Book When mastering French nothing is more important than learning to pronounce the words and phrases so that you're understood. This CD and book program emphasises speaking sound discrimination and standard intonation patterns that are typical of native French speakers. Words and sounds are put into a variety of conversational contexts for students of French to practice and perfect. Learn to speak with an authentic French accent Listen and imitate the sound patterns of spoken French Essential help for students taking French and for travelers in French-speaking countries About the French additional info.....

Travel

French Phrases for Dummies Other French Dictionaries and Phrasebooks click here Paperback 203 pages 180 grams Hundreds of useful phrases at your fingertips Speak French -- instantly! Shopping. Ordering dinner. Chatting about the weather. Talking about your family. Dealing with emergencies. Whether you’re a traveler or student this handy French phrase book makes everyday communication a breeze! Discover how to: * Get directions shop and eat out * Talk numbers dates time and money * Chat about family and work * Discuss sports and the weather * Deal with problems and emergencies About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE LANGUAGES that descend from Latin the language o come here

Language A French Dual Book Beginner's First Reader

First French Reader A Beginner's Dual Language Book French Audio and Book Language Learning click here Other French Dictionaries and Phrase Books click here 205pp This excellent anthology offers the beginning French-language student a first taste of some of the world's most significant prose. Chosen for both their eloquence and ease of reading excerpts from such masterpieces as Les Miserables The Red and the Black Madame Bovary Carmen and The Three Musketeers will open new worlds for linguists. Readers will savor the words of fifty great writers of multiple genres from the seventeenth through twentieth centuries including Voltaire Rousseau Balzac Baudelaire Dumas Proust and other literary virtuosos. About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE LANGUAGES that descend from Latin the language of the Roman Empire. Historically it is the language of northern France: it became France's national language and click here

France Master

The Marling Menu-Master for France William E. Marling French Audio and Book Language Learning click here 112pp France is for lovers... and eaters! And with this handy guide you'll feel more confident visiting those non- touristy places where English isn't spoken but great meals at (for France at least) bargain prices await! Because it's food-specific Marling gives you much more information that a dictionary. French Food Vocabulary some examples of French Food words a nourriture - food avoir faim- to be hungry manger -to eat le repas -meal le petit-déjeuner - breakfast le déjeuner -lunch le dîner -dinner le goûter -snack déjeuner -to have breakfast or lunch dîner -to have dinner le hors d'œuvre l'entrée*- appetizer la soupe le potage- soup le plat principal -main course la salade -salad le dessert -dessert la cuisine -kitchen cooking la salle à manger -dining room le restaurant -restaurant About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE LANGUAGES that descend f considerably more details

Beginners Jordan Sara French

English-French - Bilingual Beginners Sara Jordan Book and CD Set Get other Children's Language AudioBooks click here English-French - Bilingual Beginners - Sara Jordan - Audio Book CD Brand New (book and CD set): About English-French - Bilingual Beginners A great introduction to the new language with songs teaching: greetings alphabet counting to 12 about vowels consonants telling time animals food parts of the body family members colors opposites and much more! Packaged with a reproducible lyrics book. We also recommend the companion reproducible resource book enhancing what has been learned in the songs. About Sara Jordan Sara Jordan began composing music to boost literacy and numeracy in 1990. As a Special Education teacher at an inner-city Toronto vocational school she struggled to find ways to teach students labeled as learning disabled dyslexic or ‘at risk’ to read write and perform basic math. Inspired Sara sat down at her keyboard and began composing ‘songs that teach’. Her first recording The 3R Rap was nominated for the prestigious Grawemeyer Award in Education by the University of Louisv lots more

Level

The French Experience 1 Complete Beginner Level Pack Get other BBC French Experience click here 4x 75 minute Audio CDs and 288 pp Book The French Experience: is built on authentic dialogues and interviews specially recorded in France gives maximum exposure to real language is full of exciting and stimulating material is designed by specialists in language learning has easy to follow instructions and clear cross-referencing between book and CDs has been fully revised and updated to include the euro and other key changes in France and French life About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE LANGUAGES that descend from Latin the language of the Roman Empire. Historically it is the language of northern France: it became France's national language and spread to many other parts of the world with French conquest and trade. The Celtic-speaking inhabitants of Gaul were among the first non much more info

French Computer Talk

Talk to Me French version 7 - Computer software course Other French Computer Software CD-Rom click here "Talk to Me" is an innovative and interactive method based on comprehension and oral expression. Advanced speech recognition allows students to take part in a natural dialogue with their computer. "Talk to Me" understands what the student says evaluates their pronunciation and corrects the mistakes. Speech recognition even applies to the exercises enabling the student to assimilate grammatical structures and vocabulary. This new version version 7 offers over 120 hours worth of activities interactive videos and dialogues. Founded on the speech recognition technology developed by Auralog it enables learners to acquire the oral skills needed to master the language. Also now available the ability to extract audio content and burn it to an Audio CD. Headset included. - Cultural Videos - Exercises and Games - 3D Phonetic Animations - Evaluation of Pronunciation with State of the art speech recognition. - Interactive Dialogues System Requirements PC: Operating System: Windows 95 98 ME 2000 XP Vista Pentium 3 or above Memory 256 MB Disc Space 170 MB CD-Rom Drive Soundcard A details

Usborne Book Everyday French Words

Everyday Words in French Usborne French Audio and Book Language Learning click here Other Children's Learn to Speak French click here 48pp Book Everyday Words in French is a bright and lively wordfinder for young children containing over 500 simple French words. The book is designed to help children expand their French vocabulary in a fun and enjoyable way. Each familiar object has a French label encouraging immediate association of word and object so that even beginners can enjoy learning new words. At the end of the book there is French-English dictionary which covers all the words and includes an easy-to-use pronunciation guide. About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE LANGUAG more data

Larousse French

French-English - English-French Dictionary Larousse French Dictionaries and Phrasebooks click here Paperback 384 pages 430 grams The Larousse pocket dictionaries have been fully updated inside and out. These are the bestselling dictionaries in the bilingual line and were last updated in 2007. The practical portable references are great for people who are learning a language or who are traveling but want more than a phrasebook. Each includes: More than 135 000 entries Updated vocabulary in all subject areas Usage examples showing words in context to ensure accurate Translation and give a clear picture of how they are used Idoms abbbreviations and acronyms A helpful pronunciation guide About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE LANGUAGES that descend from Latin the language of the Roman Empire. Historically it is t here

French

French Made Simple Pamela Rose Haze French Audio and Book Language Learning click here Other French Dictionary and Phrase Books click here 387pp Book Learn to speak French like a native! An invaluable introduction to one of the most studied languages in America French Made Simple is ideal for the student businessperson or tourist. Teaching the basics of grammar vocabulary and culture it guides you step-by-step through the process of learning and conversing quickly. Refreshingly easy to understand French Made Simple includes: Basics of grammar Modern vocabulary Helpful verb chart French-English dictionary Reading exercises Economic information Common expressions Review quizzes Complete answer key About the French Language French is the most northerly of the ROMANCE LANGUAGES that descend from Latin the language of the Roman Empire. Historically it is the language of northern France: it became France's national language and spread to many other parts of the world with French conquest and trade. The Celtic-speaking inhabitants of Gaul were among the first non-Italians to ta click

Yourself Teach Beginners

Teach Yourself Beginners French 2 Audio CDs and Book Cover all the Basics Get Other French Language Learning click here Teach Yourself Beginners French 2 Audio CDs and Book Brand New - 2CDs and Book cover all the basics go at a steady pace build your confidence to speak Teach Yourself Beginner’s French is the right course for you if you really want to learn French but are daunted by the prospect of complicated grammar classes and coursebooks. This book starts right from the beginning and explains everything in simple English. There are hints throughout to make learning easy and you can learn at your own pace with plenty of practice of each new point. It is a friendly introduction to the language which will help you to understand and speak French sufficiently well to function effectively in basic everyday situations. The course will also offer you an insight into French culture. The language taught reflects the l considerably more details

French is a Romance language originally spoken in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, and today by about 350 million people around the world as either a native or a second language, with significant populations in 54 countries.

French is a descendant of the Latin of the Roman Empire, as are languages such as Spanish, Italian, Catalan, Romanian, and Portuguese. Its development was also influenced by the native Celtic languages of Roman Gaul and by the Germanic language of the post-Roman Frankish invaders.

It is an official language in 31 countries, most of which form what is called in French La Francophonie, the community of French-speaking nations. It is an official language of all United Nations agencies and a large number of international organisations.

Per the Constitution of France, French has been the official language since 1992[8] (although previous legal texts have made it official since 1539, see ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts). France mandates the use of French in official government publications, public education outside of specific cases (though these dispositions are often ignored) and legal contracts; advertisements must bear a translation of foreign words.

The foundation of the Académie française (French Academy) in 1634 by Cardinal Richelieu created an official body whose goal has been the purification and preservation of the French language. This group of 40 members is known as the Immortals, not, as some erroneously believe, because they are chosen to serve for the extent of their lives (which they are), but because of the inscription engraved on the official seal given to them by their founder Richelieu—"À l'immortalité" ("to the Immortality (of the French language)"). The foundation still exists and contributes to the policing of the language and the adaptation of foreign words and expressions. Some recent modifications include the change from software to logiciel, packet-boat to paquebot, and riding-coat to redingote. The word ordinateur for computer was however not created by the Académie, but by a linguist appointed by IBM (see fr:ordinateur).

From the 17th to the 19th centuries, France was the leading power of Europe; thanks to this, together with the influence of the Enlightenment, French was the lingua franca of educated Europe, especially with regards to the arts, literature, and diplomacy; monarchs like Frederick II of Prussia and Catherine the Great of Russia could both speak and write in French

In addition to French, there are also a variety of regional languages. France has signed the European Charter for Regional Languages but has not ratified it since that would go against the 1958 Constitution.

The majority of French words derive from Vulgar Latin or were constructed from Latin or Greek roots. There are often pairs of words, one form being popular (noun) and the other one savant (adjective), both originating from Latin. Example:

* brother: frère / fraternel < from Latin FRATER
* finger: doigt / digital < from Latin DIGITVS
* faith: foi / fidèle < from Latin FIDES
* cold: froid / frigide < from Latin FRIGIDVS
* eye: œil / oculaire < from Latin OCVLVS
* inhabitants of the city Saint-Étienne are called Stéphanois

The last example, Saint-Étienne/Stéphanois, illustrates common practice for gentilics throughout France.

In some examples there is a common word from "vulgar" Latin and a more savant word from classical Latin or even Greek.

The French words which have developed from Latin are usually less recognisable than Italian words of Latin origin because as French developed into a separate language from Vulgar Latin, the unstressed final syllable of many words was dropped or elided into the following word.

It is estimated that 12% (4,200) of common French words found in a typical dictionary such as the Petit Larousse or Micro-Robert Plus (35,000 words) are of foreign origin. About 25% (1,054) of these foreign words come from English and are fairly recent borrowings. The others are some 707 words from Italian, 550 from ancient Germanic languages, 481 from ancient Gallo-Romance languages, 215 from Arabic, 164 from German, 160 from Celtic languages, 159 from Spanish, 153 from Dutch, 112 from Persian and Sanskrit, 101 from Native American languages, 89 from other Asian languages, 56 from Afro-Asiatic languages, 55 from Slavic languages and Baltic languages, 10 for Basque and 144 — about three percent — from other languages.

French trumpet big win over pirates

The French navy has captured 35 suspected pirates off the coast of Somalia in what French officials are hailing as the most successful mission since the European Union began monitoring the seas in 2008. Four mother ships and six smaller boats have been seized over three days. The EU's mission has focused on the Gulf of Aden - one of the world's busiest shipping routes. More than 100 Somalis accused of piracy have been sent to Kenya, but few have been convicted. Jurisdiction over the suspects remains unclear, and there have been renewed calls for an international tribunal to be set up.

Davis Cup heavyweights roll on

Defending champions Spain proved there is life without Rafael Nadal when it swept aside Switzerland 4-1 overnight to set-up a mouthwatering Davis Cup quarter-final clash with France. World number two Novak Djokovic won a five-set thriller to defeat America's John Isner and hand Serbia a first ever place in the Davis Cup quarters. Serbia will face bitter rivals Croatia at home on July 9-11 for a spot in the semi-finals after Djokovic claimed a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-4 win over Isner in a four hour, 16 minute marathon as his team took an unassailable 3-1 lead. Russia also went through thanks to a 3-2 win over India, its 17th successive home win, which gave it a last eight clash against Argentina who defeated Sweden 3-2 in Stockholm. Croatia, the 2005 champions, the Czech Republic, which was runners-up to Spain last season, and France had already wrapped up their quarter-final places on Saturday. In Logrono, world number 16 David Ferrer scored the winning point for Spain as he easily saw off an exhausted Stanislas Wawrinka 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 to give the hosts an unbeatable lead after they had led 2-1 overnight. Nicolas Almagro then eased past Marco Chiudinelli 6-1, 6-3 in the dead rubber. Despite his heroics, Ferrer admitted that his place in the team for July's clash with France was not guaranteed with Nadal and Fernando Verdasco expected to return. "I hope to play and be picked, but we will see. I just want to focus on the next tournaments," said Ferrer. France maintained their 72-year domination of Germany when they wrapped up a 4-1 win in Toulon, leaving the French eager to face Spain on home ground. "It'll be like a final, it's the kind of thing you dream about," said France captain Guy Forget. "Facing the defending champions with Nadal, Verdasco, Ferrer, Lopez...we want to beat the best in the world. We have started to talk about it and I hope that the boys will be in peak form." France will have the advantage of playing the tie at home and will - not surprisingly - opt for a hard court rather than the clay courts favoured by the Spanish. "You play tennis for moments like this, at home, in front of your own fans and against a very strong team," said Forget. Croatia wrapped-up a 5-0 win over Ecuador in their first round tie. In Moscow, Mikhail Youzhny eased Russia into the last eight when he beat Somdev Devvarman 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 to give his side a 3-1 lead over India. Rohan Bopanna won the dead rubber, beating Teimuraz Gabashvili 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, to ensure a final scoreline of 3-2, after veteran doubles pairing Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi won Saturday's doubles to keep India in the tie. "It wasn't as easy as the scoreline may suggest," Youzhny said. "It was much easier for me in the first two sets. I won many points with drop shots as he (Devvarman) was not running well." David Nalbandian was Argentina's match-winner in Stockholm when he defeated Andreas Vinciguerra 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in the deciding rubber after Robin Soderling had seen off Leonardo Mayer 7-5, 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 to pull Sweden level. The Czech Republic saw off Belgium in Bree and will face either Chile or Israel. Chile were 2-0 ahead after the opening singles. -

France calls to say it loves Stevie Wonder

US singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder has been awarded one of France's top cultural honours, 30 years after he was tapped to receive it. "I receive this honour in memory of my mother and in memory of all of those that have made it possible for me to stand here today," said an emotional Wonder, clad in marine-blue striped suit, as he received the Commander of Arts and Letters award from French culture minister Frederic Mitterrand. "As I was... listening to what you were saying, I had a flash in my memory, the memory of 1964, when I came to Paris, France for the first time. I came with my mother," 59-year-old Wonder told Mr Mitterrand. His mother died in 2006. Standing next to Mr Mitterrand was former culture minister Jack Lang, who first named Wonder for the medal. The accolade has been bestowed over the years to personalities ranging from South African writer Nadine Gordimer, British actor Roger Moore and Lebanese diva Fairuz. "As citizen, administrator and culture minister I just called to say we love you," Mr Mitterrand told Wonder, mixing French and English and referring to one of Wonder's biggest hits, which featured in the film The Woman in Red. Mr Mitterand praised Wonder as "music's familiar genius". A political activist who fought for national day to honour slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Wonder more recently backed US President Barack Obama's run for office in 2008. During the ceremony, he made a pitch for Mr Obama's push to extend health coverage to millions of uninsured Americans. "I'm very encouraged you have it here, in this country," he said, referring the France's near-universal coverage. "Don't change." -

France, Czechs, Croatia into Davis quarters

France set-up a potential Davis Cup quarter-final blockbuster against defending champion Spain after extending its 72-year stranglehold over Germany overnight. France cruised past Germany in their World Group first-round tie when Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber and Christopher Kas 6-1, 6-4, 1-6, 7-5 to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in Toulon. France will face Spain in the last eight if the champions get past Switzerland in Logrono. Spain, playing without the injured Rafael Nadal, opened a 2-1 lead in its tie when Marcel Granollers and Tommy Robredo defeated Yves Allegro and Stanislas Wawrinka 7-6 (10-8), 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. "The attitude was very good and the result was ideal," said France skipper Guy Forget. "We know what awaits us in the next round. It will be another high level." Croatia, the 2005 champions, saw off Ecuador 3-0 and will face either bitter rivals Serbia or 32-time champions USA for a place in the semi-finals. Marin Cilic and Ivo Karlovic coasted to a 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 7-5 win over Nicolas Lapentti and Giovanni Lapentti in Saturday's doubles to give Croatia an unassailable 3-0 lead. "It wasn't one-way traffic in the doubles, it was as tough as we expected it to be and we are overjoyed to have secured a berth in the last eight," said Cilic. In Belgrade, Bob Bryan and John Isner kept the US in their tie when they defeated Nenad Zimonjic and Janko Tipsarevic 7-6 (10-8), 5-7, 7-6 (10-8), 6-3 to leave Serbia 2-1 in front going into the final day. Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi kept India's hopes of advancing alive beating Igor Kunitsyn and Teimuraz Gabashvili in straight sets in Moscow. The Indian doubles specialists, who won 14 grand slam titles during their career, outclassed the Russian duo 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to make the tie score 2-1 to Russia ahead of Sunday's reverse singles. The winner of the tie faces either Sweden or Argentina in the last eight. The Argentines took a 2-1 lead in Stockholm when David Nalbandian partnered Horacio Zeballos to a 6-2, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5) victory over Robert Lindstedt and Robin Soderling. Nalbandian only arrived on Thursday after examining as though he would miss the tie with a leg injury. Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek gave the Czech Republic a 3-0 victory over Belgium in Bree, beating Steve Darcis and Olivier Rochus 7-6 (7-0), 6-0, 6-3. The Czechs, runners-up in 2009, will face the winners of the delayed Chile-Israel encounter in the quarter-finals, where they would be away to Chile or home to Israel. Nicolas Massu gave the Chileans a 1-0 lead Saturday after winning the opening singles against Dudi Sela 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4. -

Spain level with Swiss in Davis Cup

Spain's David Ferrer dispatched Marco Chiudinelli in straight sets to level the depleted champions' Davis Cup first-round tie against Switzerland at 1-1 in Logrono overnight. Seven of the eight World Group matches were under way around Europe, with the start of Chile's tie at home to Israel delayed to Saturday (local time) as a result of the disruption caused by last weekend's deadly earthquake. Russia carved out a 2-0 advantage over visiting India, victories for Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga put France 2-0 up at home to Germany, and last year's finalists Czech Republic opened up a 2-0 lead in Belgium. The Swiss are bidding to become the first team to beat the Spanish in 19 home ties stretching back to a defeat by Brazil in 1999. Spain also won the title in 2000, 2004 and 2008. Stanislas Wawrinka, leading the Swiss in the absence of world number one Roger Federer, drew first blood at the Plaza de Toros de Ribera bullring when he twice battled back from a set down to beat Nicolas Almagro 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3. Ferrer, ranked 16th in the world, is the only survivor from last year's Cup-winning team, with Rafael Nadal (3), Fernando Verdasco (12) and Juan Carlos Ferrero (14) hit by injuries. Backed by the noisy, red and yellow-clad home support, he fought off stiff resistance from the powerful, 56th-ranked Chiudinelli in the second set on the clay before completing a 6-2, 7-6, 6-1 victory. The three-day, best-of-five tie is finely balanced ahead of Saturday's doubles, when home pair Tommy Robredo and Marcel Granollers play Wawrinka, who won the Olympic doubles gold in Beijing with Federer, and Yves Allegro. Real fighter France's Monfils earned his first Davis Cup point in Toulon when he fought past tenacious German Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 before Tsonga took four sets to beat Benjamin Becker. "To win that game was a matter of honour because Kohlschreiber is a real fighter," Monfils said. "It was one of my best matches of the season," he added. "I'm very happy with the way I moved on the court and the way I controlled the match and, of course, very happy to bring the point for France for the first time." Elsewhere, Sweden's Robin Soderling beat Eduardo Schwank 6-1, 7-6, 7-5 in the opening singles in Stockholm to put the hosts ahead against Argentina. Ivo Karlovic came through in five sets to give Croatia the advantage over Ecuador in Varazdin and Serbia moved 1-0 ahead against the United States in Belgrade thanks to Viktor Troicki's hard-fought 7-6, 6-7, 7-5, 6-4 victory over John Isner. After finding out he was playing an hour before the start, Russia's Igor Kunitsyn rallied to defeat Somdev Devvarman 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the opening singles in Moscow and Mikhail Youzhny followed up with a straight-sets demolition of Rohan Bopanna. Kunitsyn, drafted in after the injured Igor Andreev pulled out, said: "It was a surprise for me and there is no way you can prepare yourself with just an hour to go before your match". -

French fans jeer captain Henry

France captain Thierry Henry said he understood why fans were jeering him after persistent booing from the home crowd during the 2-0 loss to Spain in a World Cup warmup match at the Stade de France on Wednesday. France, in its first game since Henry's infamous handball against Ireland in a World Cup play-off in the same stadium last November, was outclassed by the European champions and the 32-year-old captain was the main focus of French fans' wrath even before Spain opened the scoring. "It's the same story as usual and it's not the first time I've experienced that kind of situation at the Stade de France," he said. "I understand people who were eager for us to play well against Spain and, when you don't play well, you have to expect being jeered at. I don't know if I deserved that but there is nothing I can do. "I absolutely had no pace. When you have to run after the ball after having only played one game in the the previous month and a half, it is really tough," Henry, who is no longer in the starting line-up at Barcelona, added. Coach Raymond Domenech, who had been a firm supporter of France's all-time topscorer until Wednesday night, expressed his concern at Henry's present state. "Obviously, everybody knows Titi has performed better in the past and it's obvious that it is becoming a problem for him to play high level games such as this one while he's got less playing time [at Barcelona]," Domenech, the only man French fans booed more than Henry, said. "[His situation] raises some questions but we've not reached the point yet when it has become alarming." -

Investigators want Portugal's Madeleine McCann files

Files containing reported sightings of missing British girl Madeleine McCann and held by Portuguese police should be handed to investigators still searching for her, a family spokesperson says. Several British newspapers are reporting that thousands of previously unseen pages of information passed to police after the case was closed had been released to them after they applied to a Portuguese court. Family spokesperson Clarence Mitchell says the girl's parents are very disappointed. "Kate and Gerry [McCann] have made it clear that they were shocked to see the lack of follow-up work done by the Portuguese police since the investigation was shelved," he said. "All the information in these files must go to the private investigators as they are the only people still examining for Madeleine." The Portuguese are no longer investigating the case, but other investigators acting on the couple's behalf are still examining for the missing girl and appealing to the public for information. Fresh leads reported by the newspapers include security camera footage in New Zealand showing a girl resembling Madeleine being led into a supermarket by a man. Other reported sightings crop up in Portugal, Spain, France and the United States. Madeleine went missing from a holiday apartment in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz on May 3, 2007, a few days before her fourth birthday, as her parents and their friends dined at a nearby restaurant. The McCanns were named as official suspects in her disappearance in September 2007 although this was lifted in July 2008. -

Rwandan widow arrested over genocide

French police have arrested Agathe Habyarimana, the widow of Rwanda's assassinated ex-president, who is wanted in her homeland as one of the alleged masterminds of the 1994 genocide. The arrest came just five days after President Nicolas Sarkozy made the first trip by a French leader to Rwanda since the genocide. Habyarimana has lived in a Paris suburb for 12 years, having fled Rwanda after her husband Juvenal Habyarimana's plane was shot down in April 1994 and his supporters launched a massacre of 800,000 civilians. French police - acting on an international arrest warrant issued by Rwanda - arrested Habyarimana at her home in Courcouronnes, south of Paris on Tuesday morning. She was later freed on bail, the state prosecutor's office said, and must now go before a judge who will rule on a request by Rwanda for her extradition. The Tutsi-led government in Kigali has accused the 67-year-old of being a member of the Hutu inner circle that planned the mass killings. She has steadfastly denied the charge. -

Real shatters another rich list record

Real Madrid has become the first team in any sport to post revenues in excess of 400 million euros ($602 million) in a single year, according to an annual survey of the richest soccer clubs by accountancy firm Deloitte. In its survey released today, Deloitte said the figure of 401.4 million euros had been helped by high broadcast revenue. Real topped the "Football Money League" report, which ranks the 20 biggest clubs by revenue, for the fifth consecutive year. European and Spanish champion Barcelona overtook Manchester United, which was hit by the weak pound, into second position. Barcelona posted the largest absolute increase in the Deloitte report, from the 2008-09 season. The club's revenue rose by 57 million euros to 366 million euros. "Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have created a clear revenue gap between themselves and their European competitors, and look set to contest the top two positions in the Money League for the foreseeable future, particularly if the pound doesn't strengthen against the euro," Alan Switzer, director in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said in a statement. Top clubs weathered the worst economic crisis in decades thanks to their loyal fan bases and large broadcast audiences, according to the report. The combined revenue growth for the 20 clubs slowed compared with previous years to over 3.9 billion euros ($5.8 billion). "However, it will not be until 2009-10, the season currently in progress, before we see the full impact on clubs' revenues," said Paul Rawnsley, director in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte. The top 20 was little changed from last year, with Werder Bremen and Manchester City replacing VfB Stuttgart and Turkish club Fenerbahce. The list was again dominated by European clubs, with seven English clubs, four from Italy, and two each from France and Spain. The number of German clubs grew from four to five. Rankings (position, last year's position, club, country, revenue in millions of pounds, revenue in million of euros): 1. (1) Real Madrid (ESP) 341.9, 401.4 2. (3) FC Barcelona (ESP) 311.7, 365.93. (2) Manchester United (ENG) 278.5, 327.0 4. (4) Bayern Munich (GER) 246.6, 289.5 5. (6) Arsenal (ENG) 224.0, 263.06. (5) Chelsea (ENG) 206.4, 242.3 7. (8) Liverpool (ENG) 184.8, 217.0 8. (11) Juventus (ITA) 173.1, 203.29. (10) Inter Milan (ITA) 167.4, 196.510. (7) AC Milan (ITA) 167.4, 196.511. (15) Hamburg SV (GER) 124.9, 146.712. (9) AS Roma (ITA) 124.7, 146.413. (12) Lyon (FRA) 118.9, 139.614. (16) Marseille (FRA) 113.5, 133.215. (14) Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) 113.0, 132.716. (13) Schalke 04 (GER) 106.0, 124.517. (n/a) Werder Bremen (GER) 97.7, 114.718. (20) Borussia Dortmund (GER) 88.1, 103.519. (n/a) Manchester City (ENG) 87.0, 102.220. (17) Newcastle United (ENG) 86.0, 101.0 -

Zidane would 'rather die' than apologise

France legend Zinedine Zidane says he would "rather die" than apologise to Marco Materazzi for his infamous headbut of the Italian defender in the 2006 World Cup final. "I will ask forgiveness from football, from supporters, from the team," he told Spain's El Pais newspaper. "After the match, I entered the dressing room and I told them 'I'm sorry. It won't change anything, but I'm asking for your forgiveness.' "But as for him (Materazzi) I cannot. Never, never... it would be dishonourable... I would rather die." After a verbal altercation, Zidane was sent off for headbutting Materazzi during the World Cup final in Berlin, which France eventually lost in a penalty shoot-out. "A lot of things happen on the pitch," he said. "That sort of thing happens to me quite a lot. But in this case I couldn't contain myself. "It's not an excuse, but my mother was ill, she was in hospital. More than once they have insulted my mother and I said nothing. But in this case..." Zidane retired from professional football after the tournament and now works as an advisor to Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez. -

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