to speak + language
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JohnnyKwiziq Q&A regular contributor
to speak + language
You didn't explain why we can use both forms with "to speak + language." Is it because a language is both a noun and an adjective?
This question relates to:French lesson "Using le, la, les with titles, languages and academic subjects (definite articles)"
Asked 7 years ago
Bonjour Johnny !
I don't think that's the reason, as in both cases, you use the non-capitalised adjective form of the language:
"Je parle français."
"Je parle le français."
I would say that the original way would be "Je parle le (langage) français", which would respect French structures, and then usage would have made "Je parle français" acceptable as well. But that's my humble theory, as it's one of those "that's just the way it is" rules!
À bientôt !
I don't think that's the reason, as in both cases, you use the non-capitalised adjective form of the language:
"Je parle français."
"Je parle le français."
I would say that the original way would be "Je parle le (langage) français", which would respect French structures, and then usage would have made "Je parle français" acceptable as well. But that's my humble theory, as it's one of those "that's just the way it is" rules!
À bientôt !
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