What are French Tables?

French Tables are gatherings where people of all French-speaking levels come together to converse in French. These events serve a dual purpose:

1. Providing a platform for native speakers to maintain their language skills
2. Offering an immersive environment for learners to practice and improve

Michael Guillory and Shawn Braud are bringing French Tables to Zachary. Guillory, with deep roots in French-speaking Evangeline Parish, saw his connection to the language fade after moving to Baton Rouge and through college. Years later, a renewed passion led him to seek out local French Tables.

At one such gathering, he met Shawn Braud, a French teacher at Central High who believes, "We learn to speak by speaking." Noticing the lack of a French Table in his current home of Zachary, Guillory proposed the idea. With Braud's support, they established a new group, expanding the movement and creating another space for Louisiana's French language to thrive.

The Importance of French Tables

These gatherings play a crucial role in preserving Louisiana's rich Francophone heritage. They offer:

• A welcoming environment for all proficiency levels
• Opportunities to meet native speakers and expats from around the world
• A chance to practice French in a real-world setting
• A connection to Louisiana's cultural roots

When?

LA TABLE FRANÇAISE À ZACHARY Meets each second and fourth Monday of the month from 6-7:30pm at the Zachary Branch Library. If you're interested in joining, email Shawn at [email protected]

Whether you're a native speaker, an expat, or a language learner, French Tables provide a unique opportunity to celebrate and preserve the French language in Louisiana. Meanwhile, COFODIL has created this handy graphic to help get you started on your language learning journey.