Here are the French letters and the sounds they make. Listen to your teacher and repeat each sound.

Step 1: Look at Each Letter

Take the word Bonjour. It has these letters:

• B - o - n - j - o - u - r

Step 2: Say Each Sound

• B = "b" (like in "ball")
• o = "o" (like in "orange")
• n = "n" (like in "no")
• j = "j" (like in "jam")
• o = "o"
• u = "u" (like in "blue")
• r = "r" (like in "red")

Step 3: Put the Sounds Together

When you say all the sounds quickly together: Bon-jour → "Bonjour!" (Good day!)

Example 1: From the Textbook

Look at the letters: a, u, t, !, s, !

Put them in the correct order to form a word:

Solution: S-A-L-U-T → Salut!

"Salut!" means "Hello!" or "Goodbye!" in French.

Example 2

Look at the letters: o, n, o, !, j, r, u, b

Put them in order:

Solution: B-O-N-J-O-U-R → Bonjour!

Example 3

Look at the letters: u, a, v, !, r, e, ï, r, o

Solution: A-U-R-E-V-O-Ï-R → Au revoir!

"Au revoir!" means "Goodbye!" in French.

1. Sing the alphabet song — The French alphabet song (chanson de l'alphabet) helps you remember the letters and their order.

2. Use letter cards — Your teacher may give you cards with French letters. Mix them up and try to arrange them into words like:

   • SALUT
   • BONJOUR
   • CA VA
   • MERCI

3. Start with short words — Begin with 3-4 letter words:

   • AMI (friend)
   • PAPA (dad)
   • MERCI (thank you)
   • OUI (yes)
   • NON (no)

4. Listen and repeat — When you hear a French word, try to identify each sound. This helps you remember how letters sound in French.

In Tanzania, you can use this skill when you visit places where French is spoken, such as hotels in Zanzibar or tourist sites like Serengeti where visitors from France come. If you see a sign that says "BONJOUR" or "MERCI," you can now read and say these words because you know how French letter sounds combine to form words. This helps you greet French-speaking tourists and make them feel welcome in Tanzania.