The idea of root words is really important when learning French vocabulary. Root words help us understand new words and remember them better.

1. Why Root Words Matter:

• Root words are like the building blocks for many other words. They help create connections between different words.
• For example, the root word "port" means "to carry." From this root, we get words like:
  • porter (to carry)
  • transport (to transport)
  • importer (to import)

This connection helps learners see how words relate to each other, which makes their vocabulary richer.

2. Building Words with Affixes:

• In French, we use prefixes and suffixes to create new words.
• Adding these can change the meaning of the root word. Here are some examples:
  • Prefix "re-" (again):
    • "faire" (to do) becomes "refaire" (to redo).
  • Suffix "-tion":
    • "act" changes into "action," showing how root words can become different types of words.

3. How Many Words Come from Root Words:

• Studies show that 60% of French words come from just 200 root words.
• If learners grasp these root words, they can guess the meanings of about 70% of new words they see. This makes learning vocabulary much easier!
• Also, when students understand root words and their variations, they do better in learning the language. They remember words more than 30% better when they work with root words.

4. Using Root Words in Learning:

• It helps to include root word practice in vocabulary lessons.
• Activities like flashcards, word maps, and exercises on how to form new words can help students learn French more effectively.

In short, understanding root words is a key part of improving vocabulary in French. It gives learners the tools they need to make sense of the language and grow their word bank!