If you want to learn French in its simplest form where you can speak fluently, learn the grammar of the language, master the correct pronunciation at an affordable price, you need to contact Ashok Dahanukar who is willing to share his expertise and spread knowledge of the international language.
A simple yet profound man, Dahanukar, is a specialised trainer who spent 40 years teaching the French language, pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary. He has been honoured by former Presidents of France Georges Pompidou and Nicolas Sarkozy who appreciated Dahanukar for his knowledge and fluency in the language.
“I have dedicated my life to the French language. I started learning French when I was in Class 8. When I finished my school, I pursued a four-year French language course at Alliance Française De Bombay. I love the language because it is sweet, profound and polite,” says Dahanukar who studies at Sacred Heart Boys High School, Santa Cruz West.
“It’s all in the pronunciation,” says Dahanukar. “The language is not a very easy one to learn for a beginner but neither is it a difficult one. If one focuses on the pronunciation and gets the sound of the words right then it is easy to master,” says Dahanukar.
Born and brought up in an ancestral house at Khar west, Dahanukar has worked with several French nationals, teachers, professionals and stalwarts. He was recently appreciated by the French Consulate General Christophe Legris for his CD which has 151 French sentences with their English translations. He is the first Indian to make a CD in French language which runs for 30 minutes.
Recently, Dahanukar has published a booklet “Everyday French” which is a simple compilation of some useful French phrases for the layman and beginner students. The booklet contains a hundred French sentences with its English translation and a vocabulary list.
Dahanukar says, “The booklet can be useful for those who are planning a trip to France or visiting for the first time as I have included some basic conversational phrases such as ‘Sorry to disturb you’ (Excusez-moi de vous déranger), ‘Would you like to have coffee’ (voudrais-tu prendre un café) and ‘Music is great’ (La musique, c’est genial).” He has corrected the book “French Made Easy for Indians” and “French in 20 lessons” along with winning several awards, appreciation and honour for his work in the French language.
“Everyone should learn at least one foreign language. French is widely accepted internationally. It is a major language in Europe and Canada as many people in different countries speak French. Also, in India, it has become the most extensively taught foreign language in schools and colleges after English. If you ever visit France, you might receive assistance or help easily if you speak in French rather than English,” says Dahanukar.
Dahanukar who is now 70-years-old goes around selling his booklet to people who are interested in learning French. He also conducts private French classes and tutorials. He says, “Many people do not approach me for classes because I am old. But with age comes experience, learning and growth, I have dedicated my entire life to the French language. I am happy to help anyone who wants to learn the language irrespective of their learning abilities. Also, the language is my passion, so I take classes at an affordable price.”
Dahanukar recalls, “In 1974-75, a French ship had come to the Mumbai shore. It was at Ballard Pier at South Bombay and I was passing by that area. I saw some French sailors walking past so I spoke in French to them. They were very pleased with the way I spoke. I requested them that I wanted to see their warship. They took me along and happily, showed me the entire warship. There were three helicopters, guns and ammunition.”
In addition, Dahanukar, who has contributed to the spread and prosperity of the French language, has never visited France. Dahanukar says, “I have taught French to many people in power, authority, doctors, business professionals, airline staff, teachers, students and common people. But I have never visited France. I want to visit France once in my life but, I am looking for a sponsor because I do not have the required funds.” Contact the writer on 9702307399/ 9870173546
