1. The Written Form:
* Alphabet: French uses the Latin alphabet (A-Z) with a few extra letters (like ç, é, à).
* Accent Marks: French heavily uses accent marks (é, è, à, ù, â, ô, etc.) which change the pronunciation of vowels.
* Ligatures: There are a few ligatures, like "œ" (found in words like "œuf" - egg).
* Punctuation: Punctuation is similar to English, though some rules differ. For example, the apostrophe is used for contractions and elisions, and the dash is used for more than just a pause.
2. The Spoken Form:
* Pronunciation: French has a more complex pronunciation system than English, with many vowel sounds that don't exist in English.
* Rhythm: French rhythm is more even and less stressed than English.
* Intonation: Intonation can be subtle, with rising and falling pitches depending on the meaning and context.
3. Overall Appearance:
* Flow: French often flows with smooth transitions and fewer harsh consonants than English.
* Elegance: Many perceive French as an elegant and sophisticated language, perhaps due to the use of feminine nouns and its flowing sounds.
To truly understand what French "looks like," it's best to:
* See examples of written text: Read French books, articles, or poems.
* Listen to spoken French: Find French movies, music, or podcasts.
* Try to speak it yourself: Even a few basic phrases will give you a sense of how French sounds and feels.
Remember, language is more than just its appearance. It's a complex system of sounds, words, grammar, and cultural context that shapes how we communicate and perceive the world.