Although linguistic analysis is only indirectly useful for language teaching, it is directly useful to the language teacher. What language teachers hope to gain from linguistic studies are insights into the language and how it works and functions, so that they can make use of this information when formulating teaching techniques. With this knowledge, a teacher can look for the best possible ways for a language student to progress in language learning to the point where he can comprehend most of what he hears and reads in the foreign language, and can produce meaningful sentences in any situation when he speaks or writes the foreign language. Included is a brief general discussion of the language system--phonology, morphology, and syntax--followed by examples illustrating the distinctive features of the French language in each of these areas. Particular attention is paid to the verbal system. Suggestions are made for classroom application and strategy. "In the foreign language classroom the presentation of material should encourage the formation of rules for the whole system of the language rather than the memorization of items. The student should be encouraged to take an active part in the formation of the rules for the language he is learning." (Author/HW)