Role play and foreign language learning helps the learners to develop speaking skills within defined social contexts. Languages are always spoken within certain defined spacio-social context. The learning of French as a foreign language in Kenya takes cognizance that oral skills are important to facilitate competent communication in any given language. The Kenyan reality of learning oral French skills within a learning set-up in Kenyan secondary schools is well presented in this text. The salient challenges are also highlighted since language learning is normally not a smooth sail for the learner and for the teacher who plays a pivotal facilitation role in guiding the learner to imbibe the vital communicative skills in the language that is being taught. On the whole role play is not just a language learning activity; it is an activity that provides impetus which propels human development in ist entire gamut of activities. A conspicuous hint on the importance of role play in our daily lives is also presented in this text with some examples well presented and cited in this write-up. Stephen Kraschen's Montior Model on language acquisition and the Grounded Theory which helps to interprete social research findings have been used to analyze the data which was derived from the inquiry done in the Kenyan secondary schools. The classical importance of role play and simulation in the learning process has been well underscored in this particular text.

Auteur
Odhiambo James Oduke , holds a Diploma in Education (French, English, Siriba Teachers' College , Currently Maseno University(Kenya), BA in Language sciences majoring in French as a foreign language . MA in French as a foreign language. Masters 2 (Maîtrise 2) majoring in general linguistics, language research and Francophone studies. The three degrees are from l'université de Rouen- France .His doctoral dissertation focuses on Role play and foreign language learning. He has taught French and English at Lwak Girls (1988- 2005), Booker Academy (2006-2010) in Kenya. Since 2010 to date he is a lecturer at Maseno University in the Department of French and other Foreign languages. He also teaches performing arts in the Department of Music and Theatre Studies. He has also co-authored course books for teaching of French in Kenyan secondary schools. The notable ones being 'Parlons Français' series published by Kenya Institute of Education, 'Entre Copains' series , 'K.C.S.E Peak Revision - French' published by East African Educational Publishers. He is a national adjudicator and facilitator of performing arts and elocution in the schools Drama Festival and Music festival in Kenya. He is an alumnus of Salzburg International Seminar- Austria (session 366 Urban Youth).