French is the native language of some 200 million people and is spoken approximately by 434 million people in the world. In Europe, it is spoken in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg. In the Americas, it is an official language of Canada and spoken in the Caribbean. It is estimated that Africa makes more than 70% of the world’s total French speaking population, as French is spoken in 19 African countries.
Being able to speak French is an asset for anyone interested in working in international organizations such as the Peace Corps.
The European Union of twenty five nations, is the world’s largest economic entity with a population of 350 million and a gross national
product larger than the United States.
French is also an official working language in the United Nations, UNESCO, NATO, the International Red Cross and international courts.
Proficiency in French is a prerequisite for anyone planning on a career in international organizations.
It is a very good base for learning Romance languages (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Romanian) as well as English, since 50% of current English vocabulary is derived from French.
The number of Australian company subsidiaries in France have grown significantly over the past few years. In the Unites States of America, more than 800,000 jobs require French. Major French corporations with headquarters or subsidiaries are settled in Australia.
Dr. Luc Montagnier discovered HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The Chunnel under the English Channel, the TGV high speed trains, and the Concorde are only a few examples of recent French technological advances.
have had a wide influence in the United States and the rest of the world. Learning French grants access to new horizons. One can delve into the worlds of fashion, art, cuisine and literature, just by saying ‘Bonjour’. A French lesson is a journey into the world of fashion, gastronomy, the arts, literature and architecture.
have had an influence on world culture. Many recent American films like Three Men and a Baby or Point of No Return are remakes of French movies. Where would Julia Child be without French cuisine? Who hasn’t heard of Christian Dior, Chanel, and Pierre Cardin?
Jean Calvin helped define Protestantism; Enlightment writers like Voltaire championed human rights; Simone de Beauvoir was a prominent feminist, and Michel Foucault was a founder of postmodernism.
France is the world’s number-one tourist destination and attracts more than 70 million visitors a year. Quebec also offers a taste of Europe in North America. Speaking a little bit of French makes it so much more enjoyable to visit Paris and all the regions of France. From the mild climates of the Côte d’Azur to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, you will be able to enjoy the full experience including talking to locals.
