The French language originated in France, but it is now spoken on all five continents. It is one of the most useful foreign languages for travelers, international workers and the general public to learn.
Paris, France
Say the word ‘France’ and immediately visions of the Eiffel Tower, croissants, baguettes, pungent cheeses, expensive perfumes and beauty creams, elegant clothes, sidewalk cafes and Parisian bridges spring to mind. But clichés aside, Paris and France are an excellent reason to learn French. France is a country that excels in the arts, has a fascinating history and beautiful landscapes. Learning to speak French would help you to explore France and its capital Paris in greater depth.
Chic Factor
Whether you know it to be true or just clever marketing, French has a reputation for being a chic, sophisticated, literary, romantic and sexual language. Spoken French has been known to make some people swoon and the bragging rights on the ability to speak such a sophisticated and useful language can be high. Learning French to increase your personal chic factor should not be underestimated!
International Diplomacy
From the 17th to the 20th century French was used as a diplomatic language in Europe. At present English has largely supplanted French as the language of diplomacy. However, today French is a working language in most international organizations and is used in international documents. For example, French is used in the United Nations, International Red Cross, Interpol, Amnesty International, European Union, World Health Organization, World Trade Organization and African Union. French is also often used in passports, including those of the United States. People who have an interest in diplomatic history or working in an international organization would do well to learn French.
Travel to Africa
Due to France and Belgium’s colonial past and influence, French is widely spoken on the African continent. In fact, most of the world’s French speakers live in Africa. French is an official language of 21 African countries and is commonly used in four more. Admittedly, learning French would be easier for an English speaker than trying to learn an African language, but French often serves as a lingua franca in Africa. This allows the French-speaking traveler to speak to a greater number of people on the African continent than if he were to learn to speak only one African language.
A Useful Language
Whether used for work and employment, travel and pleasure or one’s personal benefit, the rewards of learning French are very high.
Sarah E. Rogers - Sarah E. Rogers is a freelance writer and translator based in Madrid, Spain. She currently writes for NileGuide as their Local Expert in ...
