It is always useful to reinstate some facts about the French language, particularly in times like these:
1 - The global economy is here! Speaking multiple languages makes you more competitive...and will soon be a matter of survival.
2 - Communicate with 200 million people (500 million by 2050). French is the official language of 55 countries, as well as an official language at the United Nations, NATO, UNESCO, the International Olympic Committee, the European Union, and the International Red Cross.
3 - Get a head start on other languages, and boost your English. Romance languages like Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Romanian are all closely tied to French.
4 - Open the door wider to music, art, literature, and fashion. French allows you to discover a new appreciation for culture in countries like Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and many African countries: Cameroon, Mali, Gabon...
5 - French is FUN!
I might be a linguist at heart and a biased advocate for French but I do think that now is NOT the time to eliminate French and other languages in schools and universities across the United States.
This country needs to nurture its languages and thrive on them.
Fabrice Jaumont
