5 Reasons to Take French

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
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Comments

  • La langue française est incontournable dans la gestion des affaires du monde sans frontières dans lequel nous vivons aujoud'hui. Que ceux qui ne l'ont pas encore compris en prennent conscience maintenant au lieu de faire du rattrapage plus tard. Français hier, français aujourd'hui, français demain!
  • Your words ring true. It's a shame, but we Americains, in general, have never seen the wisdom or need to learn a foreign language. Aside from the practical applications you mention, Fabrice, I can't begin to count the number of times speaking French has afforded me an opportunity to meet some wonderful people both here and abroad. Please continue to stress its importance in a liberal arts education. Thanks for all that you do through the French cultural services.
  • There are more than 5 reasons: visit www.theworldspeaksfrench.org

    Reason 2 : here are some very recent updated official statistics
    Communicate with 220 million people (750 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, World Health Organization, World Trade Organization, the International Red Cross...

    Flaunt your Frenchness !
  • Thank you for your support and your work with the French cultural services. It's never the time to remove language programs and it is shocking that it is actually happening in New York.
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