#18 The Position of French in the Age of English｜French Language Column

In today’s society, English has an overwhelming influence. It is used as a common language in many fields, including business, science, the internet, tourism, and international communication.

For this reason, English is often prioritized when people study a foreign language. In fact, being able to use English has great significance in modern society.

However, in this English-centered age, what role and value does French still have?

In this article, I will explain the position of French in the age of English from the perspectives of history, international society, culture, and language learning.

1. French Was Once an International Language

Today, English is widely used as an international common language. However, in the past, French held a very important position in Europe.

Especially from the 17th to the 19th century, French played an important role in diplomacy, court culture, literature, and intellectual life.

French was widely used among the upper classes and intellectuals of Europe, and it was regarded as a language that educated people should learn. It was also an important language in diplomatic documents and international negotiations for a long time.

Because of this historical background, French is still associated with impressions such as refinement, education, diplomacy, and culture.

2. English Is the Global Common Language Today

At the same time, it is impossible to deny the enormous influence of English in modern society.

English is widely used in fields such as:

• International business
• Scientific research
• Technology
• The internet
• Tourism
• Entertainment
• Higher education

In particular, the spread of the internet has further strengthened the presence of English. When you want to access information from around the world, being able to understand English becomes a major advantage.

In this sense, English is one of the most practical foreign languages in today’s world. For that reason, many people may think that English alone is enough.

However, I believe that precisely because English has become so important, the value of French as a second foreign language should also be reconsidered. If English is the global gateway, French can serve as another door into different cultural spheres and international society.

3. French Is Still Used in International Organizations

French still holds an important position in many international organizations today.

It is one of the six official languages of the United Nations, and it is also used as an important language in organizations such as the European Union and the International Olympic Committee.

In addition, knowledge of French can be useful in fields such as diplomacy, international law, humanitarian aid, and international cooperation. Since French-speaking countries are found not only in Europe but also in Africa, North America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, French may be practically necessary in international conferences and aid-related work.

I do not think the value of French should be judged only by whether it is used more widely than English.

Of course, English has a very strong influence in today’s international society. However, French continues to have a role that differs from English in fields such as international organizations, diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and international law.

For this reason, French can still be described as a language that maintains its own position in international society.

4. French Is Not Only the Language of France

When people hear “French,” many may first think of France.

However, French is not only the language of France. Today, French is used in many regions around the world, including Europe, North America, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

For example, French is used in places such as:

• France
• Belgium
• Switzerland
• Quebec in Canada
• Countries in West and Central Africa
• The Caribbean
• Parts of the Pacific region

Even in the age of English, French is not a language limited to one country. It is an international language that connects multiple regions and cultures.

This is also one of the major attractions of learning French. Learning French does not only mean learning about France. It also means expanding your perspective toward French-speaking regions around the world.

5. The Importance of French in Africa

When thinking about the future of French in the age of English, Africa is especially important.

Many African countries use French as an official language or as a language of administration and education.

Of course, each country also has its own local languages, and French is not the only language used. However, in many regions, French plays an important role in education, administration, media, and international communication.

In the future, as Africa’s population and economy continue to grow, the number of French speakers is expected to increase further.

This point is extremely important when considering the future of French. In the international society of the coming decades, French may become a language with a strong presence, especially centered on Africa.

6. English and French Are Not Opposing Languages

When considering French in the age of English, I do not think it is necessary to view English and French as being in opposition.

It is not a question of choosing English or French. Rather, by learning French in addition to English, you can greatly broaden your linguistic perspective.

English is a very powerful common language in modern society. It offers access to a huge amount of information and is highly practical. On the other hand, French is a language that allows you to encounter cultural spheres, histories, and values that differ from those associated with English.

By learning English, you can access the world. By learning French, you can understand that world more deeply.

The value of French today does not lie in competing with English. Rather, it lies in guiding readers and learners toward areas that English alone may not easily reach.

7. French Has High Value as a Second Foreign Language

Today, many people study English as their first foreign language. When you then consider what to study as a second foreign language, French becomes a strong option.

There are several reasons for this. First, French is used across a wide geographical area. It is spoken not only in France, but also in Belgium, Switzerland, Quebec in Canada, many African countries, the Caribbean, and parts of the Pacific.

Therefore, learning French does not simply lead to a better understanding of France as a single country. It becomes an entry point into a wider world that includes Europe, North America, and Africa.

In addition, for people who have studied English, French can be relatively approachable in terms of vocabulary. This is because English contains many words of French origin.

Of course, English and French differ greatly in pronunciation and grammar. However, because they share many similarities in vocabulary, your knowledge of English can often help you when learning French.

Furthermore, French is also a language with high cultural value. It is deeply connected to many fields, including literature, philosophy, cinema, art, fashion, cuisine, and diplomacy.

You can obtain information in English, of course. However, if you understand French, you can receive the culture and ideas of the French-speaking world more directly and deeply.

Considering its international reach, cultural value, and usefulness in language learning, French can still be said to have strong value as a second foreign language.

8. Summary

Today, English has overwhelming influence. It is used as a common language in many fields, including business, science, the internet, and international communication.

However, this does not mean that French has lost its value. French still plays an important role in areas such as:

The value of French in the age of English does not lie in competing with English. Rather, it lies in showing you parts of the world that may be difficult to see through English alone.

If English is the gateway to the world, French is a language that helps you understand that world from a more multifaceted perspective. For this reason, even in today’s English-centered world, learning French remains highly meaningful.