Many schools throughout the United States are no longer offering French programs. Budget cuts are inevitable, however, foreign languages are seen as non-essential. Learning a second language is a valuable skill and highly marketable to jobs.
All languages are important and useful, but here is why French should be offered in education programs:
French is the official language of diplomacy
In case you were wondering who speaks French and why: "the United Nations, UNESCO, NATO, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the International Labor Bureau, the International Olympic Committee, the 47-member Council of Europe, the European Union, the Universal Postal Union, the International Red Cross, and the Union of International Associations (UIA).
French is also the dominant working language at the European Court of Justice, the European Tribunal of First Instance, and the Press Room at the European Commission in Brussels" (Koop, Special Report). So if you're interested in Political Science as a major, you will definitely want to take some French classes.
French seems pretty essential to me!
Over 1/3 of the English language is borrowed from French
My favorite borrowed word is 'souvenirs'. It means memories in French. How cute is that? We bring back memories from places we've visited.
My favorite borrowed phrase is 'à la mode', we just took that phrase and ran wild with it. It doesn't actually mean "whatever dessert I'm ordering with some ice cream on top". In France, they don't order desserts over there like, "Je prend une brownie à la mode!" No! They don't want their brownie to be in fashion.
Trading with Canada
America heavily trades with Canada, that's why NAFTA was created. French is the only official language of Quebec and one of the official languages of Canada. It simply makes sense to learn French - especially if you're interested in business.
Pronunciation of English words
Since French history influences America, it is important to be able to correctly pronounce words. For example, if you live in St. Louis you should be familiar with the fleur de lis and Rue des Peres. Yes, that's French.
Yes, you've probably been saying it very wrong.
It is a beautiful language
Lastly, if no other reason has convinced you, you should learn French because it's beautiful. I was told to learn Spanish as it would benefit me more or because it was the only language offered in grade school. While I aspire to eventually learn several languages, I chose French because I saw it as an important, beneficial language. Languages should never be cut from education budgets. You learn how to think differently through learning about language and culture.
It makes you a more useful resource.
