Thread: How important was French in the past, present, and the future?

Do Not Tell Me "every Language Is Important" Becuz Even Though It Is True, It's Not The Answer I'm Looking For.

The French language was the dominant language of business, culture, education and society, especially European society in the 19th century. Many well educated people knew French. Also the Norman French invasion had a HUGE influence on the English language that we speak today (i.e. modern English).

But in the 20th century, with the advent of media, music and technology English has displaced French as the most important language of the world. Global business is carried out in English and technology's first language is English.

It is unlikely that French will regain it's glorious prominence any time soon. Chinese might become more important, if China becomes a superpower. However Chinese is not widespread as is English or French.

The Past-

The French language used to be the dominant language of diplomacy, science, cuture, etc.

The Present:

French and English currently are the top languages of diplomacy and they are used in supernational organizations. French is used by many of France's former colonies in W. Africa as a common language since there are so many regional languages in these nations. The Red Cross uses it, along with other organizations based in Switzerland.

The Future:

I believe that French will always be important, especially in relation to Africa. However, I anticipate Mandarin Chinese and English to be the dominant languages in the future.

The Past-

The French language used to be the dominant language of diplomacy, science, cuture, etc.

The Present:

French and English currently are the top languages of diplomacy and they are used in supernational organizations. French is used by many of France's former colonies in W. Africa as a common language since there are so many regional languages in these nations. The Red Cross uses it, along with other organizations based in Switzerland.

The Future:

I believe that French will always be important, especially in relation to Africa. However, I anticipate Mandarin Chinese and English to be the dominant languages in the future.