Why should anyone even bother to learn French? After all, English is the world's dominant language, and the way the world is going, wouldn't it make more sense to learn Chinese instead?

There are still a few arguments as to why French is still a relevant language in the modern world. Apart from the fact that it is spoken in about twenty four countries or more all over the world, it remains a rather popular language, ranking in the top fifteen most spoken languages worldwide. With more than two hundred fifty thousand combined native and second language speakers, this should not come as a surprise.

French is still the basic language for many branches of learning and cultural studies. From dance, art, culinary arts, and fashion, French still holds sway over creative learning and expression. Considering that France has garnered the most number of Nobel Prizes for literature, and also produces numerous award-winning films every year, it is a status well earned.

In the diplomatic world, French still holds sway as well, being the basic language of communication in international organizations such as the International Olympic Committee, the United Nations, and the International Red Cross.

If you are interested in the business side of it, there is quite a lot of opportunity to be found in employment with US companies that have created branches in France. There are more or less 2,400 companies that are employing about 240,000 people. On the other side of the ocean, there are French companies that have likewise set up shop in the US – about 3,000 French companies call America their second home. Learning French would always be an advantage in this situation.

So, far from being a "decorative" language only spoken by those who put on airs, French is alive and well, a hard-working language in an equally hard-working world.