THE FRENCH LANGUAGE AND ITS POSITION IN THE MODERN WORLD
Abstract
French occupies a significant place on the global stage, both as a language of international diplomacy and as a marker of cultural identity. With its roots in the Romance language family, French has evolved over centuries to become one of the most widely taught second languages worldwide. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the French language’s historical development, geographic spread, and contemporary relevance. Drawing on recent scholarship and policy documents, it examines the linguistic, cultural, and socio-political factors that reinforce French’s ongoing significance and future prospects. In doing so, the article addresses contemporary challenges such as English hegemony, digital transformation, and shifting demographic trends within the Francophone community. The results underscore that, despite facing growing competition from other world languages, French remains integral to global communication, cross-cultural exchange, and economic development strategies.
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