By Dr. Maryann Weber
Professor of French
Missouri Southern State University

The evening news brings war in Africa and demonstrations in Europe right into our living rooms and a political upheaval in the Middle East affects businesses and families in Southwest Missouri. Whether we like it or not, we know that we all share one beautiful, medium-sized planet, and that our daily lives are impacted by decisions made thousands of miles away. Businesses rely on suppliers and customers in other parts of the globe; pollution on one continent affects global warming and the quality of life on another. Today, more than ever, we need to learn to communicate with each other to solve common problems and not merely exchange data or shout opposing messages into a black hole. We need tools of communication, and languages are those tools.

Some people object that since English has spread around the world and American dollars can buy anything just about anywhere, why bother to learn another language? If our only goal is to make purchases or to transmit factual information, this argument could have some validity. But if we want to go beyond mere data, to understand other peoples of the world or even to influence them, to sell products and not just buy them, to enjoy the rich heritage of the arts, and to understand the roots of our civilization, we experience the need to go beyond one single language and culture.

Language and culture are closely linked to each other. The philosopher Rorty speaks of culture as the "software of the brain." Our culture filters our perceptions; we are usually unaware of our cultural biases, because they are so much a part of our way of viewing the world. As we enter another language-culture at a deeper level, we glimpse a new paradigm, a different way of organizing life and values. Eventually, we are able to view our own language and culture, at least briefly, from the outside in; this new perspective gives us depth, additional choices, and ultimately, a genuine appreciation of those values we choose to hold.

Gaining the ability to communicate and to understand our own culture are reasons for studying any foreign language. But why learn French in the 21st century?

French and English are the only two languages spoken on five continents. French and English are the two major working languages at the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the European Community, the International Red Cross, NATO, UNESCO, and many other major international organizations. There are 51 member states in the International Organization of Francophonie and French is an official language in 28 of these. According to Richard Shryock, "French and English are the only two global languages". A recent listing of international jobs posted by the U.S. State Department listed 135 that required or preferred French and 25 that accepted French or another U.N. language out of a total of 221 jobs (8/30/05.)

French has remained a very important language in many countries of Africa and the Middle East, and it is one of the languages of our neighbor and largest trading partner, Canada. And France is the No. 1 tourist destination in the world. It has the world's sixth-largest economy and it is the one of the two top exporters in defense products, agricultural goods, and services, the world's third largest manufacturer of electronic equipment, second in aircraft and helicopters, and first in television sets.

Besides the value of French as a tool of communication, French is a language of innovation and discovery. French scientists vied to be the first to isolate the AIDS virus, the Human Genome Project is located in Paris, the world’s fastest operating train is French, and most commercial satellites in the world are carried into orbit by Ariane rockets. The smart card, the movie camera, fiber optics, and HDTV are all French inventions.

France has long been respected for its cultural contributions. France has produced more Nobel Prize winners in literature than any other country. From ballet to Impressionist painting, from cinema to classical music, from medieval cathedrals to avant-garde theater, the French have left their mark on the world of the arts. In many branches of the social sciences, French scholars have made major contributions to 20th-century thought.

Learning French can also help us increase our English vocabulary. Some scholars say that more than 30% of English vocabulary is derived from French. Both languages have their own strengths and subtleties, rhythms and poetry; knowing both increases our enjoyment of each of them. Recent research has also shown that studying a foreign language boosts SAT scores.

There are many reasons for learning French in the 21st century — reasons that include communication, diplomacy, business, strategy, culture, research, paradigm shifts, tourism, and enjoyment. Why not try French, the other global language?