The French language is considered a frivolous pursuit.

â??Sure, itâ??s all right as a hobby, but what are you going to do with it? Read Molière while sipping red wine in your parentsâ?? basement, where youâ??ll live because you didnâ??t study something useful?â??

Learning French to read Molière is a fine idea, and donâ??t be afraid to say so! 

Clinging to the idea of French as a mainstay of the lax, preening intellectual is like attending a fashion show in last yearâ??s clothes.

Granted, learning the language for any stereotypical reasons (its romance, its beauty, itsâ?¦je ne sais quoi) or just for the sheer love of it is totally legitimate. However, if you need assurance that your time spent on French will be a good investment, or just want to know how to fend off naysayers, look no further.

French has secured its status as a top international language.

Learning French gives you access to the world.

A career asset

The ability to speak both French and English is an advantage for finding a job with the many multinational companies using French as their working language, in a wide range of sectors (retailing, automotive, luxury goods, aeronautics, etc.). France, as the worldâ??s fifth biggest economy, attracts entrepreneurs, researchers and the cream of foreign students

The language of international relations

French is both a working language and an official language of the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO, the International Olympic Committee, the International Red Cross and international courts. Proficiency in French is essential for anyone considering a career in any international organisation.