What do you call someone who speaks 3 languages? Trilingual
What do you call someone who speaks 2 languages? Bilingual
What do you call someone who speaks 1 language? French
French is the national language of France. The hackneyed world view was that the people of France so highly regarded their language (and themselves) that they refused to speak in anything else! This may or may not have been true, but it is certainly not the reality today with France being an integral part of the multilingual European Union.
The marriage of convenience
France is the ninth-largest economy in the world and ranks fourth in the Fortune Global 500 ahead of Germany AND the UK.
France is the largest country in the European Union and its second largest economy on the strength of purchasing power. It is at the heart of the EU excellently connected by its communications network. France is in easy reach of UK’s industrial centres as well as the vast industrial belts along Germany’s border. This enviously situated country is also a part of the Mediterranean arc running to Italy.
The French coastline is not just known for its rich and famous revellers: it provides access by sea to Northern Europe, Africa, and America.
The fascination with France
The world has always been fascinated with all things French which are regarded as the height of elegance and sophistication. French fashion, cuisine, and art have always been trendsetters.
This is not just a one-way street with the world being interested. French leaders are increasingly aware that the future of France is tied not just to the development of the EU but of trade and cultural relations with the rest of the world.
Venturing into France
The Economist notes that there has been a marked shift in the French start-up scene in particular and the economic scene in general. This is a country that is looking towards ‘fresh growth’ with a ‘new vibe’ and a more global attitude. This has resulted in new ventures and the capital for it is beginning to flow with increasing speeds and volumes. Last year France raised capital of 2.7 billion Euros. 먹튀검증업체
Earlier investments in infrastructure for industries and start-ups are also delivering huge pay-offs. Existing big businesses had also invested in training facilities and incubator firms in previous years; these are now producing French entrepreneurs who look at the business scene with vista vision goggles. They dream big and multinational.
French is not just the language of France
French is spoken in 29 countries as an official language: la francophonie, the sorority of French-speaking countries. Parts of Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland, Monaco and the erstwhile French playgrounds of sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East all belong to this French speaking club.
So when we speak of the desirability or the need to learn or operate in French, we must consider this extended populace too, not just the more than 65 million of France.
English to French translation
Want to do business with the French? Of course!
Then one has to understand that the French way of doing business is very closely connected to French culture and French culture starts with respect for the French language.
Noting the need for translations into French, research conducted by Cardiff University pointed out that English could be used ONLY for initial feelers and forays into the highly desirable French market. Entrenching businesses and related activities need French of the highest quality. Point to be noted: the French-speaking market includes all those countries where the language is spoken, officially or otherwise, like Africa and the Middle East.