What images come to mind when you think of the French language? Do you see people standing in front of the Eiffel Tower? Or perhaps sharing a coffee at an outdoor cafe in Paris? Do you associate baguettes, cheese, or maybe Dijon mustard with French people?

For many people, France is the country most associated with the French language. You may be surprised to learn that French is one of the most widely spoken languages not only in Europe, but across the world. Today, French has a major presence in Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Even people from the South Pacific speak French. In this topic, you will review the history of the French language and learn the many locations across the globe where you can go to speak French.

Essential Question

• Where is French spoken in the world?