French
The sixth most widely spoken language in the world, French has around 285 million speakers, including 77 million native speakers. French is spoken as a first language by around 40 percent of Belgians, 22 percent of Swiss and 22 percent of Canadians and is an official language in 29 countries, second only to English. There is forecast to be 700 million French speakers by 2050.
A language of opportunities
French is one of the main languages of global bodies like the United Nations and World Trade Organisation and it is the main working language of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
A leading economy
France has the seventh largest economy in the world and remains an industrial powerhouse with leading car and plane-building industries. France is one of Ireland’s top five markets for both goods and services, according to Enterprise Ireland.
Check out our “Why Learn French?” video playlist
French music playlist
Whatever your favourite music genre is, there is endless French music to enjoy and appreciate.
Listening to music can be a great tool to help increase vocabulary and improve pronunciation.
Visit our Spotify for some recommended playlists in French and more.
French reading recommendations
Reading in French or any new language is a great way to learn vocabulary in context, introduce common phrases and idioms and to reinforce grammar.
Find a book to enjoy in our French reading list.
Learn some classroom vocab with our French language mat
