French

Bienvenue!

French is the only other language besides English that is spoken on six continents. It is an official language in 29 countries, and it has over 320 million speakers hailing from 112 different countries and territories. The number of French speakers is expected to grow exponentially over the next few decades: 518 million in 2025, 572 million in 2030, and over a billion in 2065. French is also one of the official languages of the United Nations, UNESCO, NATO, the European Union, the Red Cross, Doctors without Borders, the International Court of Justice, the International Olympic Committee, and other organizations.

France is a leader in the energy, medical and pharmaceutical, engineering, and aeronautic fields. There are also 35 global Fortune 500 companies headquartered in France. Did you know that France is the third largest international employer in Texas, with over 64,000 jobs created? Some of the major French companies that have invested in Texas are Accor, Airbus, Air Liquide, AXA, Capgemini, Danone, Dassault Systèmes, L'Oréal, LVMH, Schlumberger, Société Générale, Thales, Total, and Vinci. Add to that the $8 billion traded annually between France and Texas.

Needless to say, the French language also gives you access to the great wealth of French literature and thought that has existed for centuries. Just imagine being able to read in the original authors such as Montaigne, Molière, Voltaire, Camus, Foucault or Derrida. Or imagine watching Amélie without having to read the subtitles!

French is thus a useful complement to an international career in business, diplomacy, government, journalism, law, public relations, fashion, film, and the travel industry. So, why not consider taking French and perhaps majoring or minoring in this beautiful language? We offer advanced courses in cinema, gastronomy, pop culture, civilization, language studies and literature. French could be the ideal major or minor for you!

PS: By the way, now you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram (French at Baylor).

Fun fact: Did you know that the bronze bells from the Pat Neff building on the Baylor campus were cast at a foundry in Annecy, France?