In our ever-shrinking global village, being a polyglot is no longer just cool, it’s practically a superpower. And in the league of extraordinary languages, French is like Arsène Lupin the suave secret agent—it’s everywhere, and it’s got style. With over 300 million chatty Francophones spread across five continents, French is not just the go-to language for discussing Sartre over a croissant or negotiating international treaties—it’s also your golden ticket to a world of opportunities, both in the boardroom and the chat room.

Take it from this personal saga in the year 2020, which could be a plot for a quirky Nollywood movie where the protagonist discovers that speaking French is like having a Swiss Army knife in a world of plastic sporks. It’s that moment of eureka when you realize that ‘oui’ opens more doors than ‘yes,’ and ‘baguette’ is more than just a type of bread—it’s a conversation starter. So, oui, mes amis, French is not just a language; it’s the je ne sais quoi in your personal and professional toolkit.

A Missed Opportunity

We often take things for granted until we need them and realize we don’t have them. I remember being taught French in secondary school. Unfortunately, I didn’t pay much attention to the class. Several decades later, this negligence came back to haunt me. In 2020, just after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, I was invited for a job interview at the African Development Bank (AfDB). The bank’s headquarters is in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, a French-speaking country. I had successfully passed the written test, which focused on my area of expertise as a medical doctor. However, during the oral interview, I was asked if I was multilingual, specifically if I could speak French. Sadly, I had to say no. This lack of French proficiency cost me the job, as the bank needed someone who could communicate effectively in French. The take-home pay was over 5 million Naira a month, plus all sorts of allowances. Missing this golden opportunity underscored for me the critical importance of learning French, not only for professional opportunities but also for broader personal and societal benefits.

The Strategic Importance of French

French is a strategic language for several reasons:

Geopolitical and Economic Relevance: French is an official language in 29 countries and is widely spoken in Africa, Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean. This makes it a valuable language for international business and diplomacy. For countries like Nigeria, surrounded by Francophone nations such as Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, French is essential for fostering regional cooperation and trade.

Professional Advantages:

Expanded Job Opportunities: Many international organizations, including the African Development Bank, operate in Francophone regions and prioritize bilingual candidates. Knowledge of French can significantly enhance your employability in such organizations. This is particularly true for positions that require cross-border collaboration and communication. French is a working language of several international organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the International Red Cross, providing numerous career opportunities for those who speak it.

Business and Trade: Nigeria’s neighbors, including Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, are French-speaking countries. Being able to communicate in French can facilitate cross-border trade and business negotiations, leading to better economic opportunities.

Healthcare Sector: For medical professionals like myself, being able to speak French can improve the delivery of healthcare services in Francophone regions. This skill can help in better understanding patients’ needs and collaborating with international medical teams.

Cultural and Social Benefits:

Cultural Exchange: Language is a gateway to understanding different cultures. Learning French allows for deeper cultural exchanges and fosters mutual understanding with people from Francophone countries. French literature, cinema, art, and cuisine are renowned worldwide, offering a deeper understanding of global culture. It facilitates travel and cultural exchanges, enhancing personal growth and intercultural competence.

Travel and Tourism: Speaking French can enhance travel experiences in French-speaking countries. It enables more meaningful interactions with locals and a better understanding of their way of life.

Educational Opportunities: Proficiency in French can open doors to educational resources, scholarships, and research opportunities in Francophone institutions, enriching one’s academic and professional life. French is the language of instruction in many prestigious institutions. Knowledge of French can provide access to higher education opportunities and academic collaborations in Francophone countries. It also broadens access to research materials and scientific publications, which are often available in French.

Cognitive and Personal Growth:

Cognitive Benefits: Learning a new language like French improves cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving skills, memory, and multitasking. It also enhances social skills and empathy by allowing individuals to communicate with a broader range of people.
Personal Development: Being multilingual builds confidence and adaptability. It also broadens one’s perspective, making them more open-minded and culturally sensitive.

The Romance of French

Did I miss out to mention that knowing how to speak French increases your chances in the love life and romance? Francophone ladies are the bomb! Pardon my French! Speaking French certainly adds a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to the romantic arena. It’s the language of love, after all, and can turn a simple ‘hello’ into an alluring invitation. The charm of French extends beyond mere words; it’s in the lilting melody of the language that seems to dance with flirtatious rhythms. And let’s not forget, the Francophone world is known for its passion and joie de vivre, which can be quite irresistible. So yes, wielding the language of Molière might just be the secret ingredient in the recipe for amour.

In the realm of romance and mystery, France has given us more than just candlelit dinners and walks along the Seine. Enter the dashing Arsène Lupin, the quintessential French gentleman thief whose escapades could steal hearts as easily as he could jewels. Lupin, with his impeccable taste and wit, is the embodiment of French charm and cunning, making him the perfect mascot for the argument that French is the language of love and intrigue. So, if you’re brushing up on your French, who knows? You might just be the next suave mastermind to whisper sweet nothings while plotting a grand escapade. Just remember to keep it fictional, lest you find yourself in a less romantic encounter with the law.

The French Connection: A Nigerian Perspective

For Nigeria, learning French is not just about global opportunities; it’s about regional integration and economic prosperity. Nigeria is surrounded by French-speaking countries, and the ability to communicate in French can significantly strengthen economic ties, facilitate trade, and foster closer political cooperation.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), of which Nigeria is a member, comprises both English-speaking and French-speaking countries. The ability to communicate in both languages is crucial for effective regional integration and collaboration.

Beyond the Boardroom: The Personal Benefits of Learning French

The benefits of learning French extend far beyond professional advancement. It opens doors to a world of cultural experiences, personal growth, and intellectual enrichment.
Embracing the French Culture: French culture is renowned for its rich heritage, artistic expression, and intellectual tradition. From the iconic works of Victor Hugo and Simone de Beauvoir to the captivating films of Jean-Luc Godard and the captivating music of Edith Piaf, French culture offers a wealth of inspiration and insight. Learning French allows you to delve deeper into this cultural tapestry, appreciating its nuances and complexities.
Expanding Your Horizons: Learning a new language like French broadens your perspective and challenges your preconceived notions. It forces you to think differently, to adapt to new ways of expressing yourself, and to appreciate the diversity of human thought and experience. It fosters empathy and understanding, making you a more open-minded and culturally sensitive individual.

Conclusion

My personal experience with the African Development Bank highlighted a crucial gap in my skill set—proficiency in French. As Nelson Mandela once said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” This realization has reinforced the importance of learning French, not just for professional advancement but also for personal enrichment and global engagement.
In a world where multilingualism is increasingly valuable, mastering French can open countless doors and create a bridge to new opportunities. As Nigeria continues to interact with its Francophone neighbors and the global community, the ability to speak French will undoubtedly become an even more significant asset. So, let’s embrace the journey of learning French and, as the French say, “Les voyages forment la jeunesse” – “Travel broadens the mind.”