French is a Romance language spoken as the official language in 29 countries across five continents. It is the second-most spoken mother tongue in the European Union, after German. French is a descendant of the Latin language, like many other Romance languages. It has been heavily influenced by Latin and Gallo-Romance dialects, as well as by Germanic languages and Celtic languages.
French has been used for centuries as a language of diplomacy and international relations. It is the official language of the United Nations, the International Olympic Committee, and many other international organizations. It is also a major language of literature, culture, and art, with a rich literary tradition that includes works by writers such as Victor Hugo, Marcel Proust, and Albert Camus.
French is known for its complex grammar, with multiple verb conjugations, gendered nouns, and a system of formal and informal pronouns. It is also famous for its musicality and elegance, with a distinctive accent and intonation that sets it apart from other Romance languages. Today, French is spoken by over 300 million people worldwide, making it one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.