However, French is an official language of Madagascar, meaning it has a significant presence and is used in official contexts like government, education, and legal proceedings. This is because:
* Colonial History: Madagascar was a French colony from 1896 to 1960. During this time, French was promoted as the language of administration and education.
* Post-Independence: While independence brought about the official status of Malagasy, French remained influential. It continued to be used in education, government, and the legal system.
* Economic and Cultural Ties: France has maintained close economic and cultural ties with Madagascar, contributing to the continued use and prominence of French.
So, while Malagasy is the primary language, French remains important in Madagascar, reflecting its colonial past and ongoing ties with France.