Here's why:
* Limited global reach: While French is spoken by over 300 million people worldwide, it's primarily concentrated in France, Canada, and parts of Africa. This is significantly smaller than the global reach of English, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and Hindi, which are considered the main international languages.
* Decreasing usage: The global use of French has been on a slight decline in recent years, particularly in areas where English is gaining dominance.
* Limited economic and political power: While France has significant international influence, its global economic and political power has diminished compared to other major powers.
However, French still holds significant importance:
* Diplomatic language: French remains one of the official languages of the United Nations and other international organizations.
* Cultural influence: French has a rich literary and cultural heritage, influencing fashion, cuisine, and art worldwide.
* Educational importance: French is taught as a foreign language in many countries and is a popular choice for students seeking to learn a second language.
In conclusion, while French isn't considered a main international language, it still holds significant cultural and diplomatic influence, making it an important language to learn.