Here's a brief overview:
* Colonial History: Benin was a French colony from the late 19th century until 1960, when it gained independence. During this period, French was the language of administration, education, and commerce.
* Language Imposition: French was actively promoted and enforced as the official language in the colony, while local languages were suppressed. This led to a gradual shift towards French in many areas of life.
* Post-Independence: Even after independence, French remained the official language of Benin. This was largely due to the existing infrastructure and systems already in place.
* Continuing Influence: French continues to be the language of education, government, and media in Benin. This has helped solidify its status as the primary language.
It's important to note that while French is the dominant language, Benin has a rich linguistic diversity with over 60 indigenous languages spoken within its borders. However, French continues to play a significant role in national unity and international communication.