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The French language first appeared in writing in 842 AD in the Strasbourg Oaths. This document is the oldest preserved text in French. 

Explanation

The Strasbourg Oaths were signed by Charles the Bald and Louis the German in 842 to seal their alliance against their brother Lothaire I. 

The oaths were transcribed by Nithard, a Frankish chronicler. 

The French language evolved from Latin, like other Romance languages. 

, it is generally considered not to be a very difficult language to learn for English speakers due to shared Latin roots, making it relatively easier to pick up compared to languages like Mandarin or Arabic; the Foreign Service Institute even ranks French as a Category I language, meaning it's one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn. 

Key points about the importance of French:

Global reach:

Spoken by hundreds of millions across multiple continents, particularly in Africa and Europe. 

International organizations:

Official language in the UN, EU, NATO, UNESCO, and the International Olympic Committee. 

Business and diplomacy:

Considered a key language for international business and diplomatic relations. 

Cultural influence:

French is associated with significant contributions to art, literature, fashion, and cuisine. 

Educational value:

Studying French can open doors to prestigious universities in French-speaking countries