French is the official language of France and is the primary language spoken by most people in the country. However, due to immigration and colonial history, there are several other languages spoken in France, especially in some regions. Here are some of the most spoken languages in France besides French:
Arabic: Arabic is the most widely spoken non-French language in France, with over 3 million people speaking it. Arabic is spoken by immigrants from North Africa, and it is also the primary language of Islam.
Portuguese: Portuguese is the second most spoken non-French language in France, with over 1 million speakers. Many Portuguese people moved to France in the 1960s and 1970s in search of work, and they have since established their communities in the country.
Spanish: Spanish is the third most spoken non-French language in France, with over 700,000 speakers. Many Spanish people have also moved to France over the years, and Spanish is also commonly spoken by immigrants from South America.
Italian: Italian is spoken by over 600,000 people in France, and it is often spoken by people of Italian origin. Italian is also taught in many French schools, and it is one of the most popular foreign languages to learn.
English: English is also commonly spoken in France, especially in major cities such as Paris. Many French people learn English in school, and it is also the most commonly spoken language in the tourism industry.
German: German is spoken by around 300,000 people in France, and it is often spoken by people of German origin or people who have studied the language in school.
These are just a few examples of the most spoken languages in France besides French. While French remains the primary language of the country, these other languages also play an important role in the country’s cultural diversity and history.