The French should learn Arabic - not English

You think I'm kidding? Or you think it's MY opinion? According to this BBC report, a deputy from Chirac's ruling party thinks so.

A report calling for all school children in France to learn English has started a heated debate.
The report, part of a review of the French education system, said English should be made compulsory.

France's report said standards of English in schools were poor and worsening.

Its conclusions have been challenged by some politicians, including one deputy from the ruling UMP party, Jacques Myard.

He told Le Monde: "English is the most-spoken language today, but that won't last."

He said Spanish, Chinese and Arabic were all growing in importance.

"If we must make a language compulsory, it should be Arabic," he said.

Actually, I agree. I cannot think of a more appropriate punishment for the French than being forced to learn to speak Arabic.

But even my opinion is moot. Because an estimated ten million 'French' already speak Arabic. And because in a few short decades, the majority of citizens in France (technically called the 'French') will know no OTHER language BUT Arabic.