French language

French was a human language spoken by humans in the nation-state of France and parts of Canada. French was one of the romance languages, having developed from the earlier Latin language.

For hundreds of years the French language played a major role in the development of western civilization. By the mid 24th century, some in the Federation considered French to be somewhat obsolete, much to the annoyance of people from France. Lieutenant Commander Data once remarked that the language was obsolete, and was prepared to argue the point with an irritated Captain Jean-Luc Picard before Commander William Riker suggested that he drop the subject. (TNG episode Code of Honor).

When Data traveled back in time to the late 19th century, he claimed that he was from France to the natives of that time period to explain his appearance. When Frederick La Rouque spoke to Data in French, Data was easily able to answer all of La Rouque's questions, prompting the man to allow Data into a poker game. (TNG episode Time's Arrow, Part I).