The French are still mad that English has taken over as the pre-eminent language of science and business in the world.
There was a time, not that long ago, when all diplomats spoke French - even the Asians!
There was a time, perhaps longer ago, when all scientific discourse between different cultures was conducted in Latin (several centuries ago) or German.
Nowadays, if you want to do business globally - you speak English!
Nowadays, if you want your scientific paper noticed - you publish it in English!
Why? Because of England? Silly rabbit...
The French still can't believe that they don't hold sway over the world cultural
Zeitgeist. There is a common belief in the French intelligentsia that France should hold a pre-eminent place in world culture, and that the USA has somehow "stolen" this obviously superior French
Weltanschauung of the world's shared culture.
(Interesting that these two terms come from German philosophy, no?)
That being said, I still love the French. Who wouldn't love a country with an official government department dedicated to preserving the purity of its language...
Plus, I love to eat in Paris! Just ask Doug!
Kevin