[oldE]

Regarding the French language and people: 5 centuries ago, French was the language of the royal courts of Europe. The aristocracy from almost all countries in the region spoke it, hence "lingua franca".
When English eclipsed it as the international business language, the reaction was to jealously protect what they had.
Milt, my wife and I traveled in both Quebec and France. Our experience was typically we would attempt to converse in French, but the person at the cash or the server would seamlessly switch to English at some point. My wife speaks more fluently than I, but I was pleased with how much I could understand while in France. Conversely I have never been able to understand more than a word or two of the Acadian french spoken within 60 miles of my home.
I think there are good things which can be learned from almost every culture. When you think you know it all, it's a sign you've stopped learning.

Best
Les