Is it permissible to speak French?

A Muslim should not speak in a language other than Arabic unless there is a need, such as identifying something by its non-Arabic name, or addressing someone who does not understand Arabic well. However, if the speaker is Arab and the thing has an Arabic name, then words from other languages should not be used, due to the virtue of the Arabic language in which the Quran was revealed, and its being the tongue of the Seal of the Prophets. As for those who cannot speak Arabic, they should speak in the language they are able to master.