The school setting is now the only place where one can learn French in Zaire. At present Zaire is regaining its authenticity especially through the effort to promote its native language and literature. At the same time, French is also gaining ground due to the increase in formal education, still almost totally in French. Summaries of the research are given in the following areas: (1) population trends; (2) situations of French usage, including a discussion of direct and indirect use of the spoken and written language in relation to social milieu, sex, and education level; and (3) a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of French instruction on all levels. It is concluded that the adoption of methods of teaching French as a second language will allow the child and adolescent to establish a balance between the discovery and affirmation of his or her own identity and the desire to be open to the outside world. This balance would favor a better knowledge of French, not as a vehicle of civilization, but as a communication tool. (AMH)