Here's why:
* Historical Influences: French spread across the globe through colonization and trade. Each region developed its own unique linguistic evolution based on the specific historical and cultural influences present.
* Regional Variations: Just like English varies between the US and UK, French has distinct regional variations. For example, Canadian French is known for its unique vocabulary and accent.
* Social and Economic Factors: The level of formal education, media exposure, and social interaction can all influence language use and development. This can lead to variations in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary even within the same country.
Therefore, while all French-speaking countries share a common linguistic origin, they each possess their own unique character and dialect. It's like saying all English-speaking countries speak "English" - while true in a broad sense, there are distinct variations depending on the specific location.
So, it's more accurate to say that French-speaking countries speak "French" in their own unique way, reflecting their specific history and culture.