Persian Language And The Language Of Diplomacy
The gradual entry of a large number of loan words into Persian from European languages and most notably from French began in the 19th century and continued through the 20th century as part of the process of modernization of culture and society in Persia. Several political and educational factors played a significant part in the selection and provenance of these borrowings. Although France did not have the perennial political and military influence of Russia or Britain on Persia, it served, particularly in the 19th and early part of the 20th century, as the most important model of modern secular culture for Persia as well as many other countries of the region. French was not only the language of the corps diplomatique and haute couture but was also used as a second language in European royal courts and aristocratic circles particularly when refinements of cuisine, manners, and etiquette were discussed.
This process continued into the 20th century with the educational system at all levels modeled on the French system, in organization as well as curricula, and with the textbooks, particularly in the sciences, based on translations from French.
http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/france-xvi-loan-words-in-persian-
By the 17th century, French was known as the language of diplomacy and international relations throughout the world.
Iranians know what to expect when dealing with foreign leaders, as the French meaning of their names give a pretty good hint!
Here a small list:
•Shinzo Abe is a Japanese politician who has been Prime Minister of Japan since 2012:
Shinzo The Abbot (French: abbé; Meaning: abbot)
•Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi HI PP is the 22nd and current Prime Minister of Pakistan:
Imran The Rod (French: canne; Meaning: stick)
•Narendra Damodardas Modi is an Indian politician serving as the 14th and current Prime Minister of India since 2014:
Narendra The Cursed (French: maudit; Meaning: cursed)
•George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States from 2001 to 2009:
George The Big Mouth (French: bouche; Meaning: mouth)
•Donald John Trump is the 45th and current President of the United States, in office since January 20, 2017:
Donald The Cheat (French: trompe; Meaning: deceive)
•Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian statesman and former intelligence officer serving as President of Russia since 2012:
Vladimir The Whore (French: putain; Meaning: prostitute)