Using frequency, range, availability, and coverage as objectively weighted indices of utility in the development of a basic French vocabulary list, the authors describe the technical procedure used in this study and list the resultant first 153 words according to the four indices and the utility rating. Weighting factors for each index, based on extant studies ("Le Francais Fondamental", C.R.E.D.I.F. [Centre de Recherche et d'Etude pour la Diffusion du Francais] studies, others by Mackey and Savard), are clarified in detail. A bibliography is included. (RL)