Sending variables when movieclip is clicked

I´m trying to send variables when a movieclip is clicked and use some frames later.


function langFr(e:MouseEvent):void{
	var language = "fr";
	play();
}

When the button is clicked, the movie plays until frame 10, where there´s the code:


if (language == "fr"){
trace ("French")
}

but it´s not working. I imagine that because I´m creating the variable inside the function and trying to read it outside. But how can it be done?