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MISS LINGUISTICS

Language and communications specialist
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Member Since: 9/2006  Last Seen: 5/06/2012

Speaking to the World in French - Who's Listening?

Seeded on Thu Jan 10, 2008 5:19 AM EST
Read ArticleArticle Source: Reuters
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The international dominance of English-language channels such as CNN or BBC World has long been an irritant to France, and prompted the previous President Jacques Chirac to launch a French rival called France 24 in 2006.

Current President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Tuesday he wanted to set up a new umbrella group called "France Monde" (France World) and it should broadcast only in French, which has caused consternation at France 24 and been opposed by Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.

Once the medium of international discourse, French has long had to cede dominance to English as a global language...

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BanditDeleted
hircus

Would be a shame if France 24's English service were to go away, though the reason is probably partly budgetary. Their coverage is quite good (though the French always seem to make awkward technical choices -- why is France 24's web stream only in WMV format?)

The French's problem with promoting their language, apart from historical reasons (losing out to the English in colonising North America) probably has to do with pedantry. I've heard anecdotes to this effect, including that of Brussels diplomats who talked about how they'd arrive their eager to practice their French, only to be snubbed by Francophonic functionaries who prefer conversing in English to hearing imperfect French spoken..

  • 1 vote
Reply#2 - Thu Jan 10, 2008 9:27 AM EST
BanditDeleted
hircus

And the Flemish are being led by a bilingual with a French name -- one wonders if there's a personal reason behind this, or it's all politics?

  • 1 vote
#2.2 - Sat Jan 12, 2008 2:03 PM EST
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