The increasing prevalence of English expressions among the French is evident. Recently, the trend of anglicization in France has intensified, particularly with institutions sidelining the French language in favor of English. Contrary to expectations, events like Brexit or the gradual decline of American influence do not seem to have slowed the reach of English in France.
French Institutions Embrace English
Notably, significant French institutions are now openly promoting the English language. A prime example is the current Franco-African summit, organized with Kenya, titled “Africa Forward Summit.” The title lacks any French translation, despite the existence of a robust Francophone population in Africa, which numbers around 340 million compared to 240 million Anglophones.
Government Campaigns Favor English
The French government’s campaign aimed at attracting foreign investment further highlights this trend. The slogan prominently displayed on the Élysée Palace website is in English: “Choose France.” Other related initiatives include “Taste France,” “Partner with France,” and “Welcome to France,” all using English as the primary language.
- Choose France
- Taste France
- Partner with France
- Welcome to France
Alternative French slogans such as “Choisissez la France” or “Goûtez la France” seem to have been disregarded, as if the French language has become outdated in the eyes of President Emmanuel Macron and his administration.
Rising English Use in Higher Education
The trend extends to higher education, with institutions like the prestigious Institut de sciences politiques de Paris increasingly favoring English. Guest lecturers are often required to present in English, even when they are native French speakers. Admissions processes also demand that recommendation letters be written in English, citing partnerships with foreign institutions such as the London School of Economics.
Cultural Impact of English on France
French media outlets echo this cultural shift, as seen in the section titled “Le Fil Good” in the newspaper Le Monde—a title that embodies the less savory blend of French and English. This cultural infusion raises concerns about the integrity of the French language.
While some may argue that Quebec has no room to critique this shift, their institutions do not publicly promote English to the same extent. Furthermore, Quebec elites generally maintain a more respectful stance toward the French language.
