March 20, 2025, marks the International Day of La Francophonie, a perfect occasion to spotlight the recent findings on the perception of the French language worldwide. Federico Vacas, Director of the Politics and Public Opinion Department at IPSOS, unveiled an eye-opening survey commissioned by the Institut français that sheds light on how French is viewed and perceived across various countries.
The survey was conducted from February to September 2024 in twelve countries, including the United States, Colombia, China, Nigeria, Poland, South Korea, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. Each country had a sample of 2,000 people, aimed not to be globally representative but to gauge perceptions in different regions. This wide-ranging study is significant, as it reveals how the French language and culture resonate across diverse demographics.
From the survey, three key findings stand out. Firstly, the French language boasts a favorable reputation, with 85% of respondents viewing it positively and 30% rating it as very favorable. This strong perception indicates that French is considered not only a beautiful and romantic language but also holds value, with approximately 73% believing it to be useful. However, the survey highlights room for improvement; only about 55% see it as an asset in professional or academic spheres.
Moreover, interest in learning French remains vibrant, with over half (56%) of respondents eager to study the language, and 25% expressing strong interest. Notably, participation in events centered on French culture emerged as the top motivator for encouraging individuals to learn French, emphasizing the cultural dimension intertwined with the language itself.
One fascinating insight from the survey pointed to the significant enthusiasm for learning French among countries like Colombia and Nigeria, wherein interest surpasses the average of the surveyed regions. Contrary to common assumptions that only higher socio-economic groups would drive interest, lower-income groups also displayed a strong desire to learn French, viewing it as a means to improve their life circumstances and professional opportunities.
In terms of strategies for reinforcing the appeal of the French language, Vacas stressed that a one-size-fits-all approach wouldn’t work. He argued that promoting the French language must be linked more broadly with French culture to capture a wider audience. Such integration would not only generate greater interest but effectively attract larger groups and encourage language acquisition.
Shifting focus to multilingual education, Bodiel Fall, coordinator of the École et Langues Nationales (ELAN) programme within the International Organization of la Francophonie (OIF), highlighted ongoing efforts in bilingual and multilingual education in Francophone sub-Saharan Africa. Fall revealed that numerous experiments in this area have been conducted for decades, which have shown significant educational benefits when both national languages and French are used as mediums of instruction.
These findings are backed by studies like the PASEC 2019, which affirm that multilingual education enhances student performance compared to traditional monolingual French instruction. In response to these positive outcomes, the ELAN programme currently supports twelve partner countries in implementing bilingual educational reforms, tailoring approaches to the sociolinguistic and political contexts of each country.
For instance, Burkina Faso recently adopted a "Harmonized Bilingual Education Framework," which not only aims to enhance educational outcomes but also enables students to complete primary school in five years, as opposed to the conventional six-year timeline. Such reforms reflect the need for systematic, multidimensional efforts to deepen the integration of multilingualism throughout foundational education.
However, despite the growing recognition of the importance of bilingual education, challenges remain in the operationalization of these policies. Fall noted that while political will exists, many national strategies do not prioritize multilingual education, and essential funding is often insufficient. As such, a clear, national definition of multilingualism and its policies is critical for effective implementation.
The success stories from Burkina Faso reflect a strategic model for other nations, including Senegal, which has developed its own "Harmonized Bilingual Education Model of Senegal" (MOHEBS) now operational since the 2024-2025 school year. Such promising practices demonstrate the value of localizing educational reforms while operating within the guidelines set by organizations like the OIF.
As Dual Heritage Young Leaders continue to grapple with identity and belonging amidst globalization, the findings from both Vacas and Fall resonate widely. Both experts agree that strategies promoting the French language and effective multilingual educational systems hinge on understanding cultural contexts and engaging communities in the learning process.
The effectiveness of these initiatives ultimately relies not only on language instruction but also on elevating the cultural narratives associated with the French language. As more individuals express interest in learning French, and as multilingual education gains traction, organizations invested in these areas are urged to foster connections that bridge linguistic barriers and enhance the French cultural presence worldwide.
Ultimately, in an increasingly interconnected world, reinforcing the appeal of the French language and enhancing multilingual education offers pathways for cultural diplomacy and international collaboration that can enrich societies across the globe.
