Why France's language police are very worried about 'franglais'
A centuries-old institution regarded as the guardian of the French language has warned state officials against encouraging the spread of "franglais", saying it could have dire consequences for the future of the language.
L'Academie francaise, established in 1635 to defend the purity of the French language, said in an official statement that it had never been hostile to the introduction and use of foreign terms.
"But today it (the academy) is deeply worried by the development of franglais," it said in a statement late on Thursday.
READ ALSO The 10 English words that will make you sound cool in France
Academie française members have a sword - to defend the French language. Photo: AFP
The academy complained that a 1994 law that insists on the use of French in all government publications, commercial contracts and advertisements, was being "repeatedly violated" by an "invasion of Anglo-Saxon terms".
Franglais (from the French words for French and English, "francais" and "anglais") is the mixing of spoken French with English words, either for effect, humour or because the speaker believes an English word can express the idea better.
READ ALSO French language police release guidelines on how to swear correctly
The academy called on "public institutions to respect the law themselves in the first place".
"If they do not react vigorously and if public opinion does not take into account the extent of the danger that we are facing, French will then cease to be the living and popular language that we love," it said.
The academy did not specify the target of its criticism.
READ ALSO France's culture minister hits out at advertisers - for using too much English
English phrases like 'click & collect' are increasingly invading the French high street. Photo: The Local
In recent years, some French have become increasingly fond of spicing up their language with English words, even on occasion saying "yes" instead of the French "oui".
French President Emmanuel Macron, unlike all his immediate predecessors, is a fluent English speaker and happily gives entire speeches in the language.
However, Macron has been keen to present himself as a defender of the French tongue, always speaking in French in speeches at home and taking care not to slip into too much franglais.
In March last year, Macron unveiled plans to get more people speaking French, saying it was a truly global language and of particular importance in Africa.
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L'Academie francaise, established in 1635 to defend the purity of the French language, said in an official statement that it had never been hostile to the introduction and use of foreign terms.
"But today it (the academy) is deeply worried by the development of franglais," it said in a statement late on Thursday.
READ ALSO The 10 English words that will make you sound cool in France
Academie française members have a sword - to defend the French language. Photo: AFP
The academy complained that a 1994 law that insists on the use of French in all government publications, commercial contracts and advertisements, was being "repeatedly violated" by an "invasion of Anglo-Saxon terms".
Franglais (from the French words for French and English, "francais" and "anglais") is the mixing of spoken French with English words, either for effect, humour or because the speaker believes an English word can express the idea better.
READ ALSO French language police release guidelines on how to swear correctly
The academy called on "public institutions to respect the law themselves in the first place".
"If they do not react vigorously and if public opinion does not take into account the extent of the danger that we are facing, French will then cease to be the living and popular language that we love," it said.
The academy did not specify the target of its criticism.
READ ALSO France's culture minister hits out at advertisers - for using too much English
English phrases like 'click & collect' are increasingly invading the French high street. Photo: The Local
In recent years, some French have become increasingly fond of spicing up their language with English words, even on occasion saying "yes" instead of the French "oui".
French President Emmanuel Macron, unlike all his immediate predecessors, is a fluent English speaker and happily gives entire speeches in the language.
However, Macron has been keen to present himself as a defender of the French tongue, always speaking in French in speeches at home and taking care not to slip into too much franglais.
In March last year, Macron unveiled plans to get more people speaking French, saying it was a truly global language and of particular importance in Africa.
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