The French language received a special mention at the latest festival of Expolangues that took place in Paris in February. The theme of the festival – Francophonie and its differences – was completely dedicated to the modern langue d’oil in all its aspects. Linguists, writers, anchormen, professors and experts in communication all gathered to discuss everything from the evolution of the language and its transmission, to its current use and its future.
Specifically there were four topics of discussion: one regarding the role of the language in economy, work and education, a second one focused on its cultural background, a third one analysing the use and evolution of French on 2.0 (eg blogs, twitter, Facebook) and a last one dedicated to the role of French in multilingual contexts and especially focused on the mix of French with other languages.
This was an interesting event to attend for any French interpreter, translator or even just for amateurs of the language. Discussing openly and in a full spectrum the characteristics of French is certainly the best way to understand deeply the different uses and possibilities of one of the most spoken languages in the world, that sometimes is taken too much for granted.
Specifically there were four topics of discussion: one regarding the role of the language in economy, work and education, a second one focused on its cultural background, a third one analysing the use and evolution of French on 2.0 (eg blogs, twitter, Facebook) and a last one dedicated to the role of French in multilingual contexts and especially focused on the mix of French with other languages.
This was an interesting event to attend for any French interpreter, translator or even just for amateurs of the language. Discussing openly and in a full spectrum the characteristics of French is certainly the best way to understand deeply the different uses and possibilities of one of the most spoken languages in the world, that sometimes is taken too much for granted.
As a language in literature and science, French had a long and prestigious role in the past and will so in the future. In spite of many rumours claiming the inability (or better the lack of willingness) of the French and the French language to adapt to the need for a radical change in communication, French will not lose its importance on the international stage.
Any professional working with the French language is aware of its large diffusion and will actually confute the assumption that French is a traditional language. Maybe in some parts of France they are likely to avoid foreign words and tend to use an old-fashioned language style, but young people, immigrants and the Internet are contributing to the creation of a new standard of spoken French.
While it is harder to change the way of writing, conversation is more likely to pick up new idiomatic expressions and to borrow new words. The case of Frenglish is quite common amongst new generations, and so is the mix between French and the local languages of immigrants from Africa or other ex French colonies.
French translation and French interpreting services know about the differences they can encounter with French speakers coming out of France. This is why it is important to stimulate the exchange of views and ideas by promoting and participating in events like Expolangues where multilingual issues are discussed and shared, and they can open the door to new forms of communication. Read more about Interpreting Agency.
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While it is harder to change the way of writing, conversation is more likely to pick up new idiomatic expressions and to borrow new words. The case of Frenglish is quite common amongst new generations, and so is the mix between French and the local languages of immigrants from Africa or other ex French colonies.
French translation and French interpreting services know about the differences they can encounter with French speakers coming out of France. This is why it is important to stimulate the exchange of views and ideas by promoting and participating in events like Expolangues where multilingual issues are discussed and shared, and they can open the door to new forms of communication. Read more about Interpreting Agency.
Search about shirt drukken and custom apron.
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