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On Monday, October 30, President of France Emmanuel Macron inaugurated a monument dedicated to the French language. This move is intended not only to fortify his legacy, but also to confront his political adversaries, notably in regions known for their far-right leanings.
Photo Credit : Christian Hartmann / POOL / AFP
Historically, French presidents have been fond of ambitious cultural undertakings, which they perceive as monumental milestones, allowing them to leave an indelible mark on history. Former President François Mitterrand eloquently described it in the 1980s as an opportunity to “scratch” their name on history’s timeline. Mitterrand himself was renowned for such ventures; he commissioned the iconic glass pyramid for the Louvre Museum and founded both the expansive Opera Bastille and National Library. Subsequent presidents followed suit: Georges Pompidou established a contemporary art museum in the heart of Paris, while Jacques Chirac inaugurated the Quai Branly Museum, dedicated to global cultures, situated by the River Seine. Though this trend appeared to wane in the early 21st century, Macron exhibited an interest in reviving it. Even during his presidential candidacy in 2017, he had set his sights on the deteriorating chateau in the quaint town of Villers-Cotterêts. Under his administration, this Renaissance castle, which dates back to 1539 during the reign of King Francois I, has been meticulously restored. The chateau now serves as the Cité Internationale de la Langue Francaise, an illustrious international center championing the French language.
Ambitiously, this establishment aims to entice 200,000 visitors annually, offering a vast library enhanced with artificial intelligence capabilities, interactive displays, educational games and hosting various cultural events. The official statement from the Elysée Palace articulates, “All those who, around the world, work, create, think, write, play and sing in French should feel at home at Villers-Cotterêts.” The Minister of Culture, Rima Abdul Malak, in an interview with AFP, emphasized its significance by labeling it as “the beating heart of the Francophone world.”
Yet, it’s worth noting that the choice of location is not merely cultural. Villers-Cotterêts, the birthplace of celebrated author Alexandre Dumas, has political implications. Located approximately 80 kilometers from Paris, this town of 10,000 inhabitants is nestled in a region grappling with economic challenges, leading to pronounced far-right inclinations. An advisor to Macron, who requested anonymity, explained that the objective of this cultural establishment is to underscore the idea that the revitalization of this region should pivot on broadening horizons rather than insularity. This initiative also serves as a reminder that France, though influential in promoting the French language, is not its largest speaker; that distinction belongs to the Democratic Republic of Congo, boasting a population of 100 million. Further elevating its status, the chateau is slated to host the 19th summit of the francophone community next year, expecting the participation of 88 global leaders.
Photo Credit : Christian Hartmann / POOL / AFP
The Elysée emphasized the paramount importance of the French language, stating that it is “the greatest asset of the nation… and the foundation of who we are intellectually and our relations with the world.” This dedication to preserving the French language is not a recent phenomenon. For centuries, the esteemed Académie Française has been vigilant against the infiltration of English terminologies, ranging from drive-in to fashionista and hashtag. This ongoing linguistic debate recently resurfaced in the political arena. The Senate was scheduled to discuss a proposal initiated by right-leaning politicians on Monday, which intends to “protect the French language from the abuses of so-called ‘inclusive’ language’.”
With AFP.
