March is significant for Francophones and Francophiles worldwide. It’s a time to celebrate the French language and its vibrant culture, culminating in International French Day on March 20.
French is not just a language; it’s a gateway to opportunities, connections, and cultural richness. As one of the six most spoken languages globally, its influence is undeniable, especially in Africa, where 29 countries speak French, and 21 of them use it as an official language.
In Kenya, an Anglophone nation, French holds a special place as the first foreign language introduced in schools. This speaks volumes about the importance and role the French language plays in shaping education, culture, innovation, and international partnerships.
French has evolved beyond being just a language of instruction. It has become a driving force for development, opening doors to employment, entrepreneurship, and global engagement.
In an increasingly interconnected world, France serves as a bridge, breaking down communication barriers and fostering collaboration across borders. For organisations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the East African Community, where French is a working language, proficiency in the language opens career opportunities. This makes learning French not just an academic pursuit but a strategic skill for personal and professional growth.
Kenya, despite being an English-speaking country, has embraced this celebration. Over the years, the growing French community in Kenya has created a welcoming space for French enthusiasts to connect, share, and celebrate their love for the language. This is a testament to the language’s universal appeal and its capacity to unite people.
There’s much that needs to be done to promote French in Kenya. The rising demand for French language learning highlights the need for more resources, support, and mentorship in schools and colleges that teach the language.
While initiatives such as Kifaransa Village, Radio Centans (Kenya’s first French radio station), and Côte des Voix (a Kenyan French podcast) are commendable, a gap exists that needs to be addressed, especially in secondary schools.
Many students are unaware of the benefits of learning French or how to pursue it beyond the classroom. Mentorship programs could play a crucial role in changing this narrative, inspiring young learners to view the French language as more than just a subject, but as a skill that can open doors to global opportunities.
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Additionally, teacher training should be a priority. Although the French Embassy has been instrumental in organizing workshops, more teachers need to take advantage of these opportunities to sharpen their skills and expand their networks. After all, the quality of language instruction depends largely on the competence and enthusiasm of the teachers.
Exchange programs, both at the university and high school levels, could also be transformative. Imagine Kenyan students interacting with their peers from francophone countries; such experiences would boost their confidence and deepen their understanding and appreciation of the language and culture.
As Kenya joins the rest of the world in celebrating International French Day, I hope more people will recognize the value of learning French.
Labour market
Bilingualism or multilingualism confers significant advantages to an individual in the global labour market. Linguistic competence in French can set one apart from the rest, especially in fields such as diplomacy, international relations, trade, and education.
French is a veritable tool for empowerment, cultural appreciation, and exploration of countless opportunities.
Kenya’s growing interest in French is a positive sign that calls for more investment, mentorship, and exchange programs. Let us embrace French as a pathway to a brighter, more connected future as we celebrate International French Day! Bonnes fêtes!
By Dalcy Elsy Muthoni
The writer is a communications intern at the Corporate Communications Department at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Email: muthonidalcy8@gmail.com
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