French MPs have fought against the growing presence of English in advertising, music, and film over the years. Even more so that they’re turning their attention to ensuring that this year’s Paris Olympics remain free from English influence.
In a resolution passed on Thursday, the lower house of parliament called on organisers of Paris 2024, along with athletes, coaches, and journalists, to prioritise the use of French whenever feasible. Annie Genevard, the conservative sponsor of the resolution, voiced concern to fellow MPs, stating that “the Olympic Games reflect the decline in influence of our language.”
She highlighted the widely criticised slogan utilised for Paris’ initial bid for the Games, “Made for Sharing”, along with other recent government supported initiatives aimed at promoting the country, such as “Choose France” or “Made in France”.
Even the French rugby team displayed “Rugby World Cup” on their jerseys during the competition in France last year instead of “La Coupe du Monde de rugby”.
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“All of these examples demonstrate that the fight for the French language is never finished, even in the most official spheres,” she added. French governments have long been frustrated by the global dominance of the English language, striving to maintain the integrity of their language domestically while advocating for its use internationally.
For three centuries, France has relied on the Academie Francaise, an institution responsible for producing state-sanctioned dictionaries. These dictionaries document and approve new terms or expressions, frequently translations of commonly used English words. “Let’s hope that ‘planche a roulettes’ replaces skateboard and ‘rouleau du cap’ point break (a surfing term), but I have my doubts,” added Genevard.
“You can’t overlook the fact that many global sports events that are broadcast globally have chosen to use English for their communication, in their titles, slogans and advertising,” Culture Minister Rachida Dati told parliament. Thursday’s resolution, supported by the ruling centrists and right-wing factions but opposed by the left, was emphasised to be non-binding. Additionally, she clarified that instructions for foreign visitors during the Olympics from 26 July to 11 August and the Paralympics from 28 August to 8 September would be offered in English along with other languages.