Department of Modern Languages

National French Week 2007 at FHSU
 
FHSU National French Week Schedule
Proclamation - National French Week
President's Letter 2007
French Week Dinner Invitation

The American Association of Teachers of French has announced that this year's National French Week will be celebrated November 5 through 11.  What justifies a National French Week?  Mainly, the need to promote French studies and to underline their value in today's global society.  National French Week is also a time to share information with young Americans on the part French can play in their personal lives and careers.  Finally, it may be an excellent opportunity to address the myths associated with French language and culture.
 
Millions of people around the globe speak French today.  Only English is, like French, spoken on five continents.  French and English are the only global languages.  Because French is the language of choice for so many people in the world, it plays a major role in every area that involves human communication, be it international business and politics, medical technologies, education, or sports.
 
But there is more.  French is undeniably the language of science and technology (remember Pasteurization, Braille alphabet, Foucault's pendulum, Teflon, and other inventions such as rayon, telephone, parachute, saxophone, margarine, morphine, radium, to name only a few).  As for the contributions of the French to literature (Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables," Dumas' "Les Trois Mousquetaires," Edmond Rostand's "Cyrano de Bergerac," among many others); to philosophy (Descartes' rationalism, Auguste Comte's positivism, Sartre's existentialism); to music (Bizet's "Carmen," Debussy, Ravel); and to art (Impressionism and other famous movements), they do not need further introduction.
 
On a more practical note, college graduates of the next five academic years will be happy to know that French companies employ 400 000 Americans.  One should also remember that French is spoken by the largest trading partner of the United States, Canada.  Closer to us, it should be known that 40 Wichita-area businesses hire individuals who can speak French in various managerial, marketing, or technological positions. 
 
From a historical perspective, it should be known that France is America's oldest ally.  This alliance dates back to the American Revolution and continues, more strongly than ever, to the present time. Since Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America," the French have always expressed admiration for the American constitution and people.  Articles in French magazines and newspapers show respect and gratitude for the generous help the US gave to France in the two world wars of the last century.  The French keep looking for ways to repay America.
 
Obviously, there are many reasons why interest in French language and culture should not be lost.  The French Club at FHSU will attempt to highlight these reasons during National French Week.  Please try to attend our events, and pay special attention to the displays in Hays Public Library, Forsyth Library, and several halls throughout the campus.  (Please see the list of displays in the week's schedule of activities.)

Photos of National French Week