Americans should change their mindset and learn other languages rather insist the others to follow them!
1
French was the language of diplomacy. Since WW II, things have changed as the influence of the US increased. Nonetheless, the use of French at the Olympics is a hats off to its modern heritage. Of course I may be biased as I am a Francophile, but hearing the French announcements at the Olympic lends to its sophistication as a global and diplomatic event.
2
I think it's really easy to say the French are being ridiculous with this when your language is one of the most widely used when it comes to signage and translation. But you have to understand that they are watching their language die in its usage on the international scale and they have always been extremely protective of it (to the point where they unfortunately did exactly what they are railing against and killed or almost killed the majority of their regional languages in the process of making it the official language). They have a government agency (l'Academie Francaise) dedicated to preserving the language. It is ingrained in their society and culture and it's really not something to mock. I come from a country where people rail against any language used that is not English, although we technically do not have an official language so I don't understand how they can turn around and mock someone for trying to preserve traditional usage of their own language. They want to keep the tradition of its usage in the Olympics alive and there is nothing wrong with that. Honestly I think it's kind of ridiculous that there are only two official languages to the games. Add Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and other widely spoken international languages!
Michaëlle Jean once governor general - now just another member of the language police. How the mighty have fallen.
I understand how the Olympics is supposed to be spoken in French and English but shouldn't they change that. The two main languages they should use is Spanish because it is a very popular language and it connects to a lot of different langues and English because it has become popular around the world and a large majority of the world speaks it. And maybe a third language would be French. French is a very popular language in mid Europe while also having an influence on other countries such as Canada, Greenland, and Iceland.
1
Long live French Language! Thank you La Francophonie for your hard work in ensuring the duality and diversity of world stage. We need the world to be more interesting, more sophisticated, more duality, more diversity, more points of views. We don't need the world to be monolingual, uniformed, mass-chained like Starbucks and Walmart, and entire world watching boring, formulated, commercial Hollywood productions. I salute the people of French Canada and Louisiana for their determination in preserving their culture, language, and heritage, and making North America a more interesting place to live. How much does it cost to have French language signage and announcement in Olympics? Not much. But the cultural percussion far outweighs the cost. French is the second most learned language in the world, after English, and is very hot in East Asia. Not to mention population in Francophone Africa is fast growing.
1
Brazilians generally don't speak English, either, do they?
There seem to be two legitimate issues here: First, who should pay for translation and how should it be paid for? Second, should there be changes to Rule 23 of the Charter, including perhaps broadening it to include Spanish and Mandarin, for example?
It is not evident that the rule should be narrowed, as so many here reflexively appear to assume. French is still a very important second language in many African countries, in the north and west. I see no case for eliminating it unless the cost of translation has simply become unreasonable, though it is hard to believe services for a prestigious event like the Olympics could not be donated. In any event, and for any proposal, cost does matter, and often resourcefulness can solve that problem.
The headline of this article was ethnocentric while suggesting others are guilty of ethnocentrism. Of course this is so common that it rarely attracts notice.
There seem to be two legitimate issues here: First, who should pay for translation and how should it be paid for? Second, should there be changes to Rule 23 of the Charter, including perhaps broadening it to include Spanish and Mandarin, for example?
It is not evident that the rule should be narrowed, as so many here reflexively appear to assume. French is still a very important second language in many African countries, in the north and west. I see no case for eliminating it unless the cost of translation has simply become unreasonable, though it is hard to believe services for a prestigious event like the Olympics could not be donated. In any event, and for any proposal, cost does matter, and often resourcefulness can solve that problem.
The headline of this article was ethnocentric while suggesting others are guilty of ethnocentrism. Of course this is so common that it rarely attracts notice.
2
I am a 68 year old Canadian and spent half my life watching our constitution being debated. The Olympics has a constitution. Regardless of how one feels about the Olympics one thing is certain the book isn't worth the candle. There is no merit in rewriting the Olympic constitution in a world with some very real problems we have absolutely nothing to gain by trying to change the Constitution of the Olympic Games. If the official languages of the Olympics were Latin and Aramaic I would still say some things are best left undone.
2
Yes, we are a very poor people, without education and great athletes to show, unless Pelé. Our country has other problems to solve. In fact, the majority of Brazilians think the country should not make a commitment so important like the Olympic Games. As the official language of the event, we could can call the Haitian people to talk in French. The Brazilians, especially the cariocas, do not worry with the same rigor that Americans care about the clothes. They put on a bathing suit and go out pedaling through the streets of the city. They aren’t locked in a yacht as the American dream team, away from the unseemly harassment of his fans. We all are fans of the NBA, but not so snob.
2
What's the problem? The article clearly lists THREE LANGUAGES, including that of the host country. That French and English are the "given"languages first (how Canadian!) is arbitrary but ultimately necessary, giving some sense of dependability and predictability to the event. What's the problem?
1
Have not seen or heard from Ms Jean for awhile. A very special lady of whom Canadians are extremely proud.
3
vive la france et vive la langue francaise
4
"It's a daily fight."
Yawn.
Well, maybe you'll have better luck than you have had against the Germans.
Yawn.
Well, maybe you'll have better luck than you have had against the Germans.
2
where is King Canute when we need him? Or, even, Art Buchwald? Perhaps they fear the microbes in the water of Ipanema beach more than the tidal surges at the Rio Yacht Club? Anyhow, kudos to the International Organization of Francophones, their Grand Témoins, and certainly Ms (oops...) Michaëlle Jean, all of whom I count on to do the impossible: to stop the irresistable force of what has been the international language for quite some time already.
As the Brits are said to ask about the French, "Why don't they speak right?"
As the Brits are said to ask about the French, "Why don't they speak right?"
Well la di dah, there go the Americans (and the Anglo-Saxons generally) trying to run things again. If they're so good at it, then then can think up the idea of the modern Olympics, or the Red Cross, next time.
1
Signage, announcements, and all that should be in Mandarin.. Chinese. Many more people speak Mandarin than French. As well, Mandarin has many interesting sounds we don't hear in the west.
It's a trip!
It's a trip!
6
Well well, some people cling to their language, others to their religion and their guns ;-) As said by some on the thread, plurality of language is a wealth for any individual on this Earth. Learn any two, three or four and watch as your cultural reach expands, and both your vision of history and outlook on the future change.
14
The article says that French is spoken in "80 Francophone countries." In which universe is that a fact? When I google how many French-peaking countries there are, it is, at most, 32. English has official -- or semi-official status in 68 countries.
10
'The International Organisation of La Francophonie was created in 1970. Its mission is to embody the active solidarity between its 80 member states and governments (57 members and 23 observers), which together represent over one-third of the United Nations’ member states and account for a population of over 890 million people, including 220 million French speakers'.
Latin is still used for science and I cannot imagine anybody calling the T Rex The Tyrannical King or the Dinosaurs, 'Terrible Lizards'....Traditions are great...
Egocentrism on one's language (English in our case), is a very dangerous undertaking and lead to alienation.
Latin is still used for science and I cannot imagine anybody calling the T Rex The Tyrannical King or the Dinosaurs, 'Terrible Lizards'....Traditions are great...
Egocentrism on one's language (English in our case), is a very dangerous undertaking and lead to alienation.
5
I understand why English is an official language of the Olympics as it is the most widely spoken second language. How about in order to make people from all over the world feel more inclusive and also in order to avoid being criticized for being so Eurocentric that a widely spoken language from a country other than Europe or North America be chosen? Chinese possibly?
2
Those attending the Olympics, coming from many countries, are not being " force fed" a language if they see a sign in French. They are being exposed to another language. Any problem with that? They are being reminded of a little Olympic history, which everyone should find interesting. Many comments equate the numbers of people speaking a language as their native tongue as an indication of its importance. But there are not many native English speakers!
Think about the scientific and medical research being done in a particular language and that may change your mind about that language's "importance."
Think about the scientific and medical research being done in a particular language and that may change your mind about that language's "importance."
13
French most spoken language by 2050
http://www.forbes.com/sites/pascalemmanuelgobry/2014/03/21/want-to-know-...
http://www.forbes.com/sites/pascalemmanuelgobry/2014/03/21/want-to-know-...
3
Common sense seems to say that language use at the Games should prioritize the languages spoken, or at least understood, by the athletes, spectators, and host city (am I missing something here??). I would be interested to know what these are, but Ms. Jean's vague claim that "a lot of people" at the Games are from Francophone countries implies that French is not clearly one of the most spoken languages. Why, then, should it be prioritized?
It's ironic that an organization aiming to "combat the perverse effects of globalization on languages" is wasting to resources to promote the global use of an elitist language that owes much of its (former) relevance to imperialism. Ms. Jean and Mr. Dibango are wasting time and resources on a mission that is not just futile, but also appears to be of no worth. Their preoccupation with this "issue" perpetuates the Francophonie organization's image as elitist and out-of-touch, and the notion that this organization is somehow funded seems symbolic of the Western world's lack of priorities.
It's ironic that an organization aiming to "combat the perverse effects of globalization on languages" is wasting to resources to promote the global use of an elitist language that owes much of its (former) relevance to imperialism. Ms. Jean and Mr. Dibango are wasting time and resources on a mission that is not just futile, but also appears to be of no worth. Their preoccupation with this "issue" perpetuates the Francophonie organization's image as elitist and out-of-touch, and the notion that this organization is somehow funded seems symbolic of the Western world's lack of priorities.
8
Beautifully said. That's exactly what I was thinking too!
1
The Francophonie is neither elitist nor out of touch; this I am afraid to say is an out of touch statement or a statement pulled from Fox media.
I am British, I speak four languages (English, French, German and Italian and a bit of Hebrew, Norwegian and Spanish), and I speak them whenever I travel abroad for business and leisure.
I am British, I speak four languages (English, French, German and Italian and a bit of Hebrew, Norwegian and Spanish), and I speak them whenever I travel abroad for business and leisure.
3
Mon dieu! As long as they keep playing sambas and bossa nova, they can call it Garota de Ipanima or La Fille d'Ipanima or The Girl from Ipanima. It's very sad that we in the US are so against "foreign" languages. Let's take the opportunity afforded by the Rio Olympics to learn some (Brazilian) Portuguese!
10
Beaucoup de sentimentalité et de l'ego, mais très peu pratique. En outre, il est plus comme 150 millions de locuteurs de langue maternelle française. Non 300 millions. C'est la vi.
5
dont 50 millions (ou plus), on suppose, parlent aussi l'anglais Tant pis pour les autres...
Google lives! "Or whatever." -- Molière
Speaking English, even in a non - English speaking country.
1
At least French as an official Olympic language is a lot less obscure than some Olympic sports (dressage, synchronized diving, race-walking...?).
3
Don't knock dressage, please! It is a sport enjoyed by millions of Americans -- a lot more than synchronized diving, for example. And race-walking has a long history with the Games.
I might also add that the international organization for horse sports is French-based -- Fédération Equestre Internationale, headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.
I might also add that the international organization for horse sports is French-based -- Fédération Equestre Internationale, headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.
1
The French Equestrian Team got the gold medal in Team Eventing, and should do well in the Dressage events still to come.
1
Brazilians speak Portuguese, but the Olympics must use English.
4
exactly.
It was no country's language by the CE year 750, but if you traveled, you'd better speak Latin. (The exception was Hungary, where the language of the Parliament and of the courts remained Latin until 1830.) Like it or not, English is today's Latin.
French is the 14th most widely spoken language on the planet. It is amazing that they get away with silly things like this. But the French have always gotten treated better than their numbers or accomplishments would suggest. They were defeated by the Germans in six weeks despite an army at least as big on paper but somehow ended up as a victorious power and got a permanent seat on the UN security council because of it. How were they are more victorious than the Netherlands or Belgium. Why?, my best guess is the squeaky wheel gets the grease. And the French with de Gaulle as the perfect example, can squeak with the best.
22
And the French act like their language was handed down by God on tablets, like the Ten Commandments. It is just bastardized Latin, like Italian, Spanish and Portugese.
5
You're kidding, right? What on earth does WWII have to do with this? Give me a break. The French founded the Olympic Games, so they have the right to have their language represented. Don't forget that French was the lingua franca in the west for close to 300 years, as well as in international diplomacy for over a century. Lets honor the past. That is one of the core values of the Olympic movement.
5
And English is a bastardized combination of Latin and French. First the Celts were invaded by the Romans (55BC - 436AD) and later by the French (1066 and all that). Yes, the Angles and the Saxons invaded between the Romans and the French, but it wasn't until 1348 that English replaced Latin as the language of instruction in the schools, and it was 1362 when English replaced French as the language of law and the courts/legal system. So your point is?
3
French is a dead and useless language, especially because France is not innovative and has a stalled economy.
Spanish is important but too many people in the US know it.
If you want a competitive advantage (or want to better connect with 2 billion ethic Chinese), learn Mandarin instead.
Spanish is important but too many people in the US know it.
If you want a competitive advantage (or want to better connect with 2 billion ethic Chinese), learn Mandarin instead.
14
French is set to be the most widely spoken language in the world/ Cf. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3367012/C-est-impossible-French-...
2
Wake up your fight has been over since De Gaulle was put to rest .I love France and its culture but Madame J needs to find something to do that is more productive and positive. For example she can enjoy Brazil , its diversity, and caprihinas. Times are changin' and elitist views of a language and culture are becoming obsolete in a world that is very diverse. By the way which countries speak French?....right.... not necessarily hubs of technological , or cultural innovation. I would kindly suggest Ms. Jean to find a way to monitor the socio-economic situation faced by the same 300 million people whose native culture and language was obliterated by hundred years of French colonialism instead of flying first class , eating at high end restaurants in order to just to check silly stupid signs in French. The point of a language is to facilitate communication no obfuscation.
8
"It's a daily fight" because you're fighting windmills. Learn English, and get over it.
13
Amen!
All languages are important. Tradition is important. English is indeed the international language now, so do you want to learn another language that improves your English? Learn French. 60% of English words come from French, the grammar is similar to English, learning it will help you speak English better. By the way, the Alliance Françaises world wide are bursting with students, and South America has the most chapters of any other continent.
14
Back in the day when the SAT really meant something (I actually liked the analogies), if you knew Latin and French it would help you ace the verbal section. Knowledge of Latin and French will enable you to know English vocabulary almost as well as the guys who write the dictionary. That plus reading a lot.
2
Due to history and inertia and the ceaseless efforts of Francophone organizations such as the Cercle Francaise, French is still one of the two standard foreign-language offerings in most U.S. public high schools. It's hard to think of a bigger waste of time for most of those students who are steered into it. (Not so for Spanish, the other main contender.)
As a parent I successfully kept my children from the pointless study of French.
And, yes, English, or more accurately, numerous evolving localized forms of English, has become the world's universal language.
As a parent I successfully kept my children from the pointless study of French.
And, yes, English, or more accurately, numerous evolving localized forms of English, has become the world's universal language.
11
Well-said ! I was taught Latin in 7th and 8th grade ( early 60's ) and had my choice of French or Spanish in high school . I chose 4 years of Spanish and later went on to major in Latin American Studies . I have improved on my Spanish ever since and have used it in thousands of encounters where it made all of the difference . The opportunities to have used French to my advantage over the last 50 years would have been close to zilch .
2
Actually, if you are interested in working in international development/trade/international affairs, french is very helpful (it is spoken in many countries in Africa in addition to Europe). I have hired for a number of jobs that require proficiency in french, and it tends be be difficult to find people who have both the technical skills and french. It actually sets you apart more than spanish because there are so many spanish speakers in the US now.
8
In my opinion, Latin was the most useful foreign language I ever studied (in high school), too. It has broadened my English vocabulary enormously and, later, was most useful in learning Spanish when I got to college.
3
What would have helped to put this article in context is the percentage of viewing audience considers French as their primary language. The association has its goals but they seem to be oddly out of place and hard to justify within a global event.
3
This woman actually makes a living out of this? This world is full of opportunity!!! Where can I apply to be a language cop?
11
If you sincerely want to become a language cop, come to Quebec. It's an actual position within a provincial governmental Department.
2
you can be a language cop in canada. they take it seriously.
2
Canada
The French need to get over themselves.
In terms of the number of speakers, the 3 most spoken languages in the world are Mandarin (955 million), Spanish (405 million) and English (360 million). French (75 million) comes in #18 behind the likes of German (89 million), Telugu (76 million) Portugese (215 million) and Javanese (82 million).
If you go by the number of countries official languages you could make a stronger case. Even in that case the French are not on top. English is the official language in 58 countries, French in 29, Arabic in 28, and Spanish in 20. You'd have a stronger arguement to make Spanish the second offical language in terms of the number of speakers and the numbers of country that it is an official language in.
In terms of the number of speakers, the 3 most spoken languages in the world are Mandarin (955 million), Spanish (405 million) and English (360 million). French (75 million) comes in #18 behind the likes of German (89 million), Telugu (76 million) Portugese (215 million) and Javanese (82 million).
If you go by the number of countries official languages you could make a stronger case. Even in that case the French are not on top. English is the official language in 58 countries, French in 29, Arabic in 28, and Spanish in 20. You'd have a stronger arguement to make Spanish the second offical language in terms of the number of speakers and the numbers of country that it is an official language in.
10
Your numbers are completely wrong. English has over 375 million native speakers vs. Spanish 330 million. Also, the number of English speakers worldwide is 1.5 billion, making English the true international language. http://www.statista.com/statistics/266808/the-most-spoken-languages-worl...
1
Languages are a means of communication not signs of propaganda. Olympic signs should be in the local language and English so that as many people can understand these as possible. If other languages need to be added, Mandarin Chinese is probably the most spoken although it's confined to a small set of countries. Spanish might be a good choice especially in South America.
4
Interesting enough article, but have been looking all over for Sarah Lyall's usual articles on the soul of the Olympics and all sorts of doings that have been her hallmark in the previous ones. Guess language is the first challenge.
Interesting, when I went to France I was constantly frustrated at major museums with the fact that they did not bother to put an English translation. In spite of the fact that the rooms were filled with an enthusiastic English speaking crowd. Perhaps Ms. Jean can take this on next!
15
If these Anglophones are so "enthusiastic" about going to France, perhaps they could take it upon themselves to learn some French.
5
That's ridiculous. I am a Francophile and speak French myself, but the idea that you have to learn the language of a country to a significant degree before you can visit it makes no practical sense. If I wanted to visit China, should I have to learn Mandarin first?
2
The French need to wake up and admit that, for better or worse, they no longer have the same influence in the world as they did in past eras.
30
French is the 18th most spoken language in the world, and dropping fast. Get over it. Enough of 19th century Eurocentrism. If we needed a second Olympian language, Spanish, Arabic or Hindi would make more sense. Or for that matter Portuguese, global #6.
17
Ken,
One of America's greatest problems is that English as a language of law is still developing so that lawyers and sophists can interpret a constitution that was written in the English defined by Samuel Johnson.
Here in Canada our constitution was written in French and English so our Supreme Court can dispense justice rather than argue politics.
One of America's greatest problems is that English as a language of law is still developing so that lawyers and sophists can interpret a constitution that was written in the English defined by Samuel Johnson.
Here in Canada our constitution was written in French and English so our Supreme Court can dispense justice rather than argue politics.
3
@Sag Harbor: As a professor of Germanic languages, I can tell you that ease of learning is a key factor in second-language acquisition. To expect Arabic or Hindi, with their non-Latin alphabets, to be official languages at a Brazilian Olympics is ridiculous.
2
Didn't you just provide a reason why both French and English are difficult for Arabic and Hindi speakers to acquire, not to mention Mandarin or Russian speakers?
At a Brazilian Olympics, French is less important than it may be at other venues, since Romance-language speakers can usually figure out what the signs mean, but I trust you see the logic of having signage in some Latin-based language in addition to English. Non?
At a Brazilian Olympics, French is less important than it may be at other venues, since Romance-language speakers can usually figure out what the signs mean, but I trust you see the logic of having signage in some Latin-based language in addition to English. Non?
If there should be a language that is always used at the Olympics, then it should be Greek. After all, they invented the Olympics! :)
4
Americans don't speak a foreign language? 1 in 4 Americans speaks another language well enough to hold a conversation. (source: Gallup) The top native-spoken languages in the world are Mandarin, then Spanish, then English, then Hindi, then Portuguese. French comes in at number 18. (source: Wikipedia) The policy is outdated and could certainly due with a change. The reason for learning a foreign language is utilitarian. Seems to me that the 18th language on the list isn't necessarily the most useful one.
3
I'm guessing a rather high percentage of those 1 in 4 Americans are immigrants or children of immigrants. Few second generation+ Americans learn a second language to any level of fluency, and it's hard to blame us considering English has become the de-facto world language.
4
Fry,
Sadly, you are correct . Learning a second language in infancy is the best indicator of proficiency in math and science. If Trump builds the wall high and strong enough Americans can pretend they are great again and start mining green cheese on the moon.
Sadly, you are correct . Learning a second language in infancy is the best indicator of proficiency in math and science. If Trump builds the wall high and strong enough Americans can pretend they are great again and start mining green cheese on the moon.
2
What about Spanish, the second most spoken language after English. 300 million French speakers. There are more Americans than French speakers while there is probably a billion Spanish speaking people. I say we eliminate Rule 23 and just have English and the host language. What are the French speakers going to do, leave have have their own Olympic. Wouldn't that be a small event.
27
I think you forgot Mandarin Chinese in your rankings.
2
The blinder-like insistence on using French as a language in a non-Francophone country, no matter it's origin, seems to fit with the (perhaps erroneous, perhaps not) image of overall French arrogance.
What is the purpose? I see none.
What is the purpose? I see none.
24
Thats the pet project of a person with nothing else to do. She feels relevant when French in general do not feel necessarily so. specially with the problems that the country is facing
2
Lol. What a resentful, bitter, arrogant organization, philosophy, and "mission". A sad & comical waste of time.
Tellement stupide!
Tellement stupide!
7
Overwhelmingly, we posters agree: The French are arrogant. But they make good wine and cheese. Aaaannnd there's 15 minutes of life I'll never get back. Wheeeee!!!!! Vive L'Olympics!
1
The metric system (Systeme Internationale) was invented and promoted by France. The Olympics are entirely metric (no translation required). France has a significant influence, beyond language.
5
Invented no, promoted oui. But really, I think arrogance and a good glass of wine are the most prominent influence.
4
The modern Olympic Games are a French creation. No one is forced to participate. You can restart the Goodwill games or go to the X Games or Commonwealth Games and speak English.
10
And the modern torch run was developed by the Nazis. Guess we'd better not use that unless France attends as Vichy
4
I am sure they have the money to pay for them LOLOL
And Australia was a British Crown Prison creation. I didn't realize it has not changed yet. Being we are in the modern world and things change quite fast.
1
Since this piece about French at the Olympics begins at the rowing venue for the Rio games, I'm submitting a piece of trivia that unites them both. Rowing races used to begin not with a gun, but by voice with "Êtes-vous Prêts?...Partez!" (Meaning: Are you ready? Go!) I've heard races started that way at World's Championships (Nottingham, Copenhagen, Bled), in Germany, at the Henley Royal Regatta and in France (of course) until sometime in the late 80's. I don't know when the change occurred though I bet the oarsmen and oarswomen prefer the gun.
3
If I were the French I would be more worried about what is going on back home rather than what language is being used in Rio. In the not too distant future, the official language of France will be Arabic.
13
You haven't read carefully the article: It is not about a French organization defending French language, but about an organization representing countries where people speak French. Guess what, not only French people.
5
The poulet is coming home to roast. Apparently the Algerians did not like French language. Perhaps Madame cna go there and see how well they speak the language
1
Actually, Algeria is the second largest Francophone country in the world in terms of the number of speakers. In 2008, some 11.2 million Algerians (33% of the population) could read and write in French, even though French is not mentioned in either the 1963 or 1976 constitutions, where the official language is Arabic. Berber has since been added as an official language in 2015.
3
As an English-speaking Canadian I am glad that I learned to speak French. Being able to communicate in French is an asset in Canada where about 30% of the population uses French as a first language. On the international stage of the Olympic Games it would be nice to have French used in the opening ceremony in order to honor Pierre de Coubertin. Insisting on a third language being used for every announcement and sign seems to out of touch with reality.
17
Pierre Coubertin is dead why not speak Greek instead since they invented the games in the first place
10
Lots of people are dead.
Well more than 90% of all who have ever lived, in fact.
Well more than 90% of all who have ever lived, in fact.
2
It's a fait accompli that French is just going to be another language in the world, not a dominant one. I'm a bilingual Canadian who was just in France for the Euros. All the locals in the service industry spoke English to accommodate those from around the continent and the world there for the match. Croatians, Turkish, Swedes, Czechs, etc. It is an unrealistic expectation that these people would learn French to a significant degree. All of these countries have students learn English in school and usually another language is an option. If exercised, it's usually a language in the same family as their own. Dutch and Flemish friends of mine all picked German over French.
5
Dear Eric, nop, it is not a fait accompli. At the contrary: French is one of the fastest growing languages in the world. Why ? Look at the demography in Africa...
Anyway, It is always better to know several languages as you do too.
Anyway, It is always better to know several languages as you do too.
7
Why is this debate framed in this article as Portuguese or French? What is stopping the Olympic Committee putting up signs in, gasp, many different languages? The New York metro has signs in a dozen languages. The Olympics are an international organization so they should accommodate as many languages as possible. Talking about getting rid of French, one of the fastest growing languages in the world, is just pure Anglophone imperialism trying to stamp out a competitor.
18
Why? Guess you did not read the article - Answer is Money
2
lol if the MTA can affford translators so can the Olympics
1
Regardless of morality, language goes to the conquerors. Guo yu from Qin China, Latin from Rome, Greek from Alexander's Macedonia, Russian from Muscovy, Bantu in southern Africa, English from the Empire, French from William the conqueror, etc. (from History for Dummies)
4
"Rule 23 is no accident. As the founder of the modern Olympic Games at the turn of the 20th century, Pierre de Coubertin got to choose what language they would be in, and he was French. " That is not a valid reason for French to be one of the official languages of the games. If the idea is to be as inclusive as possible, the two official languages should be those most widely used throughout the world, English and Chinese.
12
“Brazilians Speak Portuguese, but the Olympics Must Use French”
The modern Olympic Games are truly breathtaking events that the world cannot wait for every four years. However, with the Olympic Games' rich history, diverse culture, and competitive spirit, many Olympic supporters are either encouraging or revolting against the new linguistic amendments the Brazilian government decided to implant this year. The main conflict, as many know, is the dearth of the usage of French in sport commentary and stadium signing.
Personally, I believe that the usage of French in modern Olympic Games is unnecessary and quite an unneeded expense for host nations with economic difficulties, like Brazil, to be obligated to translate everything. Not only is it an economic issue for today’s Olympics, it also is unfair for the non-French-speaking analysts and spectators who are forced to speak and listen to a language totally foreign to them.
Ever since the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, the French language has lost much popularity to other major languages such as English, Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic. Although French commentary is one of the most iconic traits of the modern Olympics, its purpose and audience is shrinking every four-year interval. Therefore, I believe it is time for the world to understand and solemnly accept that a lot has changed over 120 years since the first Olympic Games, and that the closest language the world has for communicating internationally is English.
The modern Olympic Games are truly breathtaking events that the world cannot wait for every four years. However, with the Olympic Games' rich history, diverse culture, and competitive spirit, many Olympic supporters are either encouraging or revolting against the new linguistic amendments the Brazilian government decided to implant this year. The main conflict, as many know, is the dearth of the usage of French in sport commentary and stadium signing.
Personally, I believe that the usage of French in modern Olympic Games is unnecessary and quite an unneeded expense for host nations with economic difficulties, like Brazil, to be obligated to translate everything. Not only is it an economic issue for today’s Olympics, it also is unfair for the non-French-speaking analysts and spectators who are forced to speak and listen to a language totally foreign to them.
Ever since the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, the French language has lost much popularity to other major languages such as English, Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic. Although French commentary is one of the most iconic traits of the modern Olympics, its purpose and audience is shrinking every four-year interval. Therefore, I believe it is time for the world to understand and solemnly accept that a lot has changed over 120 years since the first Olympic Games, and that the closest language the world has for communicating internationally is English.
14
"its purpose and audience is shrinking every four-year interval". You are very wrong. Don't you know that French is not only spoken in France, but also in various countries having a growing demography ? Look for instance at some study from Natixis bank in 2014: Because of the demography in the French speaking Africa, French could become... the most spoken language in 2050.
http://referentiel.nouvelobs.com/file/7106536.JPG (sorry, it's in French ;-) )
http://referentiel.nouvelobs.com/file/7106536.JPG (sorry, it's in French ;-) )
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Mme. (or Mlle.) Jean gets paid to do this job? Reason #167 why the Olympic Games have become a shadow of its former self.
21
Je parle francais, falo portuguese, Ich spreche Deutsch and I speak English. Like it or not, English is becoming the one universal language in the world. It's either that or Chinese. One by one, francophone countries are dropping French in favor of English as their national language. Cameroon, Rwanda are only the latest. This to me is a waste of time and resources to try and change the way a country announces it's sporting events.
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Knowing the Brazilians they do not give a hoot what the madame thinks
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Instead of forming an organization to push the use of their language, maybe the French should spend their resources finding out why more people aren’t lining up outside their local Alliance Française, desperate to learn French. Could it have something to do with usefulness? By the way, Portuguese is a lovely language, and very useful in Brazil.
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As a Canadian I can understand how the local population must feel being force-fed French.
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funny
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Poor poor Anglo. You can't miss one.
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As a non - native English speaker I well know what it feels like having English pushed down my throat!
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Quel dommage!
14
Asking a woman from Virginia and a guy from Scotland as a test to learn whether public demand calls for French translations is really shoddy reporting. French is indeed a world language spoken by 300 million people. Anglo-Americans shouldn't just assume everyone knows English or the local language. What if the shoe were on the other foot, and Brazil chose to make announcements only in Portuguese and English?
21
Over 1 billion people speak Chinese, more people speak Hindi than French, do we ask the Olympics to add signs in those languages to accommodate those people? Get real. I have traveled all over this wonderful world and most signage is the local language and English. Countries like India, China, Russia, Egypt, Jordan, Thailand, and even other EU countries.
BTW, do you have any idea how many of the visitors to the Olympic Games need French to be spoken so they have an idea of what's going on?
BTW, do you have any idea how many of the visitors to the Olympic Games need French to be spoken so they have an idea of what's going on?
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You have to mean ". . . Portuguese and French?"
4
It is time for France to officially accept they have lost the fight to be the worlds language. It seems absurd and arrogant to force non-French speaking Olympic hosts to put all signage and speeches in French. The primary language for the ceremonies should be that of the host country. It seems ride to impose French primacy where it isn't officially spoken. In every country I've ever visited I've always been very unimpressed with the manner in which French travelers expect locals to accommodate them.
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In France (and the rest of the non-English speaking world) many, many Americans and Brits expect to be catered to in English, even as they themselves are resolutely monolingual. That said, the effort of the Francophonie organization does seem a desperation move.
(Je parle assez bien le francais. Jag taller svensk. Y hablo poquito espanol.)
(Je parle assez bien le francais. Jag taller svensk. Y hablo poquito espanol.)
20
In my travels everywhere I went I would encounter Aussies. They seem to be the most travelled people on the planet. Maybe we should all learn Australian.
1
And I, a multi-lingual American, am "very unimpressed with the manner in which [American] travelers expect the locals to accommodate them."
7
Seems to me like a misplaced sense of pride to want to force french on to the world stage during the ceremonies and the games. It also looks very colonialist to want to do that in this day and age. The only people who speak french nowadays are French nationals, citizens of former French colonies, and those who want to dress themselves up with a sense of sophistication by adopting it as a linguistic muse.
28
What about auebecois?
Maybe we should go back and add Greece. This is the 21st century and unfortunately as the case may be, French is no longer as important as once it was and as so many think it should be.
I was very impressed, even shocked, this summer when I visited St. Petersberg, I was shocked that on all the subway trains, all signs were in Russian and in English. Let's face it, the closest thing to an international langage is English, like it or not.
I was very impressed, even shocked, this summer when I visited St. Petersberg, I was shocked that on all the subway trains, all signs were in Russian and in English. Let's face it, the closest thing to an international langage is English, like it or not.
50
Greek. The language is Greek. The country is Greece. Do give the French/France credit for bringing the Olympics back.
I know, I know. Typing error which I realized after it was posted. Too bad this blog does not allow post posting editing.
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- Le Gentilhomme Parfait