Le français - une langue seconde, mais pas secondaire

From Lafayette to Cotonou, more and more of us are able to express ourselves in French. Our language enjoys an enviable status and continues to play a key role in the exchange of ideas and the bringing together of peoples.

If French is present on all continents, it is mostly in a minority position. In the post-colonial era, it is a 'super language' that connects more and more people, while respecting national languages.

No, English is not the only key to enter the virtual world. 180 million French-speaking Internet users are the proof, enriching the lexicon of information and communication technologies every day.

In the age of Facebook 'statuses', it's good to remember the exceptional status of the French language. Here's a brief overview, from the Parisian salons of the 18th century to the modern Olympic Games.

Let's talk business! The Francophonie's commercial exchanges represent one fifth of the world's trade. Doing business in our language can pay off!

From Victor Hugo to Stromae, French culture shines on the international scene. Our English-speaking cousins are among those who are most fond of French-language cultural products!

In Canada, one out of four Francophones is involved in an organization or network, one third of which aims to defend the interests of Francophones. How can our language help us become engaged citizens?

Anglicisms, Gallicisms, Hispanisms... languages are made to mix! And linguistic borrowing is not a one-way street, since English draws on French for tens of thousands of words!

A short guide to the wonderful world of regionalisms from the four corners of the French-speaking world. You know, those colourful expressions we use to 'piquer une jasette', 'babluter', 'tchatcher' or 'papoter'!