The Use of English as a Medium of Instruction in French Universities: a change of direction in language policies in French universities?

Abstract

Just as Latin used to be the lingua franca for science in Europe, English has now taken over this role in the modern world, and not just in academia. However, France has for a long time opposed the linguistic invasion of English, for example by introducing legislation to limit the use of English words in advertisements. But in a modern-day European context such protectiveness now appears to be out of place. This dissertation looks at the situation of French higher education policy which until recently outlawed the use of English in universities. But recent legislative developments have led French Universities to becoming more flexible to the use of English as an academic lingua franca. An increase in the number of classes taught in English, the organisation of international conferences in English, and the development of exchange and double –degree programs, all provide evidence of how French Universities now tend to accept the use of English. But what has influenced such an evolution? By analysing top down and bottom up influences, this study will look at the reasons behind this evolution, which I will suggest come from both governmental bodies, and from students and teachers themselves. The dissertation includes the results of a sizeable (170 respondents) survey of students and teachers from French Universities into their attitudes towards the use of English as a lingua franca in academic contexts.