La politique linguistique en pratique - Les stratégies pour la langue française dans une institution européenne
Author
Summary, in English
This empirical study attempts to assess the use of French (and other languages) within a European institution to illustrate the following: the daily practical French used within a single directorate-general, the awareness at the directorate of how France is trying to increase the use of French especially during the French presidency 2022, and the attitude and use of French inside and outside the workplace. Despite the effect of Brexit, English has successfully been the Predominant use of language within the European institutions.
The study is based on a questionnaire sent to the head of units, directors, deputy director-general and director general of the Directorate-General Budget of the European Commission asking their attitudes on the matters above. The study is based on Bernhard Spolsky’s model on languages policy consisting of language practices, language beliefs and language management. Despite the small size and exploratory nature of the study, we were able to identify some interesting observations.
The responses indicate that the choice of language is primarily based on the desire to ensure that everyone understands and can work effectively. Language is seen more as a means of communication and choice of language is not an objective as such.
English is generally used in professional contexts. French is mainly used in exchanges with French authorities or in meetings dominated by French speakers, but predominantly in contact with the surrounding society outside of work.
The study shows that there is little, or no awareness of the measures proposed by the French Presidency. Furthermore no one is aware of specific measures to increase the use of French at work.
Concerning the attitude towards French and the decisive factors for the choice of language, the responses revealed that participants need to use French mainly to get by in everyday life (shopping, leisure activities etc.) in Brussels.
The emerging picture clearly seems to be that English will probably remain the working language par excellence in the EU as it already has a very cemented place in this context, whilst French will play mainly a complementary role focused on societal and private life.
The study is based on a questionnaire sent to the head of units, directors, deputy director-general and director general of the Directorate-General Budget of the European Commission asking their attitudes on the matters above. The study is based on Bernhard Spolsky’s model on languages policy consisting of language practices, language beliefs and language management. Despite the small size and exploratory nature of the study, we were able to identify some interesting observations.
The responses indicate that the choice of language is primarily based on the desire to ensure that everyone understands and can work effectively. Language is seen more as a means of communication and choice of language is not an objective as such.
English is generally used in professional contexts. French is mainly used in exchanges with French authorities or in meetings dominated by French speakers, but predominantly in contact with the surrounding society outside of work.
The study shows that there is little, or no awareness of the measures proposed by the French Presidency. Furthermore no one is aware of specific measures to increase the use of French at work.
Concerning the attitude towards French and the decisive factors for the choice of language, the responses revealed that participants need to use French mainly to get by in everyday life (shopping, leisure activities etc.) in Brussels.
The emerging picture clearly seems to be that English will probably remain the working language par excellence in the EU as it already has a very cemented place in this context, whilst French will play mainly a complementary role focused on societal and private life.
Department/s
Publishing year
2022
Language
French
Full text
Document type
Student publication for Bachelor's degree
Topic
- Languages and Literatures
Keywords
- French
- European Union
- European Commission
- Linguistics
- Français
- Union européenne
- politique linguistique
- language policy
Supervisor
- Malin Ågren