Angry French National Assembly: "Use French at the Olympics" VS "No Binding Force"

The French National Assembly adopted a resolution on the 3rd (local time) urging the organizers, athletes, coaches, and journalists at the 2024 Paris Olympics to use French as much as possible, local media reported.

According to reports, the French National Assembly passed the resolution the day before with 47 votes in favor and 7 against. Through the resolution, the Assembly recommended that "the organizing committee ensure that all official communications related to the event are conducted in French."

Republican lawmaker Annie Junbar, who participated in the debate, expressed concern about the diminishing influence of the French language. She pointed out that even the French rugby team had 'Rugby World Cup' written on their uniforms instead of French, and many promotional slogans during government campaigns were in English.

Commissioner Junbar added, "All these examples show that the fight for the French language has not ended even in the most official domains."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

France and its political circles are well known for their strong pride in their language and culture. Thirty years ago, they passed the groundbreaking 1994 Toubon Law designed to protect the French language. This law mandates the use of French in advertising, product labeling, and public announcements. It also requires French radio stations to play at least 40% French-language songs.

However, the government has drawn a line regarding such movements. Culture Minister Rachida Dati told the parliament, "We cannot overlook the fact that many global sports events broadcast worldwide have chosen to use English for communication, titles, slogans, and advertisements."

Minister Dati emphasized, "The resolution is not binding," and added, "Guidelines for foreign visitors during the Olympic and Paralympic periods will be provided in English and other languages."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.