The Future of French ― Cultural Competition in the 21st Century

Globalization has transformed the economic system around the world and has had a major impact on every country. Children in China now are obliged to learn English from primary school. English, without a doubt, is the global language of technology. All around the world, there is the growing infusion of English phrases and words into almost every language. The linguistic question also raises the issue of cultural survival. Can indigenous cultures survive the onslaught of the powers of globalization? Is there a future for certain languages and linguistic groups? These questions, specifically with regard to French, are a continuing concern for Quebec. But these very questions of cultural competition and linguistic survival are also part of the discourse of “la francophonie” and many other countries and regions around the world. This volume makes a major contribution to this discussion. In a thorough, highly , and well organized series of chapters, the author places these problems and challenges clearly before us.

Jean-Louis Roy is one of the most widely respected and renowned Quebecers and Canadians with a distinguished career in many fields. He was a professor at McGill University and director of the Centre for French Canadian Studies, a director of the daily newspaper Le Devoir, president of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (1990–1999), the Quebec Delegate General in Paris, and secretary general of the Agence de la Francophonie. In addition, he has been a visiting professor at York University, University of Moncton, and chancellor of the Universite Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia. He is author of numerous books and articles, and most recently, in English, The Future of French: Cultural Competition in the 21st Century.