International Day of French Language Teachers
The International Day of French Language Teachers is celebrated annually on the 4th Thursday of November around the world at the suggestion of the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron in 2019. In this regard, an online meeting with the participation of French language teachers from Central Asian states will be held on November 25, 2021.
At present about 300,000 people speak French on five continents around the world. French is both a working language and an official language of the United Nations.
French is also an analytical language that structures thought and develops critical thinking, which is a valuable skill for discussions and negotiations.
In addition, French has historically been the language of diplomacy. For this reason, in English, which is the language of modern diplomacy, as well as in other languages, the French words for diplomacy is still used, for example, “attaché”, “chargé d'affaires”, “agrément”, “note verbale”, “communiqué”, “aide-memoir”, “bout de papier”, etc.
In a number of secondary schools and higher education institutions of Turkmenistan, French is taught as a main and second foreign language. The French Language Learning Center of the Republic of France in Turkmenistan is operating in our country. The Center organizes French language courses, as well as various meetings and events related to the French language, literature and culture.
It is worth noting that the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Turkmenistan, Ms. Isabelle Ginel, took part in the conference held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan in May this year. Within the framework of the conference, she visited the Museum of the History of Turkmen Diplomacy of the Institute, where she was acquainted with the structure and activities of the Institute.
In conclusion, I heartily congratulate all the French teachers on their professional holiday!
Lachyn HOJAYEVA,
4th Year Student of the Faculty of
International Relations of the
Institute of International Relations of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan