The Month of Francophonie Opens in Laos

Source: Vientiane Times

The month of March is Francophonie month, and it is dedicated to the celebration of the French language across the world.

At a reception at the residence (OR FRENCH EMBASSY) of the Ambassador of France, Mrs. Siv-Leng Chhuor, the month of Francophonie was officially launched.
Other French-speaking countries such as Laos, Switzerland, Canada, and Luxembourg, are also taking part in this month-long celebration.

Laos has been a member of the International Organisation of the Francophonie since 1972. Apart from Laos, other French-speaking countries celebrate this month by highlighting the richness of the French language.

Over the next few weeks, many activities will be organized to highlight the French language: photo exhibitions, theatre performances, film screenings, activities in bilingual classes at the National University of Laos, and spelling competitions.

One of the main events will be a French song contest on 18 March at the French Institute of Laos. The full program is available on the Facebook pages of the French Embassy and the French Institute of Laos.

Many French-speaking Laotians attended the opening ceremony at the residence of the French ambassador some of whom were alumni of France institutes, French teachers, and students.

In her speech, the French Ambassador thanked her Swiss, Canadian, and Luxembourg counterparts for their contribution to the evening. She reminded the audience that the French-speaking world is a community of nearly 300 million speakers throughout all five continents, who not only share a language but also values.

The French language is the second most learned language in the world, with nearly 125 million students and approximately 900,000 teachers.
The Ambassador underlined the success of the many past Francophone projects and said many more were already planned for Laos. She confirmed her participation at the official celebration of the Francophonie that will be organized by the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paksé on 23 March.

She also thanked the many actors of the Francophonie in Laos: teachers, students, administrative officials, and all the volunteers who are keeping the French language alive on a daily basis by perpetuating the deep link of friendship that unites France and Laos.