Attendees will first explore colonial conceptions and practices from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, shedding light on the persistent accusations of "neocolonialism" toward the Francophonie in the 20th and 21st centuries. The discussion will then examine whether the French language is a contributing factor or merely a symptom of the broader francophone crisis, both within and outside of France. In this perspective, attention will be turned to French-speaking African countries, where the role of the French language in education and administration is under intense scrutiny. Finally, the session will discuss practical strategies and material for teaching French with enthusiasm and intellectual honesty.
Join me as I talk to you about my home country, Belgium! We'll talk about how the school system differs from the French one, we'll learn about all of the fun things that makes Belgium so awesome and learn some typical Belgian words, too!