IAUE INAUGRAL LECTURE: Professor Iyalla-Amadi Advocates Compulsory French Language Study

As the World marks the International French Language Day on March 20, a Professor of French and Translation Studies, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Professor Priye Iyalla-Amadi, has called on Government at all levels to make the study of the French Language compulsory in secondary schools.

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Speaking on the day, the University don remarked that speaking French exposes one to a wider culture. The French Language programme in Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, she stated, has placed the institution on the international map, adding that students of the University represent the State statewide, and even worldwide during French Language competitions, an indication that Rivers State is open to the international community.

The Professor of French and Translation Studies affirmed that it would be a great advantage and a great service to citizens of the country if the study of French Language is made compulsory in secondary schools especially as the country is surrounded by francophone countries. This is also necessary for the linguistic survival of citizens.

The 40th inaugural Lecturer of IAUE frowned at the way some Nigerians are exploited at the borders simply because they cannot speak French, hinting that as citizens of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Nigerians do not need to pay anything or bribe their way through as they do not need any visa to cross the borders.

French, she reiterated, remains an important tool for the linguistic survival of citizens especially as children can absorb languages better at the secondary school levels. She emphasised that if made interesting, a lot of people can key into the study of the language.

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Professor Iyalla-Amadi opined that the French Language is an important asset to have as it automatically places those who can speak it in the global arena. She described French as one of the tools needed to survive in the 21st century and enjoined Nigerians to aim for global visibility by learning the language either on a part time or full time basis.

The immediate past Director of the ICT Centre informed that French is one of the six languages of the United Nations with others as Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Russian and English, noting that the French cuisine is one of the best in the world. 

She therefore called on lovers of the language to learn and appreciate the positive aspects of the people by listening to their music, and discovering the delight of their cuisine, and also appreciating the francophone culture as a way of celebrating the day.

For her own part, she stressed that although she is a Professor of French, she is passionate about her own indigenous Kalabari language and she translates texts and Kalabari proverbs into the French language.

Professor Iyalla-Amadi maintained that learning French is not a distraction in any way, rather it enhances knowledge of one’s own language and gives it greater exposure for wider diffusion.

The International French Language Day is celebrated on March 20th of every year. Established by the United Nations in 2010, the aim is to promote the preservation and revitalisation of the French language and culture globally with rich historical influence and international significance connecting French speakers worldwide through preservative efforts.

The theme for the year 2024 celebration is "Create, innovate and undertake in French". 

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Professor Priye Iyalla-Amadi is a lecturer in the Faculty of Humanities, Department of French and International studies, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. Her articles in French and Kalabari languages can be found on Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Academia and other online sites.