The Olympic Games are much more than just a sporting competition. They embody cultural diversity and fraternity between nations from all over the world.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will officially open this Friday, July 26, with the opening ceremony on the Seine. During these two weeks of competition, French will be the official language. But that’s not just for this edition, since French has been one of the official languages of the event since the modern era of the Games in 1896.
This event is the perfect time to learn or improve your French!
Did you know that French is one of the two official languages of the Olympic Games, alongside English? In order to ensure good communication between all countries during this event, certain languages have been chosen by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as official. These are English and French. And in the event of disagreement, it is even French that is officially designated as superior to English. However, simultaneous translation is now provided in German, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and Chinese at Olympic meetings. This tradition goes back to Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, who was himself French. French has therefore retained a place of honour in Olympic protocols, with announcements, ceremonies and even official documents all in French, ensuring that the language continues to shine on an international scale.
With the Alliance Française de Bordeaux, you can come and learn French as a complete beginner or as an experienced communicator. We welcome all learners of French, of any nationality, for on-site courses in Bordeaux at our premises or online. But we don’t stop there! We also offer a whole range of learning activities based on Francophone culture, including immersive intensive courses and various cultural activities. For example, we offer activities based around heritage (guided tours of the town or museums), gastronomy (wine or cheese tasting), excursions (Arcachon, Saint Emilion), as well as sports and typically French leisure activities such as pétanque. During your stay with us, you’ll also have the chance to meet people from all over the world who share the same goal of learning French and promoting French culture.
Joining the Alliance Française de Bordeaux opens the door to a rich cultural history and unique opportunities such as the world of sport and internationality with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The Olympic Games are a time for gathering and celebration around the world, and the French language is an essential part of this. By learning French at the Alliance Française de Bordeaux, you’re not just discovering a new language! This summer, on our premises, you can see Serge Périchon’s photo exhibition ‘Pour la beauté du geste’, illustrating the greatness of different sports. What’s more, we’ll soon be organising an Olympiad to challenge our international students through a variety of sporting and linguistic games reminiscent of the current Olympic Games.
Join us all summer long for a unique linguistic and sporting adventure! Contact us by email at af@alliance-bordeaux.org !
