French Language and Francophonie: Why, When, Where, How?

In this study, we will present information about the areas in which French Language is spoken as we examine the meanings that the French and Francophone carry in a historical view. Today 200 million people speak French Language as their mother langue while that 100 million people have learned or have been learning the French Language. Lots of foundations and organizations that were established under the title of Francophonie concept involve many fields such as language teaching, cultural cooperation, literature, linguistics and translation studies. Francophonie carries its existence in about 10 geographical areas today. Among these, the West Europe Central, and Eastern Europe, South America, Maghrep Arap Union, Southeast Asia can be given as examples. As we have a look at the history of Francophonie in Turkey, as the Turkish-French cooperation that started in Kanunis period had been continuing for so long, it gained speed in Tanzimat Reform Era. A strong cooperation was provided in the terms of education, politics, culture and economics and last periods of Ottoman Empire gained an important place in Espace Francophone area. Nowadays, although English Language is preferred most by the language learners, French Language, literature and culture appeal to a wide range of audience as well. It is known that, only İstanbul 1 million Francophones. In terms of education and culture, lots of private schools, colleges and international foundations and organizations play an active role in Teaching of French Language in Turkey.

Keywords

French Language, Francophonie, Language Teaching, Culture.