The French Language Abroad: The History of the Diffusion, Models & Practices

Abstract

The use and teaching of French outside of France has a long history. If we show the extent to which Europe in the 18th century was French according the universality of the French language, French was the language used in the education of young aristocratic men and women and the sons of the merchant bourgeoisie in most European countries in early modern Europe until the 19th century. If the diffusion of French met a demand for language and culture, it is also a result of the supply. It took on various forms during the centuries, depending on religious, economic and ideological factors. For centuries, in the countries of Europe, educators and teachers have been debating the question concerning the why and how of learning French.