Global visa: ‘French language opens opportunities for progress’

Six Pakistani teachers given certificates for passing French language exam

ISLAMABAD: French language opens enormous opportunities for progress as it is one of the major languages of the world.

This was said by French Cultural Counsellor Martine Herlem-Hamidi while addressing a certificate distribution ceremony here on Wednesday.

“There are 29 independent nations where it [French] is an official language.”

It is also working and official language of United Nations, European Union, UNESCO, NATO, International Olympic Committee, International Red Cross and different organisations across the globe, she said.

The event was organised by Languages Without Borders Islamabad (LSFI) in collaboration with French embassy.

Pakistani teachers who were given certificates included Mariam Nasir, Somia Ashraf, Ismat Rasool, Farah Naz Sheikh and Zainab.

Hamidi lauded the efforts of LSFI for promotion of the language, saying the embassy aims at identification, recognition and promotion of teachers who present required guarantees of quality in the field of French as a foreign language teaching.

“Pakistani students with a good level of the language are eligible for French government scholarships to enroll in postgraduate courses in the country and qualify for internationally recognised French degrees,” she said. Knowledge of the language could be beneficial for availing opportunities at renowned French universities, business schools, and corporate organizations, she added.

The counsellor also highlighted cultural aspect of the language, as an international language of literature, cooking, fashion, film and theater, visual arts, performing arts and architecture.

A number of students studying the language in different local educational institutes were also present.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2015.