Title: The evolution of the use of the French language in the Democratic Republic of Congo: between aspirations and realities
Introduction :
The Democratic Republic of Congo, a former Belgian colony, is officially French-speaking, making the country the second largest French-speaking country in the world after France. However, in recent years, we have observed an evolution in the use of the French language in the country. While Voltaire’s language was once seen as a passport to social advancement, more and more Congolese see English as an opportunity for better professional integration. In this article, we will explore the evolution of the use of the French language in the Democratic Republic of Congo and analyze the reasons for this change in perception.
French as an official language:
Since Belgian colonization, French has been the official language of the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside four national languages (Kiswahili, Lingala, Tshiluba and Kikongo) and many local languages. It has been used as a language of communication and teaching, although not all Congolese speak it fluently. According to the Observatoire de la langue française, approximately 78% of the Congolese population speaks French, making the country the second French-speaking country in the world in terms of speakers. However, despite these encouraging figures, concerns about the decline in the level of French are regularly expressed.
The rise of English:
In recent years, we have observed an increase in demand for learning English in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This trend can be explained by several factors. First of all, English has become the working language in many sectors, particularly with the presence of English-speaking investors and humanitarian organizations using English as a language of communication. Thus, learning English has become essential for better professional integration.
English, a professional asset:
In a country where the youth unemployment rate is high, speaking English is seen as a major asset in finding a job. More and more students, workers and even politicians are turning to learning English to improve their career prospects. English is often considered an easier language to learn than French, with less complex grammatical rules. Some even report faster progression in their mastery of English compared to French, despite years of study in French.
Conclusion :
The evolution of the use of the French language in the Democratic Republic of Congo reflects the aspirations of a population seeking better professional opportunities.. While French remains an important official language in the country, English is gaining popularity as a language of work and international communication. This development invites us to rethink the importance given to learning English and to question the multiple ways in which mastering languages can open up perspectives and promote social advancement.