The evolution of the French language in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a clear decline?
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), formerly colonized by Belgium, is a leading French-speaking country on the African continent. French is the official language of the country, alongside several national languages such as Kiswahili, Lingala, Tshiluba and Kikongo. However, despite this privileged position, the French language seems to be losing its prestige and its social function in contemporary Congolese society.
A compromised social advancement
Once considered a symbol of social advancement and professional success, French today arouses less enthusiasm among the Congolese. In a country where youth unemployment is particularly high, learning English is seen as a more secure passport to better professional integration. Job opportunities, mainly in the business and humanitarian sectors, often favor English speakers. Thus, more and more Congolese see English as a major asset to boost their career and stand out in the job market.
Decline in French level
Alongside this enthusiasm for English, we are observing a decline in the level of French among young Congolese. The complexity of French grammar, punctuation and vocabulary makes it a difficult language to master. The strict rules of French can discourage some learners, who then turn to English, perceived as an easier and more accessible language. Some teachers even report situations where students, after several years of studying French, still have difficulty expressing themselves correctly, while they do well in English after only a few months of learning.
The need to rethink the teaching of French
Faced with this reality, it is essential to rethink the teaching of French in the DRC. It is essential to make the language more attractive and accessible, by adapting teaching methods to the specific needs and challenges of Congolese learners. Efforts must be made to make learning French more interactive, dynamic and practical, in order to arouse students’ interest and motivate them in their language journey.
In addition, it is essential to promote the French language by giving it an important place in the professional and social life of the country. Employers must recognize French language skills as a valuable asset and encourage their development. Likewise, society as a whole must continue to promote the use of French, by organizing cultural events and educational initiatives aimed at highlighting the richness of the French-speaking language and culture..
In conclusion, although French is still the official and widely used language in the DRC, its status and importance seem to be evolving. To preserve its relevance and dynamism, it is necessary to adapt the teaching of French to the current needs of learners, while promoting its use in the professional and social life of the country. Only concerted action will make it possible to renew the interest and place of French in the Congolese linguistic landscape.