Number of French learners on the rise in Jordan

AMMAN — The number of French learners in Jordan increased by 6 per cent this year, rising from 1,775 candidates to the Elementary Diploma of French Language (DELF) in 2017 to amost 2,000 students across 80 public and private schools around the Kingdom, according to the French Institute in Jordan (IFJ).

Only accounting for the students applying to the official French ministry of education (MoE) examination, the numbers reflect a rising trend in the number of schools presenting students to the DELF and in French learners in general, according to Sandy Al Khoury, administrative head of the language department at the IFJ.

“These past few years, we have witnessed a rise in the number of candidates for the DELF exams, which are essential for those who wish to start or pursue their studies in France. In 2018, we recorded 14 new schools that participated in the examination for the first time [seven private and seven public],” she told The Jordan Times on Tuesday, following a ceremony where Minister of Education Azmi Mahafzah and French Ambassador in Jordan David Bertolotti rewarded Jordan's best graduates of the 2018 DELF.

"I believe that, when one knows a language, he/she can appreciate a culture better, and, most importantly, explore its immense treasure of literature," said Amman Baccalaureate school student Tayeb Mohammedi, adding "we all know how renowned the great French writers and philosophers have influenced their country. By learning French, this is something I can only aspire to for my future."

An official diploma awarded by the French MoE to certify French language skills, the DELF is recognised worldwide and valid for life, according to the French MoE website, which noted that the diploma opens the doors of French universities, as well as institutions in French-speaking countries such as Canada, Belgium or Switzerland.

The awarding event, which was attended by ministry and embassy officials, as well as the teachers and families of the graduates at the French ambassador’s residence in Amman, aimed at honouring the “dedicated efforts” of the best students of Jordanian schools who passed the B1 and B2 DELF tests.

"I have always been keen on learning languages as I believe they are keys to our communication. Since the beginning, I found French easy, interesting and very useful," said Ghazal Al Atiyyat, from King Hussein II school in Salt, noting "today, many job opportunities require fluency in this language".

“I cannot stress enough the importance of mastering a foreign language nowadays, whatever it may be, as it allows for both greater openness and also opens up job prospects,” Bertolotti told the audience, adding “from this point of view, French, the official language of the United Nations, which is used in international organisations and NGOs alike, is a real professional asset.”

He pointed out that many institutions such as the French embassy, the IFJ, the French development agency, but also French-speaking embassies and international organisations, as well as French companies established in the Kingdom, were “often looking for Jordanians with excellent French”.

After distributing gifts to the 25 best laureates of this year, the minister and the ambassador announced granting a two-week language stay in France for the two best DELF candidates in 2018. 

One of the two recipients of this exchange, Al Atiyyat said: "For me, French is a way to explore even more my passion for France, its culture and civilisation. I cannot wait to travel there and explore this country to further discover its beauty."

The two officials congratulated teachers and school directors for their support of students and their involvement in teaching French, while Bertolotti commended minister Mahafzah and the “essential role played by the Ministry of Education for the vitality of French in Jordan”.