Language is Power: French Cultural Preservation & Political Influence in the EU
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Type
Submission
Keywords
Language, European Union, Cultural identity, International relations, France
Department
International Studies and Languages
Major
International Studies & French
Abstract
Language is more than merely a form of communication; it is a symbol of identity and political power. Within the European Union, the dominance of the English language has created a linguistic hierarchy which shapes political negotiation. This paper addresses how French cultural and linguistic preservation impacts its political and policy decisions within the EU. The question at the heart of this paper asks, in what ways does French language preservation influence both France’s domestic policies and political negotiations within the EU?
Existing research shows that national identity and culture influence policy preferences. Studies of EU multilingualism displays that language choice reflects a hierarchy of power among member states. However, there has been minimal research connecting French domestic language policy to France’s behavior within the EU.
This study analyzes French domestic legislation as well as France’s positions in the EU regarding debates on multilingualism, immigration, and cultural sovereignty. Through the use of qualitative analysis of policy documents and institutional records, this paper describes how linguistic nationalism and conservation becomes political strategy.
The findings of this research shows that French language preservation has become a strategic form of political influence. Through describing linguistic equity as an essential form of justice, France strategically reinforces its political leverage within the EU. This claims that cultural and linguistic identity are central aspects of European policymaking.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Rizkallah
Funding Source or Research Program
Academic Year Undergraduate Research Initiative
Location
Waves Cafeteria
Start Date
10-4-2026 1:00 PM
End Date
10-4-2026 2:00 PM
Language is Power: French Cultural Preservation & Political Influence in the EU
Waves Cafeteria
Language is more than merely a form of communication; it is a symbol of identity and political power. Within the European Union, the dominance of the English language has created a linguistic hierarchy which shapes political negotiation. This paper addresses how French cultural and linguistic preservation impacts its political and policy decisions within the EU. The question at the heart of this paper asks, in what ways does French language preservation influence both France’s domestic policies and political negotiations within the EU?
Existing research shows that national identity and culture influence policy preferences. Studies of EU multilingualism displays that language choice reflects a hierarchy of power among member states. However, there has been minimal research connecting French domestic language policy to France’s behavior within the EU.
This study analyzes French domestic legislation as well as France’s positions in the EU regarding debates on multilingualism, immigration, and cultural sovereignty. Through the use of qualitative analysis of policy documents and institutional records, this paper describes how linguistic nationalism and conservation becomes political strategy.
The findings of this research shows that French language preservation has become a strategic form of political influence. Through describing linguistic equity as an essential form of justice, France strategically reinforces its political leverage within the EU. This claims that cultural and linguistic identity are central aspects of European policymaking.