
French is the native language of some 250 million people worldwide. Outside France, it is spoken in Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, Algeria, Central Africa, Egypt, Laos, and many other counties. It is the second official language of the United Nations and is used as the official language of many international organizations including UNESCO and WHO. For those aiming to become active in international organizations or wanting to become involved in volunteer work in Africa or Asia, often it is a knowledge of French rather than English that is of greater benefit. In the Department of French Studies we aim to provide our students with an all-around competence in the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, while at the same time deepening their understanding of French literature, history, culture, and society. With France at the heart of a Europe that is expected to fulfill an increasingly important role both politically and economically on the world stage, the Department seeks to equip its students with the ability to express their own thoughts and ideas to the world community through an exploration of France from every perspective.

Faculty of Foreign Studies Chair of the Department of French Studies
Professor
Rinpei Mano