Updated: Francophones, unite! French-Language Week returns in March

Celebrated every year worldwide, the French-language Week (Semaine de la langue française et de la francophonie) aims to promote the French language and various French-speaking countries. In Malaysia, the week also seeks to provide moral support and encouragement to Malaysians speaking or studying the language, allowing them to practice the language and to preserve its cultural and linguistic diversity.

So take note, lovers of Gallic culture! This year, the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) and the Embassy of France in Malaysia will host the 15th French-Language Week in Malaysia, from 20 - 25 March 2010. 

It's open to the public -- and to all potential French speakers who want to put their language skills to the test! Here's a tentative list of all the stuff that's happening:

• Reggae-Dance Hall Concert  by King Lhota and Guests, featuring Senegalese artist King Lhota, with guest performers DJ Chris from France, Ira from Malaysia, and MC Vandal from Canada. (20 March, 11pm; at the Reggae Bar on Changkat Bukit Bintang - Free admission before 11pm; after 11pm admission is RM20 including one drink)
• Buffet de la Francophonie, with a buffet of dishes from different French-speaking countries. (21 March,11am – 2pm; Alliance Française)
• Guided tours in French at the National Museum - for students and scholars. (22 to 24 March, 9am - 12.30pm; Muzium Negara)
• Talk, in French, entitled “Trading in Malacca straits from the 10th to 15th Century”, and night tour of the museum (23 March, 7pm; Muzium Negara - open to all, free admission)
•  Short-film screenings. (24 March, 8pm; FINAS)
• Talks, in French: “Asian Cartography” and “Malay Pantuns in French Literature”. (25 March, 9.30am – 12.30pm; venue TBA)
• Grand closing of the 15th French-Language Week. (25 March, 7pm; Royale Chulan Hotel)

Sounds interesting, non? Admission is free, but you'll need to register for some of the programmes. Visit the French Embassy's website or call 03-2053 5533/03-2053 5564 for more information.

So bookmark that week for a fantastic French-filled time! Who knows, perhaps by the end of that week, you would probably be able to parlez en français with ease.