Parlez-vous Français? French set for comeback in Mahe

Behind the new ‘French connection’ is the realisation of the people of Mahe that learning French language is a sure bet for better job prospects.

Earlier, French language was deeply rooted in the culture and tradition of this tiny nine-square-km town sandwiched between Kozhikode and Kannur districts.

After its merger with the Indian Union in 1954, the French influence started waning and the French language, spoken by 220 million people across the globe, had ceased to exist as a common language among the roughly 35,000 population of Mahe.

But now, many students are opting for French as the medium of learning attracted by the career prospects it offers..

During the last three years, the number of students who enrolled in the Ecole Centrale et Cours Complémentaire, Mahé(Government French Medium High School,Mahe)- one of the only four government-run French medium schools in India—has doubled, say school authorities. Even parents from Kerala are keen to enrol their children in the school.

“Three years back, we had roughly 40 students from first to tenth standards. However, now we have nearly 100,” said Headmaster Utham Raj.

“Proficiency in French gives the students a wide range of opportunities to get well-paid jobs in various fields, including administration, teaching and translation. Those who have passed out from here are working in French government service as well as in other French language- related areas across the globe,” he added.

“When those with higher degrees are finding it difficult to get a job, I think French medium will ensure a better future for my child,” opined Vadakara block panchayat standing committee chairperson Jasmina Kalleri, whose daughter is a 7thstandard student in the French medium school.

The elders in Mahe are also keen on French learning and enrol themselves with Alliance Française, an international organisation that aims to promote French language.