​By Suha Al Subaihi

Under the patronage of the President of the University of Jordan (UJ), Prof. Nathir Obeidat, the School of Foreign Languages celebrated the opening of the 2025 Francophonie Days. The event was attended by ambassadors and diplomats from several Francophone countries and was organized by the Department of French Language and Literature, with the participation of Yarmouk University and Al al-Bayt University.

The one-day event aimed to celebrate the French language, promote Francophone culture on campus, and provide an interactive platform for students to exchange knowledge and experiences—reflecting the university’s vision of embracing global cultures.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the university president, Vice President for Humanities Schools, Prof. Nahed Emaish, emphasized that celebrating Francophonie transcends language—it is a celebration of diversity and shared human values. She highlighted the global importance of the French language as a medium for culture and communication, a tool for development and professional growth, and a bridge for dialogue and intercultural understanding.

French Ambassador to Jordan, Alexis Le Cour Grandmaison, expressed his joy in being at "the mother university," praising the university’s dedication to promoting French language education, encouraging students to continue learning French.

Belgian Ambassador, Serge Dickschen, commended the university’s distinguished status as a leading center for French language education in Jordan, affirming the university’s well-established reputation and noted that Belgium’s linguistic diversity is a source of richness, not division, enriching its national identity.

Head of Diplomatic Affairs at Embassy of Switzerland, Edouard Jay, affirmed that Francophonie provides an important framework for promoting initiatives based on respect for diversity, global openness, and overcoming divisions.

Dean of the School, Prof. Marwan Al-Jarrah, stated: “Hosting this annual event reflects the university’s commitment to enriching the academic and cultural experience of its students.” He added that celebrating the French language and its speakers mirrors the cultural diversity embodied by this global language and opens new avenues for cooperation and knowledge exchange.

Head of the Department of French Language and Literature, Dr. Ashraf Allawama, said: “Today we are not just celebrating a language; we are celebrating culture, diversity, and openness to the world. It is a bridge between peoples and a tool for peace, dialogue, and cooperation.”

The program, coordinated by Dr. Amal Khalifa from the department, included an opening ceremony, a student video presentation titled "France in Our Eyes and Words," a diverse Francophone performance by students.

A specialized seminar on “Inclusive Education” was also held, featuring faculty members Dr. Amal Khalifa, Dr. Basel Al-Zaboon, Dr. Adnan Al-Samadi, Dr. Isabelle Bernard, and Ms. Najwa Junaid. The seminar discussed ways to enhance an inclusive educational environment and the challenges of integrating students into the French language major. The morning session concluded with a cultural quiz about Francophonie and the French language.

Activities continued with a variety of interactive workshops, including video games, social games, mural painting, and cultural exchange events—aimed at enhancing students’ language and communication skills in an engaging and interactive environment.