The month of March brings with it the semaine de la francophonie, a time when events are held worldwide to celebrate the French language.
The University of Malta participates yearly in these celebrations through its entities involved in the teaching and promotion of the French language.
This year was no exception - despite the limitations on interaction imposed by the current pandemic. On Tuesday 23 March, a debate on the topic of the COVID-19 pandemic, organised by from the Faculty of Education and Dr Marilyn Mallia from the Faculty of Arts, was held via Zoom.
Prof. Doreen Spiteri, Head of the Department of Languages and Humanities in Education, and Prof. Thierry Tremblay, Head of the Department of French at the Faculty of Arts, delivered a short speech prior to the debate which involved twelve students from both faculties.
Monsieur Sébastien Lanoye, Conseiller de Coopération et d’Action Culturelle at the Embassy of France, also participated in the event and the Embassy rewarded participants with a book prize.
The debate gave University students of French the opportunity to verbally interact on a social and health issue from a number of perspectives and the students gave proof of their engagement in this initiative and of their commitment to the French language.
Ms Nathalie Cousin, second year MTL French student, gave a brilliant performance as moderator of the debate. It is the lecturers’ intention to organize similar events that allow students to voice and justify their opinions while verbally practising their target language and building confidence and experience in their communicative skills.
