L'Académie française
L'Académie française, often known simply as "The French Academy," is the preeminent council for matters pertaining to the French language. Here are key details regarding its establishment, role, and significance:
History
- Foundation: L'Académie française was established in 1635 by Cardinal Richelieu, who was the Chief Minister to King Louis XIII of France. The intention was to create a body that would regulate and perfect the French language.
- First Meeting: The Academy held its first meeting in 1635, with its initial 40 members chosen from among the intellectual elite of Paris.
- Initial Purpose: Its primary aim was to maintain the purity of the French language, to establish rules for its proper usage, and to enrich it through literature and linguistic studies.
Role and Functions
- Dictionary: One of the most famous contributions of L'Académie française is the Dictionnaire de l'Académie française, first published in 1694. This dictionary has gone through several editions, with the latest being the ninth edition started in 1986, still in progress.
- Language Regulation: The Academy advises on language usage, including grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. It also comments on new words and expressions that emerge within the language.
- Honorary Members: The Academy elects its members, known as "Immortals," who serve for life. They are not only guardians of the language but also represent French literary and intellectual life.
Structure
- Membership: The Academy has 40 seats, known as "chairs." When a member dies or resigns, the seat is filled by election among the remaining members. Each member has an assigned seat number.
- Leadership: The Academy is presided over by a "Perpetual Secretary," who serves as the chief administrative officer.
- Meetings: The Academy meets weekly to discuss and deliberate on language issues.
Controversies and Criticisms
- Conservatism: Critics often point out that L'Académie française can be overly conservative, resisting changes and modernizations in the language.
- Gender Diversity: The Academy has faced criticism for its slow inclusion of women. The first woman was elected in 1980, and the number of women members remains relatively low.
Public Perception
While L'Académie française holds significant cultural prestige in France and among French-speaking communities worldwide, its influence on everyday language use is often debated. The Academy's role is more symbolic and advisory rather than regulatory, as language evolves naturally through usage.
Here are some external resources for further reading:
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