Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), in partnership with the French embassy in China, hosted Language Teaching and Mutual Learning among Civilizations, an international seminar to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic ties, from Nov 22 to 23.

The event also celebrated the sixth International French Teachers’ Day with a series of thematic training activities.

Liu Xinlu, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university, addresses the opening ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

During the opening ceremony, Liu Xinlu, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university, underscored the critical role of language teaching in promoting cultural exchanges and mutual learning, which contribute to the progress of human civilization and global peace and development.

Over the past six decades, China-France relations have shaped the "China-France spirit" featuring independence, mutual understanding, foresight, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, while practical collaboration between the two countries has significantly advanced Sino-French people-to-people exchanges and the development of French education, Liu said.

He expressed optimism for an even stronger partnership in the future and the continued growth of French language teaching in China, particularly at BFSU, which has made remarkable progress in teaching, research and publication.

Myriam Pavageau, minister counselor of the French embassy in China, delivers a speech during the opening ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Myriam Pavageau, minister counselor of the French embassy in China, lauded China’s rapid progress in French language education. She noted the dramatic growth in the number of university French departments across the country — from about 30 in the early 2000s to nearly 170 today — attributing this success to the dedication of French educators.

Pavageau said that learning French not only involves mastering the language, but also opens doors to literature, philosophy, international organizations and global trade.

Cynthia Eid, president of the International Federation of French Teachers, delivers a video message to the seminar. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

The seminar also included a video address from Cynthia Eid, president of the International Federation of French Teachers, in which she highlighted the role of French teachers as messengers of language, culture and peace, safeguarding cultural diversity and fostering the value of unity.

French educators bridge cultural divides and inspire students to engage with the multicultural world, Eid said. She also encouraged French learners to push boundaries and jointly create a bright future.

Nicolas Maïnetti, director of the Francophone University Agency Asia-Pacific, speaks at the opening ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Nicolas Maïnetti, director of the Francophone University Agency Asia-Pacific, expressed confidence in the growing interactions between Chinese and French universities.

The seminar featured keynote speeches on mutual learning among civilizations delivered by prominent experts. Cao Deming, an official with China’s Ministry of Education and president of the Chinese Association of French Language Teaching, discussed the history and future prospects of French education in China. Christian Doumet, professor emeritus at Sorbonne University, explored portrayals of China in French literature, while Zhang Xiping, editor-in-chief of International Sinology, shared the contributions of Joachim Bouvet as an early envoy of Sino-French cultural exchanges.

It also included lectures on language teaching given by professors at Grenoble Alpes University and the University of Tours, as well as a demonstration class session, sparking engaging dialogues on curriculum design.

The seminar hosted four roundtable forums on linguistics, foreign language teaching methods, translation and literature, attracting around 140 French language educators from nearly 70 universities and institutions.