139: On Arabic in France with journalist Nabil Wakim

Did you know that Arabic is the second most spoken language in France? However, the way it is perceived and taught has led many Arabic speakers in France to either abandon the language or not pass it down to their children. It’s this particular experience that the journalist Nabil Wakim sought to investigate in his documentary for France 2, Mauvaise Langue. He joins the show to talk about the project, what has been done, or not done, politically to boost Arabic instruction and France’s relationship with the Arabic language.

Mentioned in this episode:

Nabil Wakim, Le Monde

L’Arabe pour Tous book

Mauvaise Langue documentary

Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, former minister of education under François Hollande

Audio production & editing: Matthew Jordan

⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠