COMMENT ON THE EXPANSION OF THE SPECIFIC VOCABULARY NEEDED FOR THE TEACHING OF BUSINESS FRENCH

Abstract

In this article, we propose some learning paths that will enable readers to expand their vocabulary for teaching business French as a foreign language. Indeed, state-of-the-art communication techniques, digital sphere and scientific progress have led to the apparition of a whole new professional terminology used in business field consisting primarily of neologisms and anglicisms. In this study, we propose to categorize these new terms in order to decide on their integration in order of relevance and frequency of professional use in the program of teaching French as a foreign language. We will discuss some of the reasons for the adoption of this new terminology, especially anglicisms, in professional communication. In addition, we propose a preliminary study on the use of anglicisms by French-speaking businesses. Apart from quantitative results that show that anglicisms are nevertheless admitted by French-speaking professionals, which would trigger a larger study, this survey also allowed us to compile a list of neologisms and anglicisms that will serve us as a lexical basis for conducting larger-scale studies in the future. However, neologisms and anglicisms, despite their invasive character, face strong opposition of the French authorities who have implemented, at the legislative level, a whole set of devices Functional aspects of intercultural communication. Translation and interpreting issues. Proceedings. 2019. Volume 6 438 of protection and promotion of equivalent French terms, among them, we will quote such authorities as the French Academy and the Commission for the Enrichment of the French Language. We will argue on the possibility that anglicisms in business French are related to the phenomenon of metalanguage, due to the fact that they carry universally accepted meanings and connotations, regardless of the language of the context in which they are used. Nonetheless, despite the authorities’ attempts to oppose their employment, neologisms and anglicisms are prime targets of research in the teaching of business French in order to prepare students for the real-life business environment, because in the age of communication technologies, Internet and social networks, French business vocabulary is constantly undergoing an evolution of its lexicon in a context of globalization and marketing. The said evolution inexorably supplies the language of business professionals with the new terms, namely neologisms and anglicisms.