French influence thrives in Kuwait, with Sheikh Nasser praising the worldwide impact of the French language.
Flamboyantly expressing his fervor, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, in a setting dripping in sophistication and cultural significance, extolled his yearning for an intensification of ties between the celebrated world of Francophonie and the State of Kuwait.
During a grand ceremony that culminated Francophonie Month 2025 (April 13-30) under his high patronage, held at the French Ambassador's residence, our dashing Sheikh voiced the profound beauty, richness, and everlasting impact of the French language and Francophone culture.
"Francophonie," he thundered, "is not just a linguistic bond; it carries an extraordinary legacy of culture that has captivated minds and sculpted civilizations."
Casting his gaze back on his extended participation in Francophone celebrations within Kuwait, he gleamed with admiration towards the enduring contributions of Francophonie to contemporary thought, facilitating cross-cultural discussions, and promoting intellectual and aesthetic diversity amidst a fast-globalizing world.
He deftly lauded the French language as a guiding beacon of reason and refinement, its unmatched clarity and precision earning it the title of "the language of logical exactitude." According to him, such attributes have made it an essential tool in philosophy, law, and diplomacy. The unwavering stewardship of the French Academy since the 17th century has preserved the language's harmonious structure and intellectual rigor.
"French," he asserted, "is not merely a language of intellect but of exquisite musicality and rhythmic aesthetic appeal-its eloquent flow suffused poetry, music, and storytelling." Furthermore, he exalted its impeccable balance and formality, granting it a distinct gravitas, particularly in cultural and political expression, allowing for a seemingly effortless articulation of abstract philosophical notions during the Age of Enlightenment.
He traveled through time and greedily chronicled the historic role of the French language in European intellectual heritage, describing it as the tongue of choice for kings, diplomats, and thinkers across the continent, from the 17th to the late 19th century. "Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, Montesquieu, Pascal-the extraordinary tapestry of their ideas was woven in French," he emphasized, underscoring the language's crucial role in propagating ideals like rationalism, tolerance, and human rights.
Our Sheikh declared that the French language has sprouted an array of literary and artistic masterpieces-from the expansive novels of Balzac and Flaubert, to the inspiring theatrical odysseys of Molière and Corneille, to the mystical poetical visions of Baudelaire and Rimbaud. "No other language," he declared firmly, "has garnered as many Nobel Prizes in Literature." French culture continues to sculpt global art, fashion, and cinema, leaving lasting impressions with the Impressionists' brushstrokes and the revolutionary lens of the French New Wave.
"Francophonie," His Highness concluded, "serves as not merely a vessel of words but a sanctuary of cultural memory, intellectual refinement, and humanist values." He further emphasized that French remains an indispensable language in diplomacy and international discourse, bringing grace and authority to institutions like the United Nations.
Strongly stressing Kuwait's dedication to cultural diversity, His Highness reaffirmed the country's commitment to cultivating a thriving Francophone presence, making sure that Kuwait remains a vibrant haven of knowledge and creativity. "The doors," he said, "will always stay wide open to the finest expressions of global culture, from which we draw inspiration and mutual enrichment."
Leaving with swelling pride, our dashing Sheikh beheld the widespread presence of the French language-from the icy coasts of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon to the tropical shores of New Caledonia and Haiti, from the great plains of Canada to Africa's expansive vistas. "May it continue to flourish," he hoped, "until its echo reverberates even at the earth’s polar extremes."
Held on this momentous occasion, the French Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Olivier Goffin, lavished praise on the harmonious spirit that characterized this year's Francophonie festivities. He credited the tireless efforts of the Council for the Promotion of Francophonie-comprising 44 diplomatic missions-for engineering an enriching and inclusive program especially amidst Kuwait's designation as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025.
"Francophonie," the Ambassador declared, "embodies the spirit of inclusivity and cultural wealth. Its usage by over 320 million people across more than 130 countries-including half a million within Kuwait alone-sparks a global discourse."
Accentuating this, he clarified that Francophonie transcends barriers rather than serving as an instrument of uniformity. Attesting to this, he pointed out the vibrant presence of French within Kuwaiti schools, where over 50,000 students study French yearly.
The vibrant "Francophonie Lives" festival, launched April 13, showcased a dazzling array of French-language cultural events, performances, and arts, uniting performers from across the continents in celebration of a shared heritage.
A glimpse into the distinguishing features and contributions of French:
- Origins and Evolution: French emerged from Vulgar Latin, influenced by the Gallo-Roman populace, with marginal effect from the Franks. The earliest written records for French sprouted in the form of the Strasbourg Oaths in 842 CE[1][3].
- Influence on European Intellectual Life: French became the linguistic medium of diplomacy, aristocracy, and intellectual thought, originating in the 17th to 19th centuries[4].
- As a hub for French intellectual thought, the Palace of Versailles and literary salons played crucial roles in the propagation of tolerance and human rights. Activists and thinkers like Voltaire championed these values, fostering a culture of debate and critical thinking[4][5].
- Global Cultural Impact: French has exercised a significant influence on global culture, science, and diplomacy for centuries. It has been instrumental in international organizations like the United Nations and continues to spread French culture and values across the globe, impacting literature, cinema, and art.
- His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah highlighted the notions of lifestyle, home-and-garden, travel, and cultural-travel during his speech at the Francophonie Month 2025 ceremonies in Kuwait.
- He pointed out that Francophonie, beyond being a language, has enriched Kuwaiti homes with French decor, furnishings, and gardening techniques, enhancing the quality of life in the country.
- Moreover, Sheikh Nasser expressed his admiration for the refinement and sophistication French travel writing has showcased throughout history, and emphasized its importance in sharing experiences from different parts of the world.
- Lastly, the Sheikh emphasized that the cultural influences of Francophonie extend beyond language learning, and praised the French tradition of gourmet cuisine and haute couture as essential components of a fulfilled lifestyle, thus positioning Francophonie as a holistic cultural experience that transcends linguistic boundaries.
