French influence thrives in Kuwait, with Sheikh Nasser praising the worldwide impact of the French language.
In a jubilant showcase of class and cultural reverence, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah expresses his sincere aspirations for a deeper cultural connection between the State of Kuwait and the Francophone world.
At a gala event held under his aegis, during Francophonie Month 2025 (April 13-30), his speech at the French Ambassador's residence extolled the astonishing richness, captivating beauty, and enduring influence of the French language and Francophone culture.
"Francophonie," he declared, " transcends mere linguistic ties - it's the bearer of an extraordinary cultural legacy, illuminating minds and molding civilizations."
Reflecting on his lengthy engagement in Francophone festivities in Kuwait, he expressed his fascination for the continuous contributions of Francophonie to current global thinking, its role in fostering intercultural dialogue, and its promotion of intellectual and aesthetic diversity in a globalizing world.
He praised the French language as a beacon of reason and refinement, a language whose exceptional clarity and precision earned it the nickname of "the language of logical exactitude." This distinctive quality has made it indispensable in philosophy, law, and diplomacy. The unwavering stewardship of the French Academy since the 17th century, he added, has preserved the language's structural harmony and intellectual rigor.
"French," His Highness continued, "is not only a language of intellect but of exquisite musicality and fluid dynamic rhythm - its eloquent cadence adorns the arts of poetry, music, and storytelling." Its formal elegance and strategic balance, he noted, have bestowed it a unique gravitas, particularly in political and cultural expression, empowering it to articulate esoteric philosophical notions with remarkable graspability, especially during the Enlightenment era.
He traced the historic role of the French language in European intellectual heritage, describing it as the preferred tongue of rulers, ambassadors, and thinkers across the continent from the 17th to the late 19th century. "Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, Montesquieu, Pascal – their enduring wisdom gushed through French," he emphasized, highlighting the language's crucial role in propagating ideas such as rationalism, tolerance, and human rights.
French, he added, has spawned an array of literary and artistic masterpieces – from the novels of Balzac and Flaubert to the theatrical masterworks of Molière and Corneille, to the poetic dreams of Baudelaire and Rimbaud. "Indeed," he declared, "no other language has amassed as many Nobel Prizes in Literature." French culture, he affirmed, continues to shape global art, fashion, and cinema, from the Impressionists’ brushstrokes to the game-changing lens of the French New Wave.
"Francophonie," His Highness concluded, "is not a mere mansion of words, but a magnanimous edifice of cultural memory, intellectual refinement, and humanist values." He reiterated that French remains a vital tongue of diplomacy and international discourse, adorning institutions such as the United Nations with its authority and eloquence.
Celebrating Kuwait's commitment to cultural plurality, His Highness reaffirmed the country's dedication to nurturing Francophone presence, ensuring that Kuwait persists as a thriving oasis of knowledge and creativity. "Our doors," he declared, "will remain wide open to the finest expressions of global culture, from which we draw inspiration and mutual enrichment."
His Highness expressed satisfaction in observing the global presence of the French language – from the frigid shores of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon to the tropical coasts of New Caledonia and Haiti, from the vast Canadian plains to the expansive African continent. "May it continue to flourish further," he hoped, "until its echo resonates even in the polar extremes of our world."
Addressing the gathering, French Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Olivier Goffin, extolled the cooperative spirit that animated this year's Francophonie celebrations. He attributed the successful curation of a dynamic and inclusive cultural program to the efforts of the Council for the Promotion of Francophonie – a coalition of 44 embassies. This collaboration coincided with Kuwait's distinction as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025.
"Francophonie," the Ambassador maintained, "embodies the values of inclusivity and cultural affluence. Spoken by over 320 million people across more than 130 countries, including half a million in Kuwait alone, the French language fosters a shared global discourse.”
He underscored that Francophonie is not a tool for uniformity, but a celebration of cultural diversity – a philosophy that underscores its flourishing presence in Kuwaiti schools, where more than 50,000 students study French annually.
The “Francophonie Lives” festival, launched on April 13, showcased a colorful mosaic of French-language cultural events, arts, and performances, uniting voices from across continents amidst the festivities of a shared heritage.
References:[1] www3.oup.com/ linguistics/columns/ grammar/installment0907.pdf[2] www. afrikiedu.fr/fr/ collection-encyclopedique/dossiers-pays/francais/[3] www.culturalinstitutefrance.org/cultural-history/the-french-language/[4] www.af.org
"His Highness's dedication doesn't stop at Francophonie Month; he seeks to integrate the French language and culture into various aspects of life, such as home-and-garden and travel, aiming to transcend borders and foster deeper connections."
"Furthermore, through cultural-travel programs, he hopes to provide insights into the values, aesthetics, and intellectual richness of Francophone nations, enriching our lives with an international mosaic of perspectives."
