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During the 8th century, Emperor Charlemagne, often called the father of Europe, proclaimed that learning another language gives you a second soul. Exploring a new language offers the remarkable ability to think and articulate yourself differently. This skill becomes particularly thrilling when connecting with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences.
French is spoken by over 250 million people across more than 50 nations and holds official status in 29 countries. It remains a prominent language in cultural, diplomatic, and economic spheres. The Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (founded in 1970 and commonly known as La Francophonie) unites 57 member states spanning four continents. Mastering French opens doors to much of the world.
You might pursue French language and cultural studies to reconnect with your heritage or explore France's profound cultural influence in Europe and beyond. Maybe you're planning travels through French-speaking regions in Europe, Africa, North America, or Asia and wish to enhance your language proficiency. Alternatively, you could be considering a career in diplomacy or international business involving multinational corporations. Whatever your motivation, majoring in French at the University of Oregon's Department of Romance Languages will broaden your understanding and perspectives.
The Department of Romance Languages is a vibrant, multicultural community featuring world-class faculty from across the globe. As a major or minor, you'll develop deep linguistic and cultural knowledge while enjoying exceptional opportunities for intellectual development. You can also participate in numerous extracurricular activities, including guest lectures, film festivals, language conversation circles, study abroad options, and internships.