Calls are being made for more French-speaking events for young people in Jersey, amid concerns that a decline in fluency among States Members could threaten the island’s long-standing links with the Francophone world.
A report from the Jersey branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF) highlighted both the importance of French to the island’s political and cultural identity, and the risks posed by a potential drop in language skills within the Assembly.
While the report praised Jersey’s active role in the international organisation, it warns that “the number of States Members who are able to speak French may diminish in number”, which could make it harder for the island to participate fully in wider APF activities.
In the most extreme scenario, the report noted, this could “lead to questions about the Assembly’s membership of the organisation”, although the committee stressed it did not believe that outcome was inevitable.
The report also placed a strong emphasis on engaging the next generation of French speakers. It recommended the creation of new local opportunities for young islanders to use French, suggesting events such as youth debates to complement existing initiatives.
Jersey currently sends two delegates every two years to the Parlement Francophone des Jeunes, a youth parliament held alongside the APF’s annual gathering. But the report pointed out that this limited participation leaves many young people without access to similar experiences.
“Alternative opportunities could be arranged in the island to support the APF’s objectives that would allow for more young people to take part and benefit,” it said.
The recommendation reflects a broader concern that, without increased engagement at a grassroots level, French risks becoming less embedded in public life.
French remains an official language of the States Assembly, with Members entitled to use it during proceedings. However, participation in APF events requires “a good standard of spoken French”, which may be a barrier for some politicians.
Efforts have been made to support Members, including access to lessons through Alliance Française, but the report suggests more may need to be done to ensure language skills are maintained across the Assembly.
The document also highlighted the island’s historical and cultural ties to the French language, which underpin Jersey’s membership of the APF and its role within the organisation since the 1970s.
Alongside its warnings, the report celebrates achievements during the 2022–2026 term, including hosting a major European conference in 2025 and renewing participation in youth programmes.
The committee is now urging the next Assembly to consider how best to “bring maximum benefit” from its APF membership.