A
Francophile (or
Gallophile) is
a person who has a strong interest in
French culture.
This could include
France
itself and its history, the French language, French cuisine, literature, etc. The opposite of a
Francophile is a Francophobe (or
Gallophobe) -- someone who dislikes all that is
French.
Francophilia often arises in former French colonies where the élite spoke French and adopted many French
habits—although places where resentment against French customs is
often fresh in the mind of the population (such as Algeria
and Vietnam
) might
instead want to dispense with French culture. In some countries such
as Romania
, French
culture has also long been popular among the educated classes. Even in the United States
, the French language is still one of the main
foreign languages taught in school. French Canadians who have adapted French
culture could also be considered Francophiles.
Historically, Francophilia has been associated with supporters of
the
philosophy of
French Enlightenment during and after
the
French Revolution, where
democratic uprisings challenged the
autocratic countries of
Europe.
Francophilia in Belgium
Francophilia or Reattachment is a marginal current political
calling in some parts of Belgium.
Reattachment would mean the incorporation
of French speaking Belgium, Wallonia
(and
sometimes Brussels
; more rarely
of the entire Belgium.) into France.
This
movement started since the Belgian state
came into existence in 1830.
The
Manifesto for Walloon
culture of 1983, relaunched in 2003, and a series of
discussions witnessed a will of
emancipation.
Francophilia in Canada
With the inception of Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms and
the institution of French
immersion in its public school system
over 25 years ago, many Canadians of English heritage have
developed a greater appreciation for the French culture that is a
part of the Canadian identity. English and French are the two
official languages of Canada and two of its founding languages. The
Province of Quebec holds the greatest population of francophones in
Canada. Francophilia is a growing trend in Canada in its younger
generations believing that Canada must be more than just the sum of
its parts.
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