French baccalaureate to penalize poor French proficiency as linguist calls for grammar reform

France's Minister of National Education, Gabriel Attal, has declared that baccalaureate exam copies failing to demonstrate a satisfactory command of French will not be awarded a passing grade. This announcement signals a stricter approach to language proficiency in the crucial end-of-high-school examination.

The move has sparked debate, with linguist Bernard Cerquiglini calling for a fundamental overhaul of French orthography and grammar. Cerquiglini argues that the current rules are riddled with absurdities, suggesting that a reform is long overdue to simplify and modernize the language's structure.

This discussion touches upon the deeply ingrained cultural significance of the French language. Cerquiglini metaphorically describes French as the "religion of our secular country, little practiced but venerated." This sentiment underscores the high regard in which the language is held, even as its practical application and teaching face challenges.

The tension lies between preserving the perceived purity and complexity of the French language and ensuring that students can master it sufficiently to pass their exams. Attal's directive suggests a prioritization of demonstrable proficiency, while Cerquiglini's call for reform points to potential issues within the language's very framework that may hinder students' success.