Disu Dang
This year might be the best time for students to pick up French as a foreign language.
From 2025, students taking Category C - Other Languages - subjects under the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education examination system will sit stipulated official language exams instead of the Cambridge Assessment International Education Advanced Subsidiary level.
For students taking French as a Category C subject for the HKDSE, this means they will now take the Diplome d'Etudes de Langue Francaise or the Diplome Approfondi de Langue Francaise exam, administered by Alliance Francaise de Hong Kong.
Candidates will now need to complete at least the DELF A2 exam within the two years preceding their HKDSE, with exams held twice a year in March or April and November.
The DELF exam, created in 1985, is the official French-language qualification for non-native speakers. It is recognized internationally and follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
The exam tests four core language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking, and evaluates candidates at different levels based on their proficiency, from A1, or beginner, to C2, or proficient.
"The DELF exam is internationally recognized," said Adrien Lefevre, director of studies at AFHK. "These diplomas [DELF and DALF] assess not only linguistic skills but also cultural aspects, making them an asset for individuals wishing to work or study in a French-speaking environment," Lefevre said.
Lefevre believes this change could encourage more students to take up French and lead to more schools offering it as a language subject.
"DELF is a diploma that opens many doors," he said. "Depending on the level achieved, the DELF can facilitate acceptance to universities in France, Europe or French-speaking countries."
To meet demand, Alliance Francaise offers structured French courses, catering to different age groups from preschoolers to adults. The organization also provides DELF preparation workshops, which include practice exams and personalized coaching.
According to the French consulate's estimates, more than 25,000 French citizens currently reside in Hong Kong.
French has long been one of the most popular foreign languages in Hong Kong, with increasing popularity among young learners, according to Lefevre.
"French is particularly increasingly popular among kids and teenage students in Hong Kong," Lefevre said. "We also see an increasing demand from mainland students who work or study in Hong Kong."
He noted that fluency in French offers professional advantages, especially in an international business and cultural hub like Hong Kong.
There are also more than 300 million French-speaking people in the world.
"As there are a great number of French-speaking companies in Hong Kong speaking French, in addition to English, is definitely an asset."
Beyond language learning, Lefevre noted that students have also shown enthusiasm for French cultural events.
One such event was last month's Francophonie, an international festival co-organized by AFHK that highlighted the diversity of the French-speaking world.
With the theme of "Francophonie avec Elles" - or Francophonie with Women - the program featured approximately 30 events, including music shows, conferences, film screenings, contests, and French theater performances.
"Every March, we organize major events with our Francophone partners, consulates, and associations to raise awareness of what Francophonie is and the values it represents," Lefevre said.
"We believe that these events have provided our students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a French cultural experience."
