A recent study by Education First (EF) has highlighted France’s struggle with English proficiency, ranking it as the worst among EU member states. According to the annual report, France scored 52.69, placing it behind several European countries, including Germany (60.88) and Spain (57.18). This low ranking underscores a significant challenge for the French workforce in a continent where English proficiency is highly valued.
Factors Behind Poor Performance
The study attributes France’s poor performance to two main factors: cultural identity and education. French people often perceive English as a threat to their cultural identity, leading to resistance in embracing the language. Additionally, English is often considered a less important subject in the French education system, resulting in substandard teaching quality. This combination has kept France lagging behind its European neighbors.
Top-ranking countries:
- Denmark
- Sweden
- Finland
- Norway
Countries below France:
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Turkey
The need to protect cultural identity and the quality of English education are significant hurdles. In countries with low rankings, such as France, English is often seen as less critical, and the teaching quality reflects this attitude. This cultural resistance and educational inadequacy create a challenging environment for improving English proficiency.
Approach to Efficiency Improvement
EF emphasizes that while most of Europe is proficient in English or making steady progress, France’s trajectory is notably different. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort to change perceptions of English within French culture and to improve the quality of English education. Embracing a more open approach to learning English could help bridge the proficiency gap and align France more closely with its European counterparts.