Row over use of language in sector a moot point, study finds. In parliament, the press and the academy, France is bitterly divided over whether its universities should be allowed to teach courses in English. However, recent findings show that the use of the language is widespread in French higher education, suggesting that the intense debate has been overtaken by events. On 28 May, the French National Assembly passed a bill to reform higher education, paving the way for greater university autonomy and changes in governance. But it is Article 2 of the legislation, which concerns courses in foreign languages, that has provoked uproar among politicians and academics. Under current legislation known as the Toubon Law, all university courses must be taught in French, with exceptions for language and so-called “international” courses. The new legislation, which is set to be examined by the Senate this summer, does not scrap the Toubon Law but extends the exceptions. Under the provision, universities will be able to run courses in English if they have agreements with foreign institutions or are part of European higher education programmes. Read more...