John Downing: Despite setbacks, French language watchdog keeps up the fight

The French and English languages have a lot more in common than many on both sides would be happy to admit. Photo: Getty

John Downing

What do the following people have in common? Beyoncé, Cate Blanchett, Canadian singer Mylene Farmer, Belgian actress Virginie Efira, Iranian Nobel peace laureate Narges Mohammadi, French actor Omar Sy, French soccer international Antoine Griezmann and French rugby star Antoine Dupont.

You’re right to guess they have all achieved varying degrees of fame, but to be specific, they’re now formally recognised as “celebrities” in France through inclusion in “new words” from dictionary publishers Larousse in their latest edition due out at the end of this month.