Why French?
21 years of Alliance Française in Macau.
Just as it is everywhere else, the year in Macau and Hong Kong is composed of 12 months. The difference being that here, one of them is actually reserved especially for the French culture. This month that we call “French May” has in fact a long history in the region. In 2008 this arts festival celebrates its 16th anniversary, and a long list of cultural activities make up the programme prepared for both Hong Kong and Macau audiences. From an exhibition of ancient Greek art of the Louvre Museum and a classical music concert to a contemporary experimental video art presentation, Macau is offered a series of carefully selected choices.
Indeed, France as a cultural brand name seems to carry an incomparable reputation for refined quality in all countries. And perhaps the most amazing thing is that France also has a presence everywhere. The best representation of this phenomenon must certainly be the world-wide network of the Alliance Française. In an interview with CLOSER, the present director of Macau’s Alliance Française, Matthieu Bernard, told us that the birth of the Macau A.F. dates to 21 years ago, in 1987, and that it was a “local initiative”. “The formation of the Alliance Française in Macau was not imposed by other places such as Paris, or anywhere else. It was indeed created by a group of local Francophone residents, including French, Chinese and Portuguese people. And its status as an association was registered right here in Macau. Thus, we can justifiably think that we were wanted here.”
Founded in 1881, the first Alliance Française was created by a group of French intellectuals overseas. Its mission at the time was very much linked with colonial expansionism. But Matthieu Bernard continues to explain that the Alliance Française also carries a reputation for adaptability. “It is because we knew how to evolve with the modern times. After the decline of most of the French colonies, surprisingly the Alliances Françaises were not expelled by the local people. So they stayed on and have adapted themselves to local concerns and needs. We provide language courses and cultural links with other places. Nowadays, our vocation is to offer cultural diversity wherever we are.” In this way the network of the Alliance Française has started to truly expand. Now it covers the world with 1,080 branches. Matthieu himself worked
in the Alliance Française of Medellín, in Colombia, and Santiago de Querétaro, in Mexico, for four years before arriving in Macau one year ago. “The network of the Alliance Française is its real strength. We offer exchanges everywhere, and the common agreement among different places is a guarantee of efficiency and quality.” The headquarters of the Alliance Française is located in Paris. A convention of agreement is signed with Paris whenever a branch of the Alliance Française is formed. “Of course we have to meet certain exigencies designated by Paris. These primarily stipulate the quality of our works and services. Regular visits are paid by an envoy from the headquarters. We have co-operations with other Alliances Françaises, and we also receive professional training. But we do not receive direct orders as to how to manage our local affairs, so that we can stay flexible locally.”
When asked about how the Alliance Française is received in Macau, Matthieu explained that that differed from Colombia and Mexico where he has worked: in Macau there is not an urgent
need for people to join the Alliance for professional reasons. “In Colombia and Mexico many people came because they need to work in France or in Québec. In Macau, people come to us simply because they are attracted by the French culture. They actually like to learn French, and it is very pleasant to work in these conditions. People are genuinely curious and are eager to have exchanges.” As for the reason why these people have chosen French over other cultures, Matthieu concluded, “It’s most probably because French culture highly values human rights and the acceptance of diversity. We love to travel. And then you know, as a national stereotype, the French are often laughed at, at worst. That is because we are simply funny people!”
* The Alliance Française of Macau is situated at the Travessa do Bom Jesus 4F Macau. For further information, visit www.alliancefrancaise.org.mo or call
+853 2896 5342.
